Transform your heart this season with the gift of giving.

It's pretty simple, actually! There are so many ways you can support a child this holiday season, and hopefully this information will help you get connected so you can do just that.

Different organizations will usually have different list as to what should/should not be added to a gift for a child. There are age groups to choose from and most often, you can choose which gender child you would like to support. Some typical things to add into a gift for your child are: clothes, socks, underwear, hats/gloves, toothbrushes, toothpaste, small toys (include batteries if necessary), and art supplies.

What are the benefits of giving? well, you are allowing another child to experience Christmas when they may not have otherwise. You will also be left with a full heart, knowing you did a good thing this holiday season.

Ways to give:

1. Talk with your local Salvation Army. They typically do Angel Tree, and the kids are locals. You can choose to support just one child, or as many as you would like! https://give.salvationarmyusa.org

2. Operation Christmas Child. Even if you aren't into religious activities, this is a wonderful opportunity to support someone in need. Get in contact with a local church and get some boxes to fill up for your child. There is no minimum amount you have to purchase, but filling the box is pretty easy to do! Just make sure you turn the boxes in when they are due, so your child can receive their gift on time. These boxes typically go overseas to less fortunate countries. https://www.samaritanspurse.org

3. Contact social services. They usually have a list of people in the area who have contacted them about not being able to provide their children with Christmas. You will get the age and sex of each child, and then you can go shop accordingly. These people usually have more of an idea as to what their child would like for Christmas.

4. Look around... chances are, you know someone who could use a little extra support during the holidays. You don't have to help them out directly. Have someone else deliver gifts to their them. Maybe leave it with a neighbor and have them deliver it.

Make it fun:

- If you have kids of you own, let them pick out an Angel tree child. They will probably choose someone around their same age. This can be fun for them to shop for someone who likes the same things they do. It's also a wonderful opportunity to teach them about the gift of giving and the impact they are having on other children in the local area or even around the world.

- Rather than doing secret Santa at work/school, get together and select children to support this Christmas. Then, go shopping together and have a wrapping party! Perhaps instead of exchanging gifts with a friend, put that money towards one child and do your shopping together. This is a great way to spend some time with one another, and the reaction you get from it is priceless.

Be sure to think about all of these options. If you can, support a child this holiday season. You can make a bigger impact than you would think. If you are capable of supporting more than one, do it! Get your children involved... get friends involved... get someone involved, and make a difference this Christmas!