Volunteer

One of the most fulfilling yet still enjoyable activities to do by yourself during the holidays (and frankly all year) is to volunteer. Volunteering is such an amazing way to give back to the community and to those in need, especially during the holidays.

You can go sign up to volunteer through a formal organization such as the Community Service Agency in Palo Alto or Martha’s Kitchen in San Jose. Or you can do something by yourself.

Start a food or clothing drive and send out messages to your friends, family, or community then donate the proceedings to an organization. You can also try to bump up your spring cleaning, and clean out some of your belongings, clothes or unused items to start a yard sale. You can then donate the money you got from the sale to the charity of your choice. Not only are you helping others, but you also get the benefit of having a cleaner and less cluttered home right before the new year.

Volunteering is incredibly helpful and impactful to the community around you even if it doesn’t seem or feel like it. While the holidays are a time to rest from school and destress, I’d highly recommend taking some time and helping those around you.