How Your Family Can Help Others During the Holidays

Most families have several options for ways to enjoy the holidays. They can travel and spend time with family and friends. They may decide to stay at home, prepare a great meal and invite others to share the time together. Some parents shop for long hours for their child’s favorite toy or game, they wait in long lines, and spend countless hours online. They wear fun holiday clothes, attend parties, and watch the beautiful lights that adorn many neighborhoods and streets. When it’s time to eat, most families enjoy the meal they have chosen with the people they love. For some families, personal challenges create a different story and great opportunities for more fortunate families to offer assistance.

Many people find themselves in difficult places during the holidays. They may have experienced challenges during the year, or find themselves unable to provide and meet holiday desires and expectations. Some are alone and need to see smiling faces to get through the holidays. Others are missing loved ones or have encountered financial or physical obstacles. This creates an excellent opportunity for your family to extend joy and gladness to others who are not as fortunate.

Here are some ways your family can help others during the holidays:

· Think about someone you know who has lost their job and may be on a strict budget. Invite them to join you for dinner and fun.

· If you know an elderly person, consider visiting them and taking food or a gift.

· If you know anyone in the hospital you can visit with them and bring a gift to cheer them up.

· When you purchase food for your meals, buy extra food and donate it to a food pantry.

· Check with your local non-profit or church and see if they have a list of people in need.

· Adopt a family with an infant, toddler, or preschool child and purchase toys and gifts for the children.

· Give a gift to someone who would least expect it.

· If your child has a friend who seems to need help, contact the school and ask the staff to talk to the parents and see if you can assist them during the holidays.

· Bake cookies and pass them out to a small group.

· If you have any gently used winter clothes (or you can purchase new items) find a shelter to donate the items.

· Look for volunteer opportunities to feed the homeless along with an organization.

· Purchase blankets and donate them to a shelter.

There are many additional ways you can help others during the holidays. People in your close circles may never ask for help, but would welcome a kind offer of assistance during the holidays. If your child attends daycare, childcare, or preschool, the staff should know the parents and be able to assist you with finding families that need assistance. At Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies, the teachers and staff are committed to know each child personally. Parents are also able to connect with the preschool, teachers, and staff through daily reports, secure online viewing, and special events. If you have questions about the many ways they meet the needs of infants, toddlers, and preschool children feel free to contact the Kids ‘R’ Kids staff.

About Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies®

Headquartered in the North Atlanta suburb of Duluth, GA, Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies® provide secure, nurturing, and educational environment for children ages 6 weeks - 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. With over 160 locations in 15 states, Kids ‘R’ Kids International® is a family owned and operated organization that ranks in the top 10 nationwide for franchised early childhood education centers. Find a location near you.