This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of UPS for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
After the events of this past week… this past year really, it’s easy to see that there is so much darkness in the world. There are hard times all around us, and people doing scary things. I know that I can’t be the only one finding it hard to get excited about the season with sadness looming over us from people that have been lost this year, and even just this week.
However, it does remind me that there is a chance to do good. While many (myself included) are sharing the famous quote from Mr. Rogers to “look for the helpers” in times of need, I loved the reminder today from Beth Woosley, that we should not only look for helpers in times of trouble but we should also seek to be helpers, in whatever way we can. To do good for others and help where possible.
I thought it would be neat to put together a list of different small ways that we can all share a little love, deliver some wishes and do good this season! If your kids are older and they’ve seen the news, this could be a great way to teach them through it. Even if they are too young to know what’s happening all over the world, as mine are, it’s still important to teach them to be loving and to look outside themselves, especially in a time of year when it’s so easy for kids to get caught up in their own wish lists, few are thinking of fulfilling the wish list of another.
-One fun thing to do is to deliver toys to a local Children’s hospital. If you call ahead, you can make sure that you bring things that the children will be allowed to play with, and that you come at the correct time. Kids giving toys to other kids is a special thing for every one involved. They even get to play together sometimes which can really make the a difference for a child that has been in the hospital with few visits from other kids.
-Volunteering in a soup kitchen is another family activity that can make a difference. While our kids are wishing for more toys, it’s a great way to show them that there are a lot of people out there wishing for a warm place to sleep and a hot meal.
-Dig through your closets and find as many warm pieces of clothing as you can to donate to a local clothing shelter. It’s getting colder outside, so every scarf, pair of mittens and even blanket helps!
-Ding dong ditch a house – if you know of some one in your neighborhood that might be struggling, buy some extra groceries and play ding-dong-ditch… drop off the groceries, ring their doorbell and run away! They will never know who brought the gift! It’s a great way to show your kids that it’s not about being known for what you’re doing!
So many of these things will be just as meaningful to you and your family as they will be to the people you are able to reach out to. That is the beautiful thing about #wishesdelivered. Everyone shares in the fun!
This season UPS has launched a #wishesdelivered campaign, encouraging people to share inspiring stories and recognize the good being done in their communities. You can check out the #WishesDelivered Site to share a story that you have seen happen around you and read some of the inspiring ones already on the site. For each story submitted and shared on Instagram or Twitter using the UPS #WishesDelivered hashtag UPS will be donating $1 (up to $150k) to one of their charity partners. Amazing causes like Boys and Girls Club of America, World Food Programme, Toys for Tots, Literacy Program, The Salvation Army, and the UN Refugee Agency.
By sharing your wish and using their hashtag you can be a part of a larger story – in helping UPS make those donations! What’s your wish? Who have you seen in your community that is making a difference? Share in the comments, and of course on the Wishes Delivered site and social media so you can help make a larger difference! You can submit wishes between November 10, 2015 – January 1, 2016!
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