’Tis the season to spread some cheer and perform good deeds. And so, we at What’s Up? Media have compiled a list of easy to-dos and wholesome acts that would make Emily Post proud and even land you on Santa’s nice list. They’re simple, philanthropic, and, in many cases, fun! We hope that you’ll be inspired to give a few a try—or, even better, make them habits. After all, New Year’s resolutions are fast approaching.
1. Hold the door open for someone
2. Smile/say good morning
3. Volunteer/get involved at a local organization
4. Pick up trash
5. Support local/community stores
6. Support farmers’ markets
7. Mow your neighbor’s lawn
8. Walk your neighbor’s dog
9. Help an elderly person with their grocery bags
10. Help an elderly person across the street
11. Recycle
12. Pay for the person behind you at a restaurant or drive-thru lane
13. Attend a community meeting
14. Donate money to a charity/organization
15. Donate clothing/household items
16. Donate blankets to homeless shelters or pet shelters
17. Donate school supplies to local schools and teachers
18. Rake neighbor’s leaves/shovel neighbor’s snow
19. Say hello to a stranger
20. Attend a charitable event
21. Give blood
22. Visit a senior/nursing home
23. Visit a children’s hospital
24. Read to children at the community library (or have them read to you)
25. Donate canned goods
26. Bake some holiday treats for coworkers
27. Adopt or foster a pet from a local shelter
28. Become a mentor or tutor
29. Donate toys to Toys for Tots
30. Donate your hair (Wigs for Kids, Locks of Love, or a similar organization)
31. Use reusable grocery bags
32. Cook a meal for a friend
33. Buy coffee for the person behind you in line
34. Send a card to a service member (Soldier’s Angels, Operation Gratitude, or similar)
35. Save Box Tops to give to a local school
36. Help someone register to vote
37. Become and organ donor
38. Sponsor a Thanksgiving meal for a family in need
39. Provide holiday gifts for a child/family (Angel Tree, Operation We Are Here, or similar)
40. Start a compost pile
41. Participate in a charity run/walk
42. Help low-income families pay their gas, electric, and oil bills (BGE Dollar Donation Fund)
44. Call an old friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with
45. Thank or give recognition to a helpful coworker
46. Send a friend/family member an encouraging/uplifting note
47. Snail mail thank you notes for holiday gifts received
48. Go Christmas caroling in your neighborhood
49. Put away your phone during meetings
50. Cook a meal for a senior neighbor
51. Support first responder charitable funds (fire, police, EMT)
52. Listen more than talk during a conversation
53. Support Navy and Army during the big football game!
