As parents, we know the holidays are an amazing time of year to spend with loved ones, sharing delicious food and thoughtful gifts. But how do we teach our kids that there is a deeper meaning to the holiday season? Creating a plan to donate, volunteer, or make something for others is a great way to build empathy in our children. We have gathered a few options to consider when looking for ways to give back in the Calgary area over the holidays.
Food Hampers and Clothing Drives
Reverse Advent Calendar
Starting around November 25, put essential or comfort items in a box every day leading up to Christmas. For more information visit: reverseadvent.ca.
Women in Need Society
Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every dollar spent at WINS thrift stores contributes to real, measurable change for women and families in Calgary. Visit their website to learn more: winsyyc.ca.
Pets in Need
Gather unopened animal food and treats and donate it to the Calgary Humane Society. Check out their website to learn how to give back: calgaryhumane.ca/ways-to-give.
Chestermere Christmas Hamper Program
The Chestermere Regional Food Bank provides Christmas hampers to over 70 families each year. For more information on how to register or donate visit: chestermerefoodbank.ca/christmas-hamper.
Calgary Food Bank
The Calgary Food Bank is especially in need over the holidays. Check out their website for a wish list of most needed items this year: calgaryfoodbank.com.
Toy Drives
Women’s Centre of Calgary
Donate new unwrapped gifts for children between the ages of nine to 12 years, gift cards for teens, and gift baskets or pajamas for women. Visit womenscentrecalgary.org.
Bury the Motorcycle
Destination Cycles in Airdrie hosts an annual "Bury the Ural" Toy Drive with the goal to completely cover a Ural motorcycle in donated toys. All donations go to the Alberta Children’s Hospital. To learn more, check out their Facebook page facebook.com/destinationcycles.
Calgary Firefighters Toy Association
The Calgary Firefighters Toy Association accepts donations of toys for their annual Children’s Christmas Party. For more information on how to get involved visit cfdtoyassoc.org.
Stock the Cottage
The Children’s Cottage Society believes asking for help is a sign of strength. For a wish list of items and how to donate visit childrenscottage.ab.ca.
Stuff-A-Bus
Bring a new, unwrapped gift, non-perishable food items, or a cash donation and get a family photo in Santa's Workshop as a thank-you! For more info visit cochraneevents.ca.
Adopting a Family/Senior
Holiday Box Program for Youth
The Youth Centers of Calgary distribute about 150 boxes to families in need. For more information visit youthcentresofcalgary.com.
Cerebral Palsy Kids and Families
Adopt a CP family and directly benefit children affected by physical disabilities. For more information on how to get involved visit their website: calgarycp.org/adopt-a-family.
Adopt-a-Momma
Support families going through trying times who don’t have the means to provide a special holiday. For more information visit the Made By Momma website: madebymomma.org/Christmas.
Cochrane Elves for Seniors
Every year, hundreds of gifts are needed for “Grannies” and “Papas” in the Cochrane area. For more information visit their Facebook page: Cochrane Elves for Seniors.
Seniors Secret Service
The Christmas Cheer program connects over 6,000 isolated seniors with Secret Santas. For more information visit: seniorssecretservice.com/christmas-cheer.
Volunteering Opportunities
The Magic of Christmas
Kids can volunteer as "Donation Box Elves" by helping parents pick up donation boxes around the city. For more information on how to get involved check out themagicofchristmas.org.
Bakeaholics
Made By Momma is always on the lookout for anyone with extra baking to share. For more information check out madebymomma.org/volunteering.
Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids
Children eight years old and up are welcome to volunteer with bagging lunches when accompanied by an adult. For more information visit bb4ck.org/group-volunteeringbb4ck.org/group-volunteering.
Stephen’s Backpacks
Volunteer by gathering and donating items, making up new backpacks to donate, or assembling and supervising at the warehouse. Visit their website to learn more stephensbackpacks.com/get-involved.
Kits for a Cause
Kits for a Cause was designed specifically to accommodate groups of five to 5,000 people, including friends, family, or colleagues. Visit their website to learn more growwithtrellis.ca/volunteering.
Christmas Hamper Deliveries
Every year, the Veterans Food Association Bank needs volunteers to support them with food hamper deliveries. Contact them via their website to find out how you can help veteransassociation.ca.
Other Ways for Kids to Help Out
Create a Giving Jar
Have your kids decorate a jar that everyone in the family adds loose change or a portion of earnings to. Then, decide as a family how the money will be donated.
Cards for Seniors
Make holiday cards and take them to a care home close by. Witnessing the impact this will have on the people receiving the cards can leave a lasting impression.
Holiday Baking
Do some holiday baking with your kids and have them package it up to give away to neighbors, friends, or local food shelves.
Neighborhood Secret Santa
Surprise one family in your neighborhood by being their Secret Santa. You can decide what to add to the gift, then drop it on their porch and sign the gift from their Secret Santa.
Genevieve is a mom of two, works in marketing, and writes in her (very minimal) free time. Follow her funny mom alter-ego on Instagram @cryitoutmom.
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