5 Special Ways To Help The Needy This Holiday Season
People often call the holidays a time of generosity, but sometimes we’re so preoccupied with gifts and parties that we forget about those in need. This year, there are countless ways you can help out, especially if you’re looking to make this a happier holiday season for underprivileged children. We’ve rounded up just a few suggestions for you in case you haven’t been informed. Happy giving!
Uber Giving – Dec. 7 and 8
Hurry because this initiative only lasts two days! Gather any unwanted clothes or toys and follow the “giving” tab on Uber to order a FREE car between 2 and 8 PM. Drivers and volunteers will come to your doorstep to pick up your donated items, which will be distributed to Auxilia and Saint Vincent de Paul. Minimal effort, no charge, great charities…the perfect chance to give back! Note that Uber warns us to keep trying to order on either of the days, because traffic will be dense on the app throughout the campaign.
NDU’s Media department is organizing a gala dinner at Le Royal Dbayeh. Come drink, enjoy some music, and have a hearty dinner for $65 per person. The proceeds go to Home of Hope, a groundbreaking NGO that deals directly with stateless or homeless children who need an education and a home. It’s a cause that’s worth it for a great price-all organized by university students and staff!
Join more than 24 Lebanese bands at Hazmieh’s most chilled out spot, The Quadrangle, to fundraise for SOS Children’s Village. Pay 25,000 at the entrance and enjoy a free drink and a show full of talent – you’ll love the casual Quadrangle atmosphere and the variety of the bands showcasing their stuff. The best part is that the bands will go shopping themselves to buy the goods needed at SOS, and then they’re going to the center themselves to hand out the presents! It’s the most heartwarming initiative-click here to see how last year’s went!
The Rotaract Club of Lebanon in partnership with AUB and the NGO Gift of Life are coordinating a concert performed by the Lebanese School for the Blind and Deaf. Not only will you be helping Gift of Life with the price of your ticket, but you will also get the unique chance to enjoy a concert from the talented students at LSBD. AUB’s Assembly Hall will be abuzz so come early to grab your seat!
BASSMA’s annual gift matching program – Dec.22
This is BASSMA’s seventh year running this program, targeting families who can’t afford to make the season special for their loved ones. Contact BASSMA to get a suggestion of which gifts they’re missing, depending wish lists they’re gathering from families in need. Donations include clothes, toys, electronics, medicines…the list goes on. So think of them when you’re cleaning out your closet/room, and keep in mind that BASSMA will be distributing the gifts at Kidz Mondo on the 22nd! Get in touch with the staff to join in on the fun.
Bonus: Drop by The Gathering in Gemmayze any time between now and the end of December to drop off unused or unwanted clothing into their Clothes Bank. The management will ship everything they’ve collected themselves!
