It is hard as parents to fight against the receiving nature of the holidays and Christmas and teach children the joy of giving. Children are naturally excited about the presents under the tree, and there is magic that shouldn’t be squashed. But many parents want to find ways to encourage their families to think outside themselves and discover the magic of making someone else happy, too.
This season, especially, it is even more important as Hurricane Florence still shows her effect and many families in the Cape Fear region are far from being whole. Our community still needs love and a neighborly hand.
Here are some ways we can give back to the Wilmington Area with our families this holiday season:
Encourage your children to go through their existing toys and consider what they can give to a child who needs it, then donate them. A tip to help this is to point out that new gifts will be coming and it is necessary to clear space.
Also, consider having your children gift shop for other family members and people. As busy parents, we like to get our Christmas shopping done – easily, efficiently, and with little complication. The holidays are a busy time of to-dos. But taking a moment to ask your children to think of what someone they love might want and appreciate establishes a conversation of giving.
Some other opportunities for local holiday giving that we’ve found include:
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree plans to support 3,000 children this year from Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender Counties. The tree is located in Independence Mall and gifts are due back December 10.
The Candy Cane tree from Rustic Charm in Burgaw is a wonderful option.Working with Rocky Point Elementary, the owner of this shop has found a way to help local children who are recovering from Hurricane Florence.
UNCW organizes an Angel Tree program that benefits the Boys and Girls Home of Lake Waccamaw. Contact UNCW to get involved.
The Harrelson Center is asking for gift cards for families or, alternatively, items that will keep those in need warm during the winter.
Donate shoes, dresses, and accessories to Cinderella’s Closet, a ministry that dresses high school girls with a need for their prom in the spring. This is especially fun to shop for with the princesses in your life. (Note that they are especially in need of shoes and dresses in larger sizes.)
Purchase a wreath in honor of a fallen soldier, then plan to attend the ceremony at Wilmington National Cemetery on December 15.
(This one isn’t local, but related: don’t forget the troops overseas, away from their families for the holiday. Operation Gratitude will help get gifts to deployed soldiers. Letters and handmade cards are appreciated, alongside necessary items.)
Toys for Tots, organized locally by the Cape Fear Marine Corps League, is gearing up again. They recently released a few 2018 events, but stayed tuned to their website for more updates.
Give your time! The Cape Fear Volunteer Center works hard to put volunteers in the right spot.
Volunteer at the Food Bank (just make sure you sign up for a family-friendly day if bringing the kids!). If the timing doesn’t work out, their website lists commonly needed goods during this time of year. Fill a grocery bag together as a family and drop it off.
Surely, though, there are more ways we can give back this holiday – to experience as families the intense feeling of fulfillment that comes when we help our neighbors. If there are more opportunities, drop them in the comments below!
—-> Don’t forget to sign up for our email list to get your Holiday Bucket List for Cape Fear Families: coming today (Thursday) at noon!!
