Gift of Giving

During this festive time of year it is hard not to get caught up in all the good cheer. The Greenwala staff has compiled a list of ideas to spread some joy to friends, families or neighbors who may not be as fortunate as you and I.  We would love to hear yours ideas as well!

•    Spend quality time with loved ones, neighbors and friends:

• Get a group together and go caroling at a local nursing home or older neighbors homes

• Find out if there are neighbors in need – organize a meal calendar with friends

• Invite neighbors to a common location – a clubhouse, park (weather permitting), or community center – for a cookie exchange party.  This is a great way to get to know your neighbors better while enjoying a little treat.

• Find out if there are service men and women in your area deployed and away from their families for the holidays.  Send a care package to them for the holidays from your whole neighborhood.  Have children write cards to all the men and women. This will give the service people something to read and something special to eat for the holidays.

• Also service families left at home might benefit from some holiday cards, treats or more.

•    Donate food at your homeless shelter

•    Donate time at a children’s hospital to cheer up the children

•    Go to a local orphanage and bring toys, books , clothes and shoes

•    Paying it forward:  do something that no one expects.  

•    Write a letter to someone special in your life and really tell them how much they mean to you.

•    Donate gently used books to the local library or school.  Also think about doing a book exchange with other people in your community.


If you want to give a monetary gift donate to some of these great causes:

Volunteer Match

The Nature Conservancy

Locks of Love

Thanks USA

World Bicycle Relief