Philanthropy is central to the holidays, but not as many people are participating in the season of giving.
Volunteering rates still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, leaving many charities struggling to make up the difference. And that’s a shame for volunteers, too – because helping others can have a larger impact than you may realize. Researchers at Harvard University say that regularly paying it forward can improve your health and alleviate stress – while a UTHealth Houston study found that volunteering can reduce mental health challenges like anxiety and depression among young people.
For children, helping others can also teach valuable lessons about empathy. That’s why the Orlando Science Schools system partners with local charities to give our students hands on community service opportunities – such as a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in October and a canned food drive for The Sharing Center in November – where they can learn, grow and give back to the community.
As you and your family finalize plans for the holiday season, consider penciling in time for charity. There’s no better time to help a neighbor in need … and share the joy of generosity with your kids. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Sign up for a volunteer shift: Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida estimates that around one in seven people in our area are battling food insecurity, and meeting that need takes extensive community support. Reach out to local food banks or meal delivery charities to find out how you can help – whether by sorting through canned goods, unloading trucks or answering calls. If your child is too young to participate, take a trip to the grocery store and buy nonperishables that you can drop off together.
- Raise money for a nonprofit: Cupcakes and brownies are more than just a treat; they can be a relatively simple way to support a charity, so make a few desserts with your children and organize a bake sale. Once the goods are all gone, sit down with your household and decide where to donate the proceeds. Alternatively, if you know someone who needs some assistance, talk about how you can use the money to make their life easier.
- Connect with an older neighbor: More than a third of seniors experience loneliness, according to the University of Michigan. It’s a feeling that can be amplified during the holidays, particularly among older adults who live in assisted
living facilities or who don’t have friends or relatives nearby. Call a nursing home in your neighborhood and ask whether your family can participate in crafts, host a talent show or simply have a conversation with the residents – all of which can spark some much-needed seasonal cheer.
At Orlando Science Schools, we know that nurturing compassion, integrity and character is just as important as teaching academic skills. It’s why we encourage students and teachers alike to get involved in volunteer activities, both in the classroom and beyond. Because service isn’t about spending an afternoon giving back: It’s a commitment to live by all year round.
When we help others, everyone benefits – our neighbors, our community and even ourselves. Take time this holiday season to share those benefits with your children … and instill values that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Kristi Hancock is the Dean of Students at Seminole Science Charter School, which operates within the Orlando Science Schools (OSS) system. OSS utilizes research-based methods to provide students across three Central Florida counties with a hands-on and engaging STEM education that puts children on the path to promising careers and long-term success.
