Most of our community is fortunate enough to experience the traditions of giving and receiving. Now you can help spread that holiday cheer to others. Although it’s a great feeling to receive a gift, it’s an even better feeling to give one. Many people would love to give back around the holidays but aren’t really sure how. 

All it takes is reaching out to a local food pantry, a church or even a nursing home to figure out where to donate your time.  Get a group of friends together and go make someone’s day a little brighter. 

 If you don’t want to organize your own event, there are many options you can take part in.

Adopt-a-Family is just one of the many ways to help around the community. Anything from donating food to Christmas caroling can have a huge affect on someone, especially during the holiday season. 

Molly Mensch a sophomore at WHBHS has found many ways to get involved around the holidays. She believes there are so many different options as to what you can do, you just have to find what speaks to you. 

After helping out with Adopt-a-Family Molly said, “It puts you in perspective and makes you appreciate all the little things you have in life.” 

 St. Rosalie’s church in East Quogue has a program where gifts can be donated. You simply go to the church and choose a star off the “Giving Tree”. Each star contains a wish of someone in the community who could use some extra help during the holidays. You can then purchase that item and bring it to the parish center Monday-Friday 9:00AM to 4:00 PM up until the 18th of December.

Also, on Sunday the 15th, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM a group of sophomores from WHBHS held a food drive at King Kullen in Eastport. They collected donate a non-perishable food item which will be given to a local food pantry. 

Other actions like Christmas caroling can brighten someone’s day so easily. You can visit a nursing home in the community or even go door-to-door to spread holiday cheer to others.

Even holding the door for someone or letting someone go before you in a line makes a difference.   As Molly pointed out, “After you do it once it makes you realize how good it feels.” A little action goes a long way. Happy holidays, WHB!