The holidays are always a special time of the year. Everyone comes together: families, friends, even strangers. This season influences people to do great things, as we gather with the Christmas intent to give to others. 

Many people think of the holidays as a time to receive gifts, but there are others who choose to influence the world by giving. 

During the holidays’ people consider things they might not normally do. They donate time to different causes like caroling at hospitals or donating clothes or toys. There are also opportunities to serve at soup kitchens or homeless shelters, serving food to those who have little. This is no small endeavor. $390.05 billion gets donated to charities per year. It’s obvious that people choose to do kind things around the holidays. The business of the season is replaced in part by an authentic attitude of giving. 

All around the Inland Empire, there are many opportunities to give instead of take. People everywhere see the possibility of doing good deeds, whether it’s through a gift of time, item, or money. These deeds aren’t things that people might normally do year-round, affecting the giver as much as the receiver. It truly is a Christmas miracle, demonstrating that there is still some amazing humanity in our world.

Feeling the giving spirit? Here are some places to go:

For caroling: 

Claremont Chorale 

The Orange County Women’s Chorus

To donate clothes or toys at schools and churches. 

Salvation Army

Goodwill

Serving at soup kitchens:

Someone Cares Soup Kitchen in Costa Mesa

Mary’s Kitchen in Orange

Hospitality Kitchen in Los Angeles

Homeless shelters: 

Foothill Family Shelter Inc. in Upland

Hope Through Housing Foundation (social service organization) in Rancho Cucamonga