The holiday season is a beautiful opportunity to spread kindness and generosity.

In fact, amid the holiday season, nestled between the consumer rushes of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, lie the National Day of Giving, which happens to be today! November 28th, 2023, also known as #GivingTuesday is a day dedicated to celebrating benevolence nationwide. National Day of Giving was conceptualized in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation. The idea was simple yet profound: to set aside a day to encourage people to do good. Taking place on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the United States, #GivingTuesday harnesses the power of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities. 

This entire time of the year can encourage charitable actions though, not just today. The holiday season is a celebration of joy, love, and reflection of the year. Amidst the festivities, it’s also a period to consider the less fortunate and explore ways we can contribute to the greater good. Giving during the holidays not only enriches the lives of recipients but also inspires year-round giving and warms the heart and soul of the giver. Here are some heartfelt ways you can make a difference this holiday season!

Visit your local shelters and food banks to offer a helping hand and assist in preparing and serving meals to those in need. Spend time interacting and spreading holiday cheer among the community members. You can also visit hospitals, foster care centers, and senior centers and dedicate a few hours to spending quality time with residents there. Engage in conversation, read stories, or simply listen to the experiences of the elderly or those in recovery. Bring your children or involve them in selecting toys to donate or volunteer activities to instill the value of giving. Don’t forget about the animals! Donate food, toys, or your time to local animal shelters, or consider fostering a pet during the holidays to give them a temporary loving home.

Speaking of donations, you can always go that route too. Donate new toys to drives and charities to bring a smile to a child’s face. Give educational toys and books to support learning and development. Clothing donations or books are great too! Collect and donate gently used coats, scarves, gloves, and blankets to keep someone warm. Share the gift of reading by donating books to libraries, schools, or literacy programs. Include a mix of fiction and non-fiction to cater to diverse interests and age groups. 

Monetary donations are just as appreciated. You can donate to reputable charities that resonate with your values but remember to research organizations that directly impact the community and transparently use funds. Contributing to scholarship funds to help provide education for those who cannot afford it is also a wonderful way to give back to students. You can even host your own virtual or in-person fundraising event to support a cause. Use your online presence to advocate for causes and encourage others to give back by sharing stories of how giving has positively impacted communities.

Handmade gifts are great as well. Create handmade crafts or baked goods and distribute them to neighbors, especially those who may be alone during the holidays. Offer these tokens of appreciation to local service workers and first responders. You can also give eco-friendly and sustainable gifts to promote environmental consciousness. Research and support local artisans and small businesses that practice sustainability for your holiday shopping this year.

 Last but not least, NEVER underestimate the power of small gestures: A kind word to a neighbor, a small donation to a local food drive, or sharing resources with someone in need. None of us know what mental, physical, or emotional burdens any other person is carrying; even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in another’s day. Royal Restrooms of California loves an opportunity to give back and provide support to fundraisers, charities, marathons, and more in locations all over the California coast! You can email california@royalrestroomsca.com or call 1-877-922-9980 for more information on how we can help provide services for your next holiday pledge drive or charity event and a member of our reservation team will respond Monday-Friday between the hours of 9 am to 4 pm. Let’s make the holiday season a time for sharing love and compassion with everyone in our community. By integrating just one or a few of the suggestions above into your holiday plans, you can positively impact someone’s life–especially your own! Every act of giving counts, no matter how small.