Different ways a college student can give back this holiday season

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As we approach the end of the fall semester, the holidays are slowly creeping around the corner. Many people are able to go home and have some intimate time with family as we celebrate arguably one of the most festive holidays of the year.

Unfortunately, some students do not have this privilege. This would be the perfect time for students to brainstorm different ideas that can help spread the holiday spirit.

There is no better way to celebrate the holidays than by giving back to the community. While clubs and organizations on campus are known to participate in giving back during the holidays, this should not stop others from developing their own ideas to do the same.

Idea #1: Collaborative event with charitable donations

When giving back to the community, take a glance at those who are not as fortunate and work with other students to help deliver the true spirit of the holidays.

Trinity Williams, a student at Florida A&M University, has collaborated with student, Zharia Tucker, to create “Letters of Joy” to the children of the Northwest Florida Health Network.

Their flier states, “This initiative is to alleviate seasonal depression and uplift the spirits of children who are a part of the foster care system.”

“While brainstorming on ways to bring awareness to mental health, uplift the youth while simultaneously impacting them in a positive manner during this holiday season, brings myself and Zharia so much joy and excitement,” Williams said.

Idea #2: A Giveaway

Inflation has contributed to an increase in the price of food, gas, clothing and more. This is causing difficulty in families enjoying their traditions and the holiday in general.

This interactive event can contain different activities such as holiday games, socializing, or even binge-watching holiday movies. The intimate bonding is what makes the spirit of giving special.

Recently, the FAMU Student Government Association hosted an annual “Friendsgiving” with students who were not able to go home for Thanksgiving. Treating them to a free voucher meal to Golden Corral.

Idea #3: Setting up a Drive (Toys, Foods, Clothing)

In spite of the fact that the holidays are to appreciate the little things, it is also to put a smile on someone’s face. Leaving them in awe with their special gift, you are relieving the stress of low-income families worrying about how to spread their Christmas spirit.

According to the Florida Coalition, behind California and New York, Florida places third in having the most homeless residents.

Emanie Johnson, president of the FAMU Health Science Professional Student Association, worked with the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, to launch their Jingle Joy event. This event required the students to bring socks that will be donated to the Kearney Center to “save a sole.”

“Once learning that socks were the #1 requested item from homeless people, I found it was necessary to collect as many as possible. We were able to collect over 100 socks for all age groups and donate them to the Kearney Center.”

Students often prevent themselves from giving back because they assume that it will come with a price. But spreading holiday joy only requires the kindness of your heart. At times like this, it is better to give than receive, as we continue to bless families that are not fortunate enough. The love that comes with giving is what makes the holidays the most jolly.