Bringing Joy to Families in Need This Christmas

Many people think of the holidays as a time for joy, celebration, and family, but not everyone feels positively about the season. Christmas can be stressful and anxiety inducing for those who may not be able to afford food, much less presents for family. To bring back some of the joy of Christmas for those who may be feeling weighed down this holiday, try to get out into your community by volunteering, donating or serving food, or even singing Christmas carols. Acknowledge that Christmas can be a tough time of year for those struggling with finances, food insecurity, and even grief, and let it inspire you to give back to your community. 

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Free Opportunities to Spread Christmas Cheer

If you are unable to make a physical donation, there are plenty of ways to spread Christmas cheer and support your community. From volunteering at a charity to gathering a group to sing Christmas carols at a shelter or nursing home, learn ways you can get involved in a free event below.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities

Holiday volunteer opportunities are vast—just at Catholic Charities we have multiple ways you can help! Volunteer to serve a meal, work at the Hands of Hope Food Pantry, organize a donation drive, and more. Learn more about our regular and holiday volunteer opportunities here. 

Sing Christmas Carols

Singing classic holiday songs is a lovely way to boost spirits around the holidays. Try gathering a group of friends, families, or go as a church to a children’s shelter, nursing home, or other willing facility to spread your love and support. 

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Holiday Donation Opportunities

There are many ways to make a donation during the holiday season, from food to clothing to presents. Check out the different places and types of donations you can make below!

Donate Food Near You

Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada accepts food donations, primarily for nonperishable items, throughout the year, especially during the holidays. With the extra need this fall, donating food to a food pantry like Hands of Hope can make a big difference. Specific items like pasta, oatmeal, canned vegetables, and peanut butter are always good to donate. If you’d like to make it more of a holiday donation, try canned cranberry sauce, boxed mashed potatoes, or a nonperishable version of your favorite holiday side. 

Adopt A Family For Christmas

Another way you can support your community, specifically the families with children, is to participate in an adopt a family program for Christmas. Many Catholic parishes in Las Vegas participate in Angel Tree donations where you can pick a family to buy gifts for based on their wishlist and drop them off to be delivered in time for Christmas. Catholic Charities gathers the parishes’ donations and distributes the toys and items to families in need.  Many other organizations, like the Salvation Army and workplaces, support a family in need by “adopting” them for the season and providing them with gifts and sometimes food.

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If you would like to adopt a family yourself through Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, please contact us at ourtreach@catholiccharities.com or call 702-387-4733!

Whether you can afford to donate or have time to volunteer, we encourage you to do so this Christmas. Bring joy to your community this holiday season however you are able!

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