The last & first few months of the year are filled with cozy family gatherings and celebrations. However, not everyone has a warm place to reside or family to spend time with. There are plenty of ways to spread cheer to people in your area that are in need. From donating to local food shelters to volunteering at a toy drive, you can help people from all age groups.

A great way to spread awareness is by getting family and friends involved. Setting an assigned day to get together with friends and family to volunteer or donate will ensure that you are getting as many donations as possible. A great example is starting a food drive within your neighborhood community or friend group. Throughout the week, you can collect canned food or non-perishables; food that does not expire quickly. After collecting all of the food, you can take it to a local shelter in need. Nevada has many churches that accept food donations. If there are no churches that accept food donations, there are organizations such as Three Square that accept donations as well. There are many ways that this can be done safely with the help of an adult.

Hunger is not the only struggle that families have faced this winter season. Many families face the cold as we make it through these winter months. Organizations all around the state set up coat drives that donate winter jackets to the people who need them most. Many coat drives can be found at the tip of your fingers by using Google, or by contacting local schools in your area. Coat drives are also a great way to clean out your closet to get rid of jackets that no longer fit you or you no longer need. Jackets of all varieties are accepted as long as they are wearable without stains or holes. If you do not have any coats to donate and have money to spare, you can also find affordable jackets second hand.

Spreading joy can also be accomplished by donating toys to children in need! There are many single parents that cannot afford to buy their children toys. Toys for Tots is an organization that collects new toys for donations. There are also families that you can sponsor by buying gifts or items off of the list that is provided by the organization. This is a great way to get involved around the end of the year because it spreads hope for the years to come. Many families do not get to enjoy these luxuries. Many hospitals also accept donations of new toys and clothes for families dealing with sick loved ones, or even newborn babies that are in intensive care. A fun activity can also include reading to children at your local library. This is an inexpensive way to spread happiness while children are on break from school and looking for ways to engage with the community.

Lastly, with all of the traveling that is done from November through January, it is important that we are all staying healthy. Please remember to stay home if you are not feeling well to keep others safe. Local pharmacies offer Flu shots and Covid-19 boosters to anyone in need to stay in good health. There are places that offer these vaccines for free to people that cannot afford them. Organizations such as Immunize Nevada also accept volunteers! If you have spare time, you can volunteer at vaccine drives and clinics. Anything helps when it comes to helping out during the holidays and winter months. Getting involved in the community will ensure that more people are staying warm and safe to create a healthy Nevada.

This blog post was written for Healthy Young NV by a High Sierra AHEC Student Ambassador.

Resources:

https://www.signupgenius.com/home/christmas-volunteer-opportunities-ideas.cfm

https://www.threesquare.org/

https://www.onewarmcoat.org/share-warmth/donate-coats/

Pictures:

https://www.episcopalassetmap.org/stories/outreach-services-open-food-shelter-employment-support

https://soulofacairn.com/services/