As we near the end of the year, many people tend to look back and reflect. 2020 has been extremely difficult for many of us, and these unprecedented times have taken their toll, whether it be physically, mentally, or financially. While some have been less fortunate than others, I think it’s safe to say that we all have people we care about; friends, family, our community. The holidays are here, and there is no better way to give thanks, than giving back. Here are just a couple of ways that you can do your part to help those in need this season.

• Organize a Food Drive
  You can start a collection of non-perishable foods at your work, school, church, or among people within any of your regular social circles. When the time comes, donate these items to an organization of your choice, such as a Foodbank or local shelter.


• Donate to Charity
  Donating money to a charity you care about is a great thing to do, if you have the means to do so, but not everyone is in that position financially. There are other ways to donate though. Organizations like the Salvation Army or Goodwill accept used clothing, housewares, books, toys, and a number of other items that you may have around the house and no longer use.


• Volunteer with an Organization
  Give the gift of time this season by volunteering with an organization that means something to you. Maybe this means helping take care of animals at the local shelter, participating in an organization such as Habitat for Humanity, or working with children after school at a Boys & Girls Club.


• Fundraise Virtually
  Make your regular purchases mean more by asking the vendor if they partner with charity organizations. Sometimes businesses participate in “passive giving” programs, like Amazon Smile, where they agree to donate a certain portion of the funds from your purchase to charity, at no cost to you.


• Walk or Run for a Cause
  Help raise funds for a cause and get some exercise by participating in a local run or walk. This is an easy way to burn of the calories you might be packing on during the holidays, and help out those in your community.


• Pay It Forward
  Sometimes spreading hope and joy is as easy as buying the person’s coffee behind you in line. We don’t always really know what others are going through, especially complete strangers. A random act of kindness, no matter how big or small, might impact someone in a positive way that you would never imagine.

Whether it is a phone call to a friend to check up on them, adopting a rescue pet, or taking time to be with the people you love, we all have our own way of showing that we’re grateful. These are just a few suggestions on how to give thanks and give back, but what is most important this holiday season is that we are there for one another. For all of your financial needs, Dover Federal is here to get you there, wherever that may be.