The season of giving: Easy ways to share this holiday season

’Tis the season to volunteer. Giving back spreads goodwill and cheer and can be a fun and meaningful way to spend your time this holiday season. In Chicago, there is no shortage of opportunities to lend a helping hand.

Feeding the hungry is a year-round eff ort, but there is greater need for volunteers during the colder months. Visit feedingamerica.org to find a local food bank or join in the fight to end hunger by working with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Serving guests at a soup kitchen, sorting through donated food items or delivering meals to those in need are just a few ways to help ensure that no one goes hungry this holiday season.

Send joy to seniors in Chicago with The Love Notes Program from Meals on Wheels, where volunteers can include uplift ing messages to be included with deliveries. Visit mealsonwheelschicago.org for more information on how to brighten someone’s day with a sweet note and a nutritious meal.

Cradles to Crayons provides Chicagoland’s most underserved children with everything they need to be successful at home, school and play. Volunteers help power that mission by inspecting, sorting and distributing donations. Visit cradlestocrayons.org for more information on how to get involved.

Donate gently used home goods and furniture to Digs With Dignity. Donations will help elevate the lives of those transitioning from homelessness and repurpose the items for good instead of sending them to landfills. More information can be found at digswithdignity.org. The Salvation Army collects used household goods and clothing, and you can also donate spare change to the organization’s signature red kettles. Become a bell ringer and help raise funds that sustain The Salvation Army’s efforts throughout the year. Volunteers can also help support their Angel Tree program, which provides toys to Chicago’s children. Visit centraluse.salvationarmy.org/usc.ways-to-give to learn more.

Making a monetary donation is another great way to fight hunger or contribute to the charity of your choice, especially if you can’t commit your time. However you choose to give back this season, you can make a difference.