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This time of year, I’m of two minds: One in full-throttle holiday mode — shopping, planning, chasing delight — and one that knows I need to slow down and remember the families who are struggling. Some of our neighbors don’t have enough money to eat, let alone deck the halls.
If you’re wondering how to fit giving back to the community into an already packed season (and a tight budget), here’s a list of six small-but-mighty micro-actions your family can take. Each takes about 10 minutes and costs as little as $5. And if you’re feeling it, I’ve included simple ways to level up your donations and efforts. All of it adds up.
Clear out the warm stuff
Grab the kids and go closet to closet, filling a bag with outgrown coats, hats, mittens and boots to drop at a local shelter.
Level up: Ask a few friends to do the same and collect their bags at the next practice, meeting or playdate.
Start a car donation box
Toss unopened pantry extras straight into a box in your trunk and drop it at a food bank when it’s full.
Level up: Buy one extra item for your box each grocery run (you can find a list of good items to donation, and what to avoid, here) or toss in a $5 grocery gift card.
Do a pre-holiday toy pull
Have each family member (grown-ups included!) choose one toy to donate before new gifts arrive.
Level up: Let kids pick out a new toy while holiday shopping and drop it at Toys for Tots (you can find a location near you here).
Sponsor a holiday meal
Sign up to sponsor a holiday meal online. Every dollar translates directly into meals; $10 can buy 30 meals at many food banks. These organizations allow you to donate directly — any amount, one-time or recurring.
- Feeding America
- World Central Kitchen
- Meals on Wheels
- Greater Seattle food banks such as Northwest Harvest, Food Lifeline or your city’s food pantry
Level up: Set a small recurring donation; $5 a month adds up to roughly 180 meals a year.
Donate frequent-flier miles
Even the minimum number of miles still helps with medical and emergency travel programs. Every major airline has a “charity miles” or “donate miles” page; the process is similar for each:
- Log in to your frequent-flyer account.
- Find the “donate miles” page. It’s usually under “loyalty,” “rewards,” “benefits” or “use miles.” If you search your preferred airline, plus “donate miles,” it will likely pop right up.
- Choose a partner charity from your airline’s approved list, such as Make-A-Wish, Red Cross and World Central Kitchen.
Bake a double batch
When you’re making holiday treats, bake a little extra and leave some for a neighbor who lives alone. Have the kids include a handwritten note for an added spark of joy.
Small gestures won’t fix everything but they matter, and they help our kids live the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
Editor’s note: This article was first published in 2025 and was updated on Oct. 19, 2026 by ParentMap’s content editor, Kari Hanson. New resources were add, and all other information received a fact-check.
