The winter season is an exciting time for many, with holiday celebrations, being reunited with family, and taking a well-deserved break. This time of year is often something many families look forward to well in advance. Although Thanksgiving has already passed, it is always a good time to do some reflection on what you are thankful for. In particular, one thing that we all have to be thankful for is the opportunity and privilege we have to go to an amazing school. Additionally, with privilege like this comes the opportunity to give back to our community. Without further ado, here are 10 things you can do to give back this winter!

• • 1. Donate your unused warm clothing

Do you have old winter clothes that don’t fit you anymore? Jackets, scarves, hats, gloves, blankets, and other warm clothing are in high demand this time of year.

• • 2. Make holiday cards for children in hospitals

Whether handmade or purchased, it’s easy to brighten a child’s day by sending them a card they’ll love. Holiday cards with words of encouragement let children know that people are thinking of them and are hoping they’ll get better.

• • 3. Donate toys to Toys for Tots

Every child deserves a gift this holiday season, and Toys for Tots strives to make that possible. You can donate money online with a credit card (which then goes toward toys for, well, tots), or you can donate a toy at one of the countless toy drop locations around the country.

• • 4. Volunteer and serve meals at a nearby soup kitchen

Volunteering during the holiday season is a great activity for the family, and many local soup kitchens accept volunteers who can help prep and serve meals. Set aside a day for the whole family to go and consider making it a holiday tradition for years to come.

• • 5. Bake homemade dog and cat treats to take to local animal shelters

If you have some spare time this holiday season, get together with your family and bake some homemade dog and cat treats to take to local animal shelters. It’s a fun and easy way to give back to the community.

• • 6. Run a local 5K or 10K that is being hosted for a good cause

Starting with the ubiquitous Turkey Trot, the holiday season is packed with tons of 5K races that are raising money for charities of all kinds. Strap on your running shoes and raise some cash while working on your fitness.

• • 7. “Adopt” a kid or a family

If you didn’t get the opportunity to participate in Cary Academy’s angel tree, there are still lots of opportunities including with the salvation army or with different organizations to “adopt” a kid or family this winter season. In this case, adoption means that you will provide clothes or essentials for this person and help the whole family out.

• • 8. Write thank you letters to essential workers

As most of us take time off it’s important to recognize that essential workers such as nurses and doctors often don’t have the same luxury. They work tirelessly year-round to keep us safe and healthy. Writing a thank you letter to these workers is a quick and easy way to brighten their day and make them feel appreciated for the work they do.

• • 9. Volunteer to play music or read to senior citizens at nursing homes

The holiday and winter season are times where spreading joy and community are especially important. Taking time out of your day to spend with senior citizens in nursing homes is a guaranteed way to make their day a little brighter. Whether you play an instrument, read to them, or even just sit and talk with them, this is one way to spread love and joy this winter season.

• • 10. Buy something on the Seattle Children’s Hospital Amazon wish list

Finally, The Seattle Children’s Hospital has partnered with Amazon to create a wish list for their young patients. There is everything on the list from toys to hygiene products. Waking up in a hospital on Christmas is never easy for any child, but your gift could help improve their day and give them the hope and comfort they need for the holidays.