There’s no doubt that helping those in need is the best way to give during the holidays.
In fact, it’s the best way to give any time of year.
We promise it will fill your heart with joy to fill someone’s belly with a meal they wouldn’t otherwise have access to, or a gift they weren’t expecting to receive.
So here are some meaningful ways to give back to the homeless community this holiday season.
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
If you’re unaware of where to begin, here are some of the most reputable organizations helping those in need in Toronto: North York Harvest, Second Harvest, Yonge Street Mission, Salvation Army, Good Shepherd, Fort York Food Bank, Daily Bread Food Bank, Youth Without Shelter, The Stop, and Covenant House all need volunteers in various capacities during the holidays and throughout the year.
HOLD A FOOD DRIVE / DONATE FOOD
There are a variety of food drives that happen all over the city. The shelters listed above all accept food donations, and of course – if you have time to help cook and serve at the shelter – even better. To make a large impact, consider motivating your neighbours to join in by organizing a food drive. Advertise in your community and take a day to accept donations. If you need more information, Daily Bread created a guide of six steps to running a food drive.
HOLD A TOY DRIVE / DONATE TOYS
The thought of a child waking up on Christmas morning without a present is pretty much heartbreaking as it gets, yet so many of Toronto’s children face this year after year. You can help prevent this by either donating toys to one of the charities listed above – or by going even further by holding a toy drive in your neighbourhood. Young Street Mission made a Wish List of the most needed items you can donate this year.
GIVE YOUR CHANGE
This is an obvious one, and one we’re faced with many times a day all year long. Of course, you’d have to be quite well off to give to everyone that asks throughout the day – but it’s very easy to keep your change out after visiting the corner store or grabbing some food, and giving it to the next person in need you come across.
LISTEN TO THEM
Too often we get in the rush mode that is custom to Toronto life. We walk past these people without giving them the time of day. There’s nothing worse than feeling invisible, and far too often, that’s exactly how the homeless are made to feel. Even if you don’t have any items or money to give – just stopping to acknowledge them when they say something or giving a smile and being kind, can make someone’s day. It’s basic respect to be heard, and we as a city need to get better at giving it every day, all year long.
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