Bows, boxes, and presents galore fill the minds of many during the winter months. But the holiday season isn't just about gift giving. You and your team can help give back to your community by remembering the true reason for the season.
Cheerleaders are crowd leaders, spirit raisers, ambassadors, athletes, and entertainers. The holidays are a perfect time to show how your team can be wonderful ambassadors.
Consider doing one of the following community service projects to help out those less fortunate.
1.Soup Kitchens
Find a local shelter or church where you can serve food to those less fortunate.
2.Adopt a Family
Bring the holiday spirit to one family. Food on the table, presents for the kids, and sometimes even stockings full of goodies can make all the difference!
You did it again @LetsGoRays ! Loaded up and headed to deserving families ? God Bless! pic.twitter.com/Cyk5eljO26
— Robyn Grinstead (@RobynGrinstead) December 16, 2016
3.Marines Toys for Tots
Arrange for your team or your school to collect toys for children.
4.Salvation Army Bell Ringers
Volunteer a couple of hours taking shifts to collect money for charity. Cheerleaders always know how to draw in a crowd, so have some fun with your team while your ringing your bells for a good cause!
Thanks to everyone who helped us raise money for the @SalvationArmyUS today!! #DoingTheMostGood pic.twitter.com/OTgig0a3Sd
— Chantel (@DCC_Chantel) December 17, 2016
5. Food Donations
A giant holiday feast is a meal everyone can enjoy, but we sometimes take it for granted. Donate nonperishable and can food items and holiday treats to local food pantries to help give a family in need a holiday meal to remember.
6.Clothing Donations
During the winter months we can't get enough of big cozy blanket scarves and knit beanies, but some people aren't as lucky to have a giant wardrobe to choose from. Donate clothes to help others stay warm out in the cold.
7.Nursing Home Visitations
Sometimes the elderly can't visit their children and their families can't travel, but your team can bring cheer with carols, book readings, or playing games.
8.Children Hospital Visitations
Children bring joy to the holidays, but some can't go home. Toys, games, or crafts can bring the holidays to them.
Coed Elite gives to St. Jude's Children's Hospital at their Chik-Fil-A fundraiser! ?? pic.twitter.com/w3RC8mZa8p
— Cheer Extreme (@CheerExtreme__) November 16, 2016
9.Salvation Army Angel Trees
See if you can get a Salvation Army Angel Tree placed in your school, especially during sporting events, to help purchase items for an "angel," a local child or senior citizen.
10.Show Some Puppy Love
Volunteer at a local animal shelter to help wash animals, clean kennels, or walk dogs. You get to play with puppies and do a good deed, it's a win-win! Promote adoptions at school to find holiday forever homes!
By Anda Udris