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While the holidays are a time of joy for many, it can also be a time of extra stress. Maybe your situation changed and you can’t afford the usual presents and celebrations. Maybe you just need some extra help. The holidays can be a time to really reflect on how fortunate you are though and how important it is to give back where you can. It is the perfect season for teaching kids about philanthropy and working as a family to give back.

As a family each year we have found different ways to give back, especially as my kids are growing. As my three kids are getting older, they are asking more questions and realizing that everyone is different. From living situations to jobs to family dynamics, my kids are starting to notice.

“Doesn’t every child get presents?” That is a question I heard from my then 4-year old last year. I knew then it was time to get my kids involved so we started with Angel Tree. The Angel Tree program provides Christmas gifts for children whose families cannot afford to provide them. So one weekend last year we spent time shopping at different stores to make sure we had just the right gifts. This is a great way to involve kids as you can explain how they get to pick out cool presents for other kids to enjoy and be surprised from. My kids really got into it and told me not to buy them so many presents but instead let them spend that money on gifts to donate.

Last year, more than 250,000 toys, gifts and clothing were distributed during the holiday season through the Angel Tree Program.

Another way we helped out is through the Chicago Bears/Jewel-Osco coat drive. We all outgrow our clothes and with how cold winter can be, donating a coat is a very simple but important way to give. We donate our outerwear every year and my kids love carrying their coats into the store and dropping in the boxes to donate. I explained how there are kids and adults out there that can’t afford a coat so they go without one. My kids couldn’t believe that people go without something as simple as a coat. This is something simple you can do even if you don’t have time or money to give because once a coat doesn’t fit, you can’t really use it anyway.

Last year alone, the Salvation Army collected nearly 20,000 coats for clients in need. To donate this year, simply bring your gently used coats to any Illinois Jewel-Osco location through January 1, 2017. The coats will be given to families served through The Salvation Army.

There are so many ways to help out and give back no matter what your family enjoys. For example, you could volunteer as a family to ring bells with The Salvation Army during the holidays. Ringing a bell is an easy volunteer opportunity for families with young children. What kid wouldn’t want to ring a bell and even sing Christmas carols!

You may think of The Salvation Army as those people who stand outside stores ringing a bell with a red kettle. But I honestly never thought more about it and never even wondered where the money donated goes. Well, during the holiday season The Salvation Army raises 70 percent of its funds that it uses all year long to support services for people in need in the community. The services include food pantries, educational and recreational programs for children, day camps, summer camps and more.

So, when you volunteer to ring a bell, your shift (2 – 4 hours) will help raise money for The Salvation Army’s programs addressing homelessness, hunger, disasters, early education and substance abuse. A typical two-hour shift can feed a family of four. It easy to pick your date, time and location to volunteer. Simply visit RegisterToRing.com to pick a location near you with dates and times that are most convenient.

In addition to ringing bells, you can add to the experience by setting up a virtual kettle and ask family and friends to donate. The online kettles are like a crowdfunding page where you share your kettle online to raise money for a favorite cause such as feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, making Christmas bright. It is a perfect way to get involved even if you don’t have time to volunteer. You could even have your kids create a video about ringing bells or why they chose their cause and share that with your social media friends and family.

Visit www.redkettlereason.org to set up your kettle, choose your cause and invite your family and friends to donate.

Whatever you choose to do this year to give back, The Salvation Army has some great ideas for whatever your circumstances are.

What is a way you give back during the holiday season?