With the holidays fully in season, there is much cause for celebration. Aside from the fact that we all survived another year on this mortal coil to Mariah Carey being fully defrosted, this is the happiest time of the year for many, including myself. But not everybody is having a merry time, and I’m not referring to the Grinch. People who are less fortunate struggle every day, especially around the holidays, both mentally and physically. Simply put, December can be very cold, with temperatures often reaching 30 degrees below freezing. These people need warm clothing, food, and shelter. They also need gifts to give to the most important people in their lives, but these gifts often aren’t affordable, as food and shelter are their utmost priorities. Here are some non-profit charitable organizations that help unfortunate people in their time of need.

Siloam Mission is a humanitarian organization situated at 300 Princess Street. They provide access to laundry machines and showers, support and resources for mental health and drug abuse, drop-in meals, clothes, and a bed to sleep in. They also offer spiritual help, something unique to Siloam Mission. You can donate money, perishable and non-perishable food, and, most importantly, your time. Siloam relies on donations, with 90% of the food they serve havingbeen donated from businesses and individuals.

The Christmas Cheer Board is a charity which supplies hampers and gifts to children under the age of 14. These hampers store most of the food needed for a hearty Christmas dinner, as well as some general non-perishables. You can help them out by donating time, either by helping to assemble hampers and wrap toys or delivering them. If you are tight on time, you can also donate money. 

 I am not asking you to donate money to these charities; I am spreading awareness for these charities that people may not know about. With many people getting plenty of Christmas money from relatives, these charities would thoroughly appreciate any money donated to them. Most of us still have plenty of volunteer hours to fulfill, and volunteering at any charity is a great way to give back, make you feel better about yourself, and get those volunteer hours. Happy holidays!