Volunteering during the holidays is something that many people take to heart, whether volunteering at a soup kitchen, contributing to their favorite charity, or providing a gift basket to a needy family. However, many of us return to our routine after the new year and feel we’ve done our part. And while the holiday season’s effort is much appreciated, there are still many who need help long after the festivities.

 

With inflation and a looming recession, many families find it hard to make ends meet. Coupling that with the fact that many people just got back on their feet after the pandemic, you have a lot of uncertainty and anxiety. So, this year if you are well enough off to have a job and your life is relatively stable, think about ways big and small that you can volunteer and help those less fortunate. FirstLantic has five ideas for giving back in 2023.

 

  1. 1.Volunteer at a local food bank: Unfortunately, food insecurity does not happen when the holidays end. More than one in five (21.6%) adults in the United States reported household food insecurity in the summer of 2022, an increase of more than 6% from April 2021. That is unacceptable in a country where over 40 million tons of food go to waste yearly. Find out how you can help.
  2. Write a letter or call a single friend or family member: Many people feel lonelier after the holidays. They may have been lucky enough to have some family or close friends with them over the last several weeks. However, now that the festivities are almost over, the house can seem much quieter, and there isn’t anything immediate to look forward to, so make sure to let them know you’re there for them.
  3. Mentor a child online: Many parents struggle with their kids getting further behind after distance learning became the norm during the pandemic. Lower-income, working parents may not have the time or the skills to help their children as much as they would like, and many would welcome a pair of helping hands.
  4. Find a pen pal: Many older people live alone or in an assisted living facility and may not have family nearby to check in on them. Make their day by sending a card or developing a pen-pal relationship.
  5. Foster an animal: While adoptions were higher than ever during the pandemic, millions of animals are still waiting for their forever home. Many people have contemplated giving up their pets because they can no longer afford medical care. If you have the income, why not offer to pay the vet bill for a needy person? Many vets will also offer reduced prices, so it may not be as pricey as you imagine. You can also donate toys, blankets, food, and crates to a local shelter.

 

Now that 2023 is almost here let’s remind ourselves that volunteering should take place all year long, not just during the holidays. Whether you donate money, ideas, or your time time, every little bit can help those who need it most. So, if you’re lucky enough to be healthy, happy, and financially stable, remember it’s better to give than receive and consider volunteering all year long!

 

If you or someone you know is interested in home healthcare services in South Florida, FirstLantic can help. We are locally owned and operated, providing our patients with the highest quality in-home care and placement services in Fort Lauderdale ( Broward County) and Delray Beach (Palm Beach County) since 2000.

 

Click here to contact us.

 

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