Holiday Charity Dishes Out Altruistic Returns

This holiday season, it’s not just about the gifts but giving. Let’s celebrate the sentiment circulating the holiday season, the ability to give back to community and to express gratitude. Below, we’ve focused on two great charities below that provide shelter, food and reimagined futures for America’s youth.

SLEEP OUT TO END YOUTH HOMELESSNESS

This event is sponsored by organizations like Cisco and Samsung to neighborhood student groups in different cities. Sleep Out was organized so that volunteers could raise lifesaving funds to give kids safe shelter and opportunity, and unite the community against youth homelessness. As part of the agreement, volunteers sleep outside on the city streets so that a child does not have to. There are participating cities across the United States and most likely one near you in case you want to join as a volunteer or donate.

One in 45 kids in America will face homelessness this year. Covenant House isan organization that provides these young people with safe shelter. They pair this with wrap-around social services including education and job training to aid them towards a future free of violence, poverty, and the threat of homelessness. 

Particularly compelling is the Student Sleep Out Edition.  These events can be held anywhere in the world. Covenant House doesn’t dictate dates or times.  Participants follow the lead of middle school, high school, and college students across the country. They take on the challenge of planning a Sleep Out with their classmates. These occur on school grounds, at a community center or with a group of like-minded friends in their own backyard. Some gatherings take place on a sports field as well with team mates.

These students fundraise for Covenant House to keep the lights on and the doors open for all of the kids who need help. Then, they spend one night sleeping outside in solidarity with the homeless kids they are helping. Their MO, We can’t stay indoors while so many kids remain outside. 

To explore how to participate with a corporation or student edition, visit https://www.covenanthouse.org.

STAND UP FOR KIDS

Many children end up on the city streets homeless. This youth is in need of shelter, clothing and food. Stand Up for Kids is an organization that helps them find jobs, shelter and reset their minds to explore options in this world. 

They work with Covenant House and other resource centers to get kids off the streets. Once in safe facilities, they work through to their next chapter. Testimonials can be found on their site with stirring stories of abuse and ultimately empowerment. 

Visit www.standupforkids.orgto donate, volunteer or start a fund to aid our youth towards a better place.