The moment we have all been waiting for… It is officially Christmas season! Are you ready to relax and open your gifts by your beautiful tree, maybe with some hot cocoa by your side? Me too. But before we get into that business, an important topic must be addressed. This time of year is mainly portrayed as a time filled with joy, abundance and coziness. While that portrayal is true for many families, a lot of what society chooses not to see is the stress and uncertainty that this holiday season brings for many low-income families.
The pressure of providing gifts and food for their children, heat bills, and raised prices. It can be tough to find seasonal joy when you have a multitude of things on your plate like this. Fortunately, there are many ways to provide support and comfort little by little around the holidays. I highly encourage you to look at these simple yet very necessary ways to help out a family in need this season.
Donate food- Some easy and inexpensive ways to participate in this is picking up simple food from Winco, Walmart, or Safeway. For example, you can get Campbell’s canned chunky chicken noodle soup for just 99 cents at Winco.
Food items to donate around the holidays:
Canned vegetables & fruit
Canned proteins- chicken, spam, tuna.
Instant mashed potatoes
Boxed stuffing
Boxed mac and cheese
Canned soups & chili
Shelf-stable milk- UHT, powdered.
Cooking/baking essentials- flour, sugar, oil, baking mixes.
Donate gifts for families- A lot of what is needed for gifts during the Christmas season is items to invite comfort for people in need. A lot of comfort is provided by basic hygiene, sleeping/resting items, and things to keep them warm during the holiday season.
Gifts for families to donate around the holidays:
KindnessMarket 10 item hygiene kits- including shampoo & conditioner, dental care, deodorant, body wash, a comb, socks, a washcloth and toilet paper.
Basic cleaning supplies- dish soap, baking soda, all purpose cleaner spray.
Blankets- mainly micro fleece or polyester (easy to dry and clean and durable)
Basic clothing pieces- Warm socks, hats, gloves, or coats, as these are always needed.
Household items- Kitchen supplies, bedding, bathroom supplies, etc.
Although there are so many different things you can donate this season, it’s important to give the necessary supplies first. Inflation and economic shifts have been a pretty big issue this year. Meaning more families struggle with basic needs, putting immense pressure on non-profits to provide food, housing, and support. Be someone to help low income families even more this Christmas season. We’re all in this together.
Where to donate in Humboldt-
Food for People- 307 W 14th St, Eureka, CA 95501
The Humboldt Family Service Center- 1802 California St, Eureka, CA 95501
Eureka Rescue Mission- 110 2nd Street, Eureka, CA 95501
Toys for Tots- 235 4th St, Eureka, CA 95501
Free to Fly Foundation Single Moms Fund- 1501 Rose Ave, Ferndale, CA 95536
