This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of UPS for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Finding time and/or money to help pay it forward during the holiday season can be tough. Many people feel financially drained and strapped for time as well. If you’re having a busy holiday season, focusing on quick and easy ways to give back to your community might be the best way to go. Here are 5 simple ways to pay it forward this holiday season.

1. Make a small donation. Many gift charities encourage people to ‘adopt’ an entire family. If covering gifts for a whole family is too much, just take on a single family member or donate a single item. For example, a family that is down on their luck might need donations for their holiday meal and gifts for the entire family. If you can’t afford to cover all of that, but your child recently outgrew a winter coat that will fit one of the children who needs a coat, just doing that small act will still make a difference. Don’t feel like it’s “all or nothing”.

2. Donate your change. Many stores have change jars that go to a family or charity in need during the holidays. I decided a few years ago to always drop my change in the jar because I don’t miss it and over time it can add up to being helpful to someone else.

3. Smile and spread cheer. Simply being polite, patient and kind to those around you can help keep others in good spirit. Positive attitudes really do spread!

4. Take advantage of small local events. I saw this flyer going around my area about a campaign to fill a cop car full of food.

We needed to get groceries that weekend so we opted to go to the store collecting donations during that time. We picked up a few cans of soup and did a small part in filling the cop car, even though our expense was under $10. It wasn’t much but this can provide a couple of meals for a family, at least.

5. Participate in the UPS #WishesDelivered event online. Simply share a story about someone you know who makes a positive difference in your community. They might do small things like mow an elderly neighbors lawn, or something big like managing a non-profit that they created. Share their story on twitter or instagram with the hashtag #WishesDelivered and UPS will make a $1 donation in return for each share, up to $150 thousand! If you don’t know someone who pays it forward, you can instead answer the question What’s your wish? and share your wish or dream for your community in the future. UPS will be donating to Boys & Girls Club of America, World Food Programme, Toys For Tots Literacy Program, The Salvation Army and The UN refugee Agency. 

Want to feel warm and fuzzy? Visit the UPS Wishes Delivered site to see #WishesDelivered submissions from other people. They even have a few videos sharing stories, a few of my favorites are below.

Mr Browns’ Books is incredibly inspiring. It’s amazing to see how a child can be inspired by a book and then carry that inspiration and drive on to achieve truly amazing things.

Handmade gifts touched me because I know some very sweet women who love to knit and crochet. I also have known a few women who have been in domestic violence situations and worked their way out in time. Taking your natural passion for a craft and turning it into something that provides comfort for those in need is so sweet. Anthem wishes spot is a really cute video as well. I can’t get over the little boys sparkling eyes at the end!

Don’t forget to share your #WishesDelivered post on Twitter, Instagram or the #WishesDelivered Site. A few seconds of your time will result in a $1 donation to a charity at NO cost to you! Such a simple way to pay it forward.

Emily

Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.

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