By: Kavya Chacko '26
Waking up with the anticipation of presents on Christmas morning is a moment that we remember forever. However, not everyone is able to think about gifts as they are struggling to provide necessities like food and housing for themselves and possibly their families. Sadly, many Americans currently stand below the poverty line and this struggle could affect more people than might even be officially recorded. Homelessness and poverty contribute to other issues that can affect mental and physical health, substance abuse, and crime. As the smallest action can improve the lives of so many, these problems highlight why it is so important to give back to your community. Finding places to volunteer and donate in your area can be hard. However, once you do locate that nonprofit organization, this work can be so fulfilling. If you are considering donating or volunteering, two particular places where you can make a difference are Xavier Mission and Toys for Tots. These organizations make an incredible impact on the community, and you can be part of their good works.
Xavier Mission is a non-profit organization that caters to those in need. It was founded by the church of St. Francis Xavier in 2012 and is located at 55 West 15th St., between 5th & 6th avenues. The Mission is rooted in providing stability and safety for those in need. They have numerous programs, such as a clothing room, a financial assistance program, a food pantry, an LSEP program (mentoring programs for people who have experienced trauma), and a welcome table (a lunch service every Sunday). The Xavier Mission is always in need of volunteers and has multiple meaningful programs. For more information, visit their website at https://xaviermission.org/.
Toys for Tots is a well-known organization that provides holiday gifts for children in need. There are many ways to contribute to the organization, such as donating money, gifts online, and gifts to drop off points. They have many drop-off locations, which look like gift boxes wrapped with an opening. Toys for Tots gives 18 million toys to 7 million children. The organization has been around since 1947, and they have reached many underprivileged children. If you are considering donating, please visit Toys for Tots online at https://www.toysfortots.org.
In addition, there are many other ways to give back beyond these two particular organizations. Helping out at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter can benefit our community. Finding a place to volunteer might seem difficult. However, with a quick Google search, finding a meaningful place to donate or volunteer can be quite simple. When researching for a place to donate, make sure that they are a nonprofit organization, as these settings only generate money for the cause and not for the owners. When donating, make sure that their mission statement fits your standards, as you should be fully aware of where your money is going. When looking for a place to volunteer, make sure you know where you are volunteering and that you are comfortable being there. Also, know what kind of activities you will be participating in order to be prepared.
Giving back is something that you should want to do and not see as a burden. When you volunteer, you should be passionate about what you are doing and the impact you are making. Giving back does not just have to be volunteering or donating to an organization; it can be many things. Giving food to a homeless person or paying someone's bill are acts of kindness that have a very real effect. Whether it is during the holidays or at any time of year, everyone deserves to be seen and to feel important.
Sources: PBR.org, Xaiver Mission, Toys for Tots, Image 1 at Xaiver Mission, Image 2 at Toys for Tots
Edited by: Scarlet Kelly '26, Katarina Radulovic '24 and Ms. Brilliant
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