The holiday season is officially here, and as students prepare for gift exchanges with friends and family, it’s also important to remember to give back to the community as well. The holidays are a time of togetherness and community, but can also simultaneously be a time of overconsumption and big spending.

While it might not be in every broke college student’s budget to go out and spend tons of money or time on philanthropy, there are plenty of ways to give back to your local community that don’t require taking a shift off from your part-time job or cutting a hefty check. 

It is the belief of The Whit Staff that Rowan students should be able to do their part in giving back to the community this season, and in an inexpensive, affordable way.

One way to give back is to organize a holiday food drive for a local food pantry. This can be done on a large scale, by involving a club or organization that you are a part of on campus but it can also be as simple as gathering donations from family, friends, and peers and donating it to a local food pantry. 

Cathedral Kitchen in Camden also accepts donations and volunteers as well. If you don’t have time to drive all the way up there to volunteer in person, they accept sandwiches and centerpieces to distribute as well.

Another way to give back to the community is through writing inspirational notes to children or elderly people in nursing homes and children’s hospitals. This can be something you do alone, or with your friends, and it’s an easy way to brighten someone’s day. Letters of Love is a charity that accepts cards to send to children all over the country, all year long. All you need to donate are some colored pencils, positive messages, and some envelopes and stamps.

If you’re more musically inclined, many retirement homes welcome and encourage holiday caroling from singers and choirs. It’s a simple way to bring creativity and music to lighten the spirits of the elderly, and there are plenty of homes in the area. People in these facilities may not have the luxury of spending the holidays with their loved ones, so giving back to them and spreading some joy is an impact that will last far beyond the season.

Giving back to the earth is also a very important way to contribute this season. By donating old clothes, picking up trash, and shopping sustainably rather than frivolously students can contribute to a long-lasting impact in the season of overconsumption.

Even our furry friends could use some love this season. If you have extra blankets lying around the house, or old towels and rags, many animal shelters will take them off of your hands. You can also volunteer in person at local shelters as well.

No matter what way you choose to contribute this month, any gift, big or small matters. It’s not about who gives the most, or who spends the most money, it’s the thought that counts.