For most people the holidays are a joyous time but for others it can be one of the most stressful times of the year. That’s why giving back is so important. I am always such a huge fan of giving back anyway that I can no matter the time of year. The Today Show recently had a story on a woman who was helping pay off stranger’s layaway debts for the holidays. They are called Layaway Angels. I thought to myself, what a great idea! This is something I want to try and do. That evening I told Grayson about my idea and he was all for it.
This morning we made our way to Walmart! We found our way to customer service where I told the employee I wanted to pay off layaway accounts that had balances under $100 with kids toys on them. I had set aside $1,000 and tried to make it go as far as it possibly could. Overall, I was able to pay off 16 family’s layaways for the holidays. Talk about an amazing feeling. I only wish I could have contributed even more. My goal for next year is to double or even triple this amount!
Be a shining star this holiday season!
In the spirit of giving, I wanted to share a few of my favorite ways to give back during the holidays & beyond. All of these ideas can be done anytime of the year!
7 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season & Beyond
Pay off a family’s layaway – Don’t think you need a lot of money to make a difference in someone’s life. You can make a child get the Christmas of their dreams for such a small amount.
Clean out your closet and donate – This is something we ALL need to do more of. There are family’s all over the world that are in need of clothing and shoes. Take a moment to fill a trash bag full of gently worn items.
Volunteer at an animal shelter – Animal shelters are always in need of help and what a gratifying experience to see an animals face light up.
Pay it forward – If you happen to be in the drive-thru at Starbucks, pay for a stranger’s coffee. Treat someone to a meal at a restaurant or pay for someone’s groceries. We never know what people are going through in their day-to-day lives but I guarantee you any of these things would put a smile on their faces.
Volunteer at a nursing home – This has to be one of the most gratifying ways to donate your time. Some of these people have absolutely no family or haven’t had a visitor in months. Seeing how much I can brighten an elderly person’s day just by spending an hour talking to them is well worth it!
Volunteer at a children’s hospital – Pets and the elderly aren’t the only ones that need holiday cheer. There are so many opportunities to help children and their family’s during this time whether it be donating your time or talents, there is always a way to help.
Donate to the Salvation Army – We have all seen the Red Kettle and heard the jingling bells around town. During the season I always try and have a little extra cash or change in my bag to donate.
What about you? What are some of your favorite ways to give back during the holidays? Let me know in the comments below!
Outfit Details:
Sweater – Autumn Cashmere (Another color option HERE) // Jeans – Mott & Bow
Beanie – T&J Designs // Heart Pillow – Nordstrom // Star Pillow – Nordstrom
I love this post! One of my favorite! Ur making me want to go out and do the same!! Such a kind heart
Author
Thanks, friend!!! You totally should! Makes you feel AMAZING!
Such great ideas to help others. The holidays can be tough for people who try to support their families on a tight budget. All they want for their families is to provide their children with a fun-filled holiday with gifts they requested. You have made that possible for so many families. Those pillows are adorable and remind me of you with love in your heart ❤️ for others and always reaching for the stars ⭐️
Tis the season. Not only to give and receive gifts, but also to give back to those indeed. Thank you for this friendly reminder and motivation to do more over the holidays!
This is so sweet and you are so thoughtful for doing that, I’m sure those families were so happy! I love these ideas to – so perfect!
This is the season of giving! Fabulous ideas and you have a heart of gold.
I love all of these ideas. Paying off someone’s layaway is something I hadn’t thought of, thanks for the idea!!!
XOXO
Cathy
So many thoughtful ideas for giving back! <3
xo megan
Best post I’ve read all season! This is so important!!
I never thought to volunteer at a children’s hospital?! I actually didn’t even know it’s a thing. What a great idea!
This is amazing, so many great ideas. I usually donate at children’s hospital and Salvation Army. It feels really good when you give it back to society or help them anyway you can.
Rita | http://www.styleroundtheclock.com
Such great ideas!! And what a cute living room! I def want to donate some clothes.
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Brittney
Missxbo.com
These are such great ideas!!! I heard of the guy who paid off all the layaways at Toys R us in New Jersey, but this post makes you realize you can help any layaway at any store.
Thanks for sharing girl!!
xo-M
http://www.wavesofm.com
This is SO SWEET, I love that you made this list. I love the idea of paying off a family’s layaway I know that would mean SO much to a family in need and just make their Holiday season.
All wonderful idea! Thank you for writing this post. It’s important for each of us to give back however we can. No act of kindness never goes unappreciated.
xx
Cristina
http://www.timelessoptimist.com
Aww this is such a wonderful post! It’s such a great reminder in a time of busy craziness to just take a moment for others and give back:)
xoxo, Hannah
This is such a sweet post and you are so thoughtful for doing that! Thanks for raising awareness about it!
We really should all do this! Very sweet to share darling!
Nicky x
http://www.nickyinsideout.com
I LOVE the idea of paying off a family’s layaway! Such a sweet post with great ideas for giving back this holiday season!
xo, Sara
I love it! The holidays are the season of giving.
Such a great idea! I have already cleaned my closet and my son’s closet and plan to donate tones of stuff.
Happy Holidays dear.
xo
Laura
These are all such great ideas, especially for those that are having a hard time this Christmas!!! Thanks for such a great post. Merry Christmas!
Such an inspiring good deed!! It’s always important to give back and you did such an amazing thing!
LOVE . LOVE LOVE this reminder! So many great ways to give back!
This is such a great post! I absolutely love that you guys paid off layaways!
You are so sweet and kind!! What an awesome way to give back!! ❤️