How to make a kid smile this holiday season

"Along with spending time with your loved ones, make sure you spread positivity to other families this year!" - Avynn Stanley

As we enter the holiday season, we should keep in mind that there are many less fortunate children all over the world that won’t be receiving the same love and familial embrace that some will be experiencing. There are many ways these children can feel acknowledged, and it is up to us to make this happen. Though there are hundreds of organizations you could donate to that will be providing children and families with toys and necessities, here are three organizations you could consider donating to. Along with spending time with your loved ones, make sure you spread positivity to other families this year!
​

1. MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS // https://www.toysfortots.org

Founded by the Marine Corps, Toys for Tots is an organization dedicated to collecting new toys that will be given to children who are less fortunate during the holidays. Aside from their fundraising projects, Toys for Tots has encouraged many civilians over the years to donate as many toys as possible to make sure a large majority of kids feel appreciated,loved, and acknowledged. Their only objective is to bring joy to children around the world and touch as many lives as possible. Around the holidays, although we see a lot of people helping both adults and children in many different ways, it is still important to cater to children’s interests, while also providing basic necessities.

​   HOW TO DONATE
To donate to Marine Toys for Tots, simply track down a local donation bin near you, and drop off as many toys as possible. You can also use their site to get more information on their organization.

---

2. RPAL SHOP WITH A COP 
 https://www.rosevillepal.org/shopwithacop
Shop with a Cop is a program created by Roseville Police Department officers, dedicated to wanting to help children in their community. With this program, comes the opportunity for youth to receive a set amount of money given to them to buy anything they feel they need. Whether that be toy, clothes, or supplies for educational purposes, the recipient has the freedom to do as they please with the money. As for the name of the program, the youth who participate do just that. The day of the event, police officers voluntarily spend their day shopping with plenty of youth in department stores. During this, kids and police officers get the rare chance to bond with each other and communicate in a way you wouldn't witness in everyday life. This program is an amazing program to be apart of because both kids and police officers get the shared opportunity of enjoying themselves and meeting new people during the holiday season.

   HOW TO VOLUNTEER
To volunteer and participate in Shop with a Cop, visit the programs website and read more information by selecting the columns provided. By doing this you are signing up to help kids in the roseville and other participating communities!

3. THE SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE // https://salvationarmysouth.org/angel-tree/

Helping people throughout America for years now, The Salvation Army has made it an effort to continue to help families, especially during a time dedicated to love and family. With Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, they make it a goal to provide whole families with gifts for Christmas and meals for simple nourishment. Helping families feel loved by providing necessities, The Salvation Army is just one organization helping many every year.
   HOW TO VOLUNTEER
To help families alongside The Salvation Army, contact a local salvation army or, visit their site and sign up to volunteer.