There are heroes everywhere living among us. In the United States, Veterans Day is recognized every year on November 11. It is a federal holiday to honor those who have served in the military. There’s no doubt that there are various types of heroes, whether they be veterans, doctors, teachers, firefighters or so many more. Now is the perfect time to give back to these heroes and show them how much they are appreciated.
Think about the heroes in your life, whether it’s somebody you know, people in your community or even those across the globe. There are also tons of organizations you could partner with this holiday season to show heroes that you care. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Write a Handwritten Note
During the holidays, there are many people who won’t be able to be with their families because their jobs have them otherwise occupied. Take some time with your friends or family to write handwritten letters and notes to these individuals to show them that even if they can’t be with their families, they’re not alone. This is the perfect activity to involve children. They’ll be looking for something to do with winter and Thanksgiving breaks coming up, so it’s a win-win!
Send a Care Package
Surprises are sure to brighten everyone's day. Even the smallest of items to let somebody know you’re thinking of them can leave a lasting impact. Your care package could be dinner during a worker’s shift, baked goods, or even a gift card for your recipient to use in their free time. The care package could even be coupled with your handwritten notes!
Partner with an Organization
There are so many worthy organizations out there that are partnering with everyday heroes to provide them with the services and items they need. From veterans to teachers, doctors and nurses, there are organizations already established that you can partner with to either donate toward programs that are already in progress or provide items from a wishlist that the organizations might need.
Talk
That’s it. Simply… talk! The holidays can be both a wonderful time and a lonely time. Use this opportunity to check in on your loved ones and even those you may not know by picking up the phone. There are various services where you can sign up to talk with people who may be going through a hard time, even if you are a total stranger. Sometimes all it takes is a person to truly listen for somebody on the other end of the line to feel better.
Use this as a reminder to give back to the heroes in your life, both in ways big and small. From simply picking up the phone to partnering with established organizations that give back, there are ample ways to show that you care. Whether it’s a hero you know in your life or a total stranger, use this time of year as a way to simply say “thank you” for their dedication and service to making the world a better place.
