The holiday spirit can be a tough one for children that don’t yet have a family of their own. A simple act of kindness on your part can do wonders for a child’s spirit especially around Christmas. How can you give? Here are some ways to give to kids in need this year:

  1. Toys for Tots: The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
  2. OneSimpleWish.org: One Simple Wish makes it possible for anyone to show neglected and abused children that they matter by responding to their simple wishes and needs through our innovative online platform. When these wishes come true, our kids have a chance to just be kids – to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, to connect with new people, to have new experiences and to realize that their voices are being heard.
  3. Answer A Child’s Letter To Santa: Every year, volunteers in major US cities work with the Post Office to select some children’s letters to Santa to “adopt.” They buy gifts, which they then return to the Post Office branch for Christmas Eve delivery from “Santa.”
  4. Contribute to St. Judes Children’s Hospital: They have a downloadable Christmas wishlist here and a list of ongoing and urgent needs here.
  5. The Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky: Donate toys and other items to kids in need.

There is no greater gift than seeing a child smile on Christmas morning.