It's no secret that the holiday season can break the bank. From gifts for the whole family - immediate and extended - to multi-day feasts, one's wallet will need a rest once January arrives.

But giving meaningful gifts doesn't have to mean spending your savings, which can bring unwelcome anxiety to a joyful season. Showing someone that you genuinely care about them can be done through a simple action that illustrates that you also care for the community—volunteerism in honor of a loved one.

This December, we encourage you to consider gifts in a new light by spending time with an organization and cause that family members, partners, or friends cherish. Here are some local organizations offering volunteer opportunities this winter and beyond.

  • Girls on the Run: "Girls on the Run® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams."
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area: "Since 1949, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area (BBBSNCA) has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the Washington region's largest donor and volunteer-supported mentoring network, BBBSNCA makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles") ages 7 – 18 years old in communities across the National Capital Area. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people." https://bbbsnca.org/
  • Capital Area Food Bank: "The Capital Area Food Bank leads our region's efforts to provide equitable access to food and opportunity to people struggling with hunger and food insecurity. Each year, we source and distribute the food for more than 60 million meals." https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/
  • Words, Beats & Life (WBL): "Words, Beats & Life (WBL), is DC's longest running, dopest Hip-Hop based arts educational nonprofit. We are here to break down those barriers that keep our cities' outstanding young creatives from taking full advantage of the opportunities that come along with living in the Nation's Capital." https://wblinc.org/

Below are suggestions for turning volunteerism into a gift

  • Make a card and note that your present is community service. Print out pictures of your activity and hold up signs showcasing your loved one's name with a special message.
  • Plan a day with a loved one that centers around volunteerism. Give back in the morning and brunch in the afternoon!
  • Clean out your space and donate to Goodwill. Then, go to Goodwill to buy unique, sustainable secondhand gifts. Both purchases and donations help fund our nonprofit's local mission!

As the holiday season approaches, it's essential to remember that there's nothing more priceless and impactful than giving the gift of time to those in need throughout the community. Presents don't always require an actual purchase but require thoughtfulness, care, and love.