14 Ways To Show Others They’re Important and Appreciated 

We all need a little help now and then, and the need often grows during this time of year. As you fill in your calendar with holiday events and to-dos, make space to give back. These 14 ideas will show others they’re valued and appreciated. And who knows? The kindness you give might just become the greatest gift you receive. 

14 Ways To Give Back

1. Is there a holiday production taking place in your town? Offer to gather props and set materials and move them from storage to the stage and back.

2. Gather with your staff to collect food, toys, coats or gift cards. Join a cause already in motion or organize one of your own. Designate your office as the drop-off location. Bonus: It’s a great way for clients to see your business giving back.

3. Leave extra coins at the laundromat or automatic car wash for anyone short on change.

4. Spend an afternoon at a nursing center, writing and addressing cards for those who wish to send holiday greetings but aren't physically able to.

5. Partner with a local church to collect presents for families in need. If you can, offer to transport all the gifts in one trip to make things easier on volunteers.

6. Learn about Move for Hunger and join them during the holiday season or next year. National Van Lines is a proud partner of this nonprofit organization, dedicated to reducing food waste and fighting hunger. 

7. Could someone in your neighborhood use a hand, a meal, just someone to talk to? Carving out time during your busy week will mean so much to your neighbor – and you'll feel good, too.

8. Surprise first responders with coffee or cookies and thank them for keeping your neighborhood and/or community safe.

9. Do municipal buildings in your area need help with their decorations? Offer to transport the decorations or set them up.

10.The next time you're at the drive-through, pay for the meal of the person in the vehicle behind you. Imagine their surprise and pleasure when they drive up to the window with payment in hand. 

11. Organize a run, walk or charity fundraiser for an organization that’s dear to your team. If you don’t have an organization in mind, consider one that National Van Lines partners with.

12. Write personal notes of gratitude. Tell your coworkers how their character, work ethic or positive attitude has impacted your business.

13. Is your team competitive? Turn “doing good” into a friendly competition through the end of the year. Encourage everyone to appreciate or honor someone each day and challenge them to outdo one another. Celebrate and share stories of kindness during a special holiday lunch.

14. No doubt you know a person or family you can support, perhaps even a coworker. Initiate a team collection or gift to make their holidays merrier. 

When you see a physical, emotional or monetary need that hasn’t been addressed, step up and rally others around you. Sometimes, one person’s initiative is all that’s needed to spark lasting change. When you take time to show appreciation and remind people they’re valued, you make the holidays bright for them and yourself. 

Do you have other ideas not listed here? Does your company have a tradition of doing good during the holidays? Let us know. We’d love to share your idea or story with others!