Ways to Support Your Local Community This Holiday Season
The holiday season is already upon us – can you believe it? There’s a chill in the air, holiday lights are filling the neighborhoods, and everyone is getting ready for some good ol’ family time. If the state of the world has you a little confused about the holiday season, and you’re wondering … how can I spend this time more intentionally, maybe even give back … then you’re in the right place!
We’re all about community, in this season and every season, so this blog post is here to present some ways to support your local community this month. Whether you’re looking to give time in a meaningful way, or spend your gift budget where it counts, we’re here with ideas to spread joy and cheer headed into the month of giving.
Give the Gift of Your Time
We totally get that budgets can be stretched thin over the holiday season, so one of the easiest ways to give back is giving the gift of your time. With so many folks leaving town for holiday travel, volunteer organizations are often stretched thin, and needs don’t slow down.
There are many ways to donate your time, whether it’s on-site at a local organization, or helping from the comfort of your home. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
Volunteer at an Animal Shelter or Foster an Animal
Whether you want to sign up for shifts at a local shelter, volunteer to help with admin tasks from home, or even foster an animal during time off, giving your time to support animals in need can be both rewarding and impactful. Oregon Dog Rescue as well as the Multnomah County Animal Shelter are always looking for volunteers and fosters. If you’re interested in fostering with a shelter-free rescue program, One Tail at a Time is a wonderful organization.
Volunteer at a Food or Clothing Bank
The holiday season also brings frigid weather and freezing temperatures. A great way to serve the local community is by helping low income families and the houseless population at many of the food banks in the area. There are opportunities to serve meals, assemble warm clothing or hygiene kits, and more. Check out Oregon Food Bank, Blanchet House, and Transition Projects.
Volunteer with a Community-Centered Organization
One of the most rewarding ways to volunteer is by giving your time to an organization that is near and dear to your heart and your community. For instance, supporting a queer organization like Q Center if you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, or The Alano Club of Portland if you’re connected with the sober community. These opportunities aren’t just helpful for the holidays, but could be fulfilling long-term – a win-win
Shop Local (seriously!)
With gift lists that seem to keep getting longer each year, it’s easy to want to default to getting everything in one place from a big box store or online retailer. However, shopping locally can be one of the best ways to support your community.
Portland, is filled with so many wonderful small businesses, creatives, makers, and doers that are the heart and soul of this city. Shopping small not only supports your local community, but also gives you access to some truly unique and heartfelt gifts that literally could not be found anywhere else.
Here’s a few ideas to support local businesses during this gift-giving season:
Get the Gift of a Class
If your gift recipients are local, Portland has so many wonderful spaces to learn new skills and explore different hobbies. Getting someone the gift of a class means you’re supporting local creators and small businesses, as well as giving someone an experience they won’t forget. Check out Daffodil Studio for pottery and crafts, Sincere Studio for sewing, and Ninety Twenty Workshops for jewelry making and metal smithing.
Get the Gift of a Locally-made Good
If your recipients aren’t local, something made with love in Portland is another great option. Portland hosts many art markets where countless vendors and creators sell their craft – from ceramics, to dog toys, to photography, and more. Many stores in main shopping areas – such as Hawthorne and the Pearl stock locally made goods as well.
Get a Sustainable Gift
Another great option is to shop at local thrift and antique stores. This not only supports small businesses, but it’s also a super sustainable way to approach the gift-giving season. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend the day, check out downtown Sellwood and all their wonderful antique stores – Star is a personal favorite of ours.
Consider a Donation
The final, less glamorous, but super meaningful way to support your local community this holiday season is to give the gift of a donation to an organization of your choice. Donations can be financial, or material – such as donating food, clothes, pet food, or hygiene products.
If financial feels like the right fit, you might consider reallocating some of your gift budget towards local organizations. You could donate to the Humane Society in the name of a friend who loves animals, donate to the food bank your family member loves to volunteer at, or even donate to your favorite environmental organization if their mission is meaningful to you.
If you’re interested in donating material goods, Think is hosting a Food Drive in partnership with Portland Food Project to fill 50+ Food Bags, and we’re accepting donations at the office five days a week from 10 AM to 4 PM, until December 19th. If you’re not able to make one of these times, reach out, and we’ll set something separate up.
Final Thoughts
As we enter the holiday season and we’re trying to figure out how to connect with our communities, it's a great time to reflect on what an intentional holiday season would feel like.
One of the wonderful things about Portland is the wonderful community this city provides – from small businesses to big organizations that work hard to serve different populations. Whether you’re looking to give the gift of your time, on the hunt for local businesses to support, or saving money to make a meaningful donation at your charity of choice, there’s countless options here.