Well, we don’t know what the weather is like in your neck of the woods, but in ours, it’s a winter wonderland! We’re experiencing our first days of regular snowfall and winding down from Thanksgiving so we can head straight into the rest of the winter holiday festivities.

So what you we all do to spread some additional holiday cheer this year? Between shopping tripa and planning travel, it’s a prime to to be reminded that there are many who have less. And there are plenty of ways we can all help out – and without putting ourselves out – this holiday season. Here are four ideas that will help your spread the cheer this winter.

Coat and Blanket Drives. Most cities have shelters or other nonprofit organizations that sponsor winter coat and blanket drives to benefit the homeless. Head to the basement and linen closet, grab what you don’t need and make it a point to get these items to a place and the people who can let them do the most good. They aren’t doing you any good sitting on shelves or in closets untouched.

Food Banks. A trend we’re seeing now is that most major grocery store chains have some sort of “feed the hungry” program where you can donate a bag of canned goods, right at the checkout. Check the next time you walk into the store. You can also call your local food bank and see what they need most. However you choose to help, it can all be done on your next trip to the grocery store.

Toy Drives. Toys for Tots is the most widely known, but there are always multiple organizations in a community sponsoring toy drives during the holidays. If you’re having trouble finding one, simply call your closest children’s hospital. They’ll be able to let you know what’s needed and where you can drop off donations.

Random Acts of Kindness. The next time you pick up lunch, grab an extra sandwich. When you’re at the grocery store, grab a bag of oranges and keep them in the car. Empty out that change jar into a big ziploc bag and keep it in your glove box. Next? Drive to those intersections where you always see people in need. Roll down the window, say hello, and ask how you can help. It’s hard for most of us to imagine that the person standing on that corner could be us – and that above all, he or she is a person. A little humanity and random acts of kindness go a long way.

Have a wonderful weekend – from our family to yours.

The Staff at San Juan Realty, Inc.