Lighten the faces of the less fortunate this holiday

By: Alexandra Trahnstrom

Merriment fills the air every December. Christmas time is a time to be with family and friends. Though some adults may wish that Christmas is about simply being together, the truth is that the kids love this holiday so much because of the presents from Santa. We all run in and out of toy and clothing stores buying stuff for our loved ones. However there are many families with low incomes that struggle showing their little ones a “tree stuffed with presents” on Christmas morning.

There are many organizations out there to help families in need around the Christmas time. "Operation Santa Search" is a website that allows the public to find organizations around their area. Some businesses that are doing a huge part in helping out are: Salvation Army, United way, the American Red Cross, and Santa’s Angels. The public can also donate to small organizations within their community such as churches, shelters, and community centers.

There are many websites that allows citizens to donate money in order to help put presents under trees. The most popular donation website around Christmas time is “Toys for Tots”. “Toys for Tots,” is an organization set up by the United States Marines. On this website one will be able to choose his or her state and country and be directed to a page that explains what the companies in a specific area are looking for. The website accepts online donations, and it also tells where toy drop sites are in order for people to give directly.

One can also donate money or gifts to other countries via samaritanspurse.org. There, one can “Send a Box” if you donate 35 dollars or people may decide to “Build a Box” for the same amount of money. In “Send a Box” the company chooses what gifts to put in a shoe box opposed to in “Build a Box” you are able to chose from toys online to put in a shoe box to be sent over seas. The majority of the people that visit this site choose to “Build a Box” because they are able to personalize it more. The donator is able to choose whether or not they want to send a shoebox full of toys to a boy or a girl and of what ages. This is a great way to make a child’s face light up on Christmas morning.

So when you are dong your holiday shopping, stop and think about the many small children that receive very little. Spread the holiday joy and donate to the less fortunate.