Are you looking for ways to give back this holiday season? This postpartum- and family-centered list will give you plenty of places to start!
As the holiday season kicks off, we may be excitedly looking forward to our own family gatherings and traditions. Maybe we have our own new babies to hold, or have friends or family who do.
No matter what you’re looking forward to this holiday season, it’s a sad truth that too many families struggle through this time of year. Especially those who have young children or have just given birth. Whether they were born into poverty, have gone through an emergency, or gotten sick/injured, it’s far easier to fall on hard times than many of us would like to admit.
One of the most important parts of my faith is helping those in need– not just physically, but also by showing the same love and grace that has undeservedly been shown to me. Regardless of your reasons for wanting to help, this list will give you plenty of ways to give back to families and babies who are needing a little extra help this year.
Baby2Baby
This is a national non-profit that not only provides necessities to infants who are going without, they also have an emergency relief program to bring much-needed items to children after natural disasters and other crisis situations.
Newborns In Need
According to statistics, 1 in 7 babies will be born into poverty in the US. This organization seeks to provide necessities to infants in need such as blankets, diapers, thermometers, and more in their newborn kits.
National Diaper Bank Network
One thing that babies will always need is diapers- and if you’re a parent struggling to make ends meet, you may not be able to afford it. Everyone should be able to have access to the basic necessities. Donating diapers is one of the great ways to give back over the holiday season!
God’s Tiny Angels
For anyone who knows how to crochet, this is a wonderful way to use your ability to help premature babies. This one earns a special place on my list because my grandma was a fantastic crocheter who donated through this charity! All you need is yarn and time- free patterns are provided on the website. These blankets and tiny hats will go to keep these little babies warm and cozy.
Project Linus
Project Linus is another blanket-centered charity (not to mention one of the best characters from Peanuts, right behind Snoopy and Woodstock). They work to provide warm blankets to children nationwide who are sick, impoverished, or traumatized.
One Simple Wish
One Simple Wish is a wish-granting website that helps make the holidays a little brighter for foster children. It doesn’t even have to be the holidays- donate any day of the year! All you have to do is browse through the posted wishes and pick one that is in your price range.
Toys For Tots
A well-known but a good one! Donate new, unwrapped toys and they’ll be distributed to kids who otherwise wouldn’t get much of a Christmas this year.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Having a sick child is heartbreaking. Having somewhere close by to stay can make such a difference for parents who are trying to make it all work. Ronald McDonald House Charities works worldwide to provide a place for both children and their parents to be close to the life-saving care they need.
Feeding America
Do you know how many families, even in your own community, are going without adequate food? The number is higher than we’d like to admit. But being able to feed your family is something that everyone should have the ability to do. Especially around the holidays! Feeding America works to reduce food insecurity in communities nationwide.
Salvation Army
Most of us know the Salvation Army through their Red Kettle and Angel Tree campaigns. But they also help families through the holidays by providing things like food, shelter, and even help with utilities. Donate directly through their website or find a local Angel Tree to give a gift to a child in need!
Compassion International
Compassion International has a Compassion Survival program that help assist new mothers and their newborns in low-income countries. By providing them with necessities and much-needed care, they help to lower death rates of mothers and babies within the first year postpartum.
Every Mother Counts
Every Mother Counts partners with local organizations to improve physical and emotional outcomes for mother all across the globe. Their goal is to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for all women.
Donate to food pantries, community centers, or shelters
No link here, but check your community for organizations that help provide for families in need. Food pantries could always use donations of baby formula- and community shelters, homeless shelters, and domestic violence shelters are often looking for donations of basic hygiene products.
How do I know I’m donating to a good charity?
Sometimes we may worry if our donations are actually going to help somebody in need. Especially if we’re donating money rather than items!
Feel free to do some more research on your charity of choice before officially donating. Look up reviews or talk to those who have donated before. Better yet, call the charity themselves and ask them how they will get your money to those who need it. What does your money get spent on? A good charity should be able to answer those questions quickly and straightforwardly.
There are also online tools, such as Charity Navigator, to help you find an ethical charity that aligns with what you want to support.
Do you have any that you would add to this list? Share in the comments!
