The holiday season is a time for giving back to friends, family, and those that are less fortunate than ourselves.  There are many people right here in Massachusetts that need help more than ever, especially during this time of year.  We know that finances are tight but even donating your time to one of these events can make a huge difference!

Holiday Market To Benefit Breast Cancer Fund – This holiday bazaar is being hosted by William Raveis Real Estate on Saturday, December 1st at their Back Bay office in Boston.  Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and support a great cause at the same time.  All vendors are donating 10% of their proceeds to the William Raveis Breast Cancer Fund which benefits the American Cancer Society.  Local restaurants have provided light snacks and there will also be a 50/50 raffle and many other raffle items available.  Stop by this Saturday and find a truly unique gift for that special someone!

Winter Walk 2012 – This holiday season two of Boston’s biggest charities fighting homelessness , Homestart and Hearth are teaming up for Winter Walk 2012.  This event is a charity walk on the Boston Common December 2, 2012 that is about ending homelessness one step at a time.  These charities want to educate participants of the harsh realities of living outside during a New England winter, and encourage people to find out how they can help.  The first step is signing up for this walk, you can register online or on the day of the event.   Registration begins at 1 PM and Opening Ceremonies begin at 2 PM, followed by the walk.  The route consists of two laps around the Boston Common and ends with a cup of warm tea and a celebration amongst all walkers.  Sign up or donate today, winter is especially difficult on the local homeless and you can help make all of the difference for them this season!

Cookie Swap For A Cause – Who doesn’t love cookies?  Boston Food Swap is hosting their 2nd Annual Cookie Swap for a Cause on Sunday, December 16, 2012 from 2PM-5PM at Space With A Soul in Boston.   For every cookie that is swapped, the Glad to Give campaign will donate $1 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support research for new and improved pediatric cancer therapies.  If you bake over 4 dozen cookies, you get free admission!  If you make less than 4 dozen cookies, or don’t plan on baking and just wanted to enjoy some sugary goodness tickets are $15.  If you don’t plan on baking and purchase your ticket after December 2nd, tickets are $20 per person.  Tickets are limited so get them while they last and take this opportunity to support this children’s charity!

Globe Santa – This yearly program benefits local families and collects donations to provide holiday gifts to children in need.  This wonderful charity began in 1956 and has continuously provided support and holiday cheer to local families. Last year they raised over $1.2 million to help 32,240 local families during the holiday season and this year their goal is even bigger, $1.4 million!  100% of all donations go to the purchase and delivery of these gifts so every penny counts!  You can even host your own event to benefit the Globe Santa and stir up some healthy competition between Santa and his Elves, for more information click here.

However you choose to give back this holiday season, keep the less fortunate in mind!  Your time and donations are what help make their holidays merry and bright, and these organizations could not do nearly as much for their beneficiaries without the help of generous donors and volunteers!

Photo By: USACE Europe District