By Rita Okoye

While the world is full of people in need year-round, no time is more apparent than during this Christmas season to extend your giving hands.

If you’re wondering how to give back this year and bring forth lasting smiles on peoples faces, there are plenty ways to help out that wouldn’t break your bank.

Help orphaned children get gifts

Orphans are one group of children that don’t often receive presents during the holiday. Find a way to connect with the orphanage homes. Find out what gifts the children are asking for. That way, you’ll know with 100 percent certainty that you will buy a gift the children will love. Not just provisions and toiletries, but special gifts for the children.

Donate to those living in poverty

You can donate online, visit the ones around your community. Remind your friends about the season of giving and inspire them to donate or reach out to a particular family living in abject poverty.

Pack cooked meals for undernourished children

Give the gift of food and nourishment this Christmas, by handing out cooked meals to less privileged families especially, kids of beggars in the streets. You can cook, order or organize friends to join you in cooking.
Spend time with those who don’t have families
Throughout the country, there are people in nursing homes who do not have families to visit them during the holidays, and that can certainly be a lonely feeling.

Find a nursing home in your area to visit this holiday season.

Donate free Christmas trees to less privileged families

You can support the under privileged families around you this season, by donating Christmas trees to them. You can help them lighten up the trees with the necessary decorations.

Donate to Children’s Hospitals

Waking up in a hospital on Christmas Day is never easy for any child, but your gift could help improve their day and give them the hope and comfort they need for the holidays. Children’s toys, gift cards, Teddy Bears and some hygiene products are good ideas.

Take lunch to people who work during the holidays

Emergency responders, Police officers, Traffic Wardens and others stuck working long hours, with little time to see or spend time with loved ones. Bring holiday cheer to these folks by bringing them lunch during their work day.