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As the holiday season rolls around, people may start thinking about how to give back to their communities and make the season a little brighter for those in need. In addition to year-round community giving, Lam employees around the world spread cheer by participating in a number of different holiday giving activities. From sorting (literally) tons of fruit at a food bank to volunteering at senior centers to organizing toy drives, our employees deliver and find joy in giving back to their communities. Positive energy and time are invaluable, so if you have both, find a cause you feel passionate about and see how you can help.

If you are curious about ways you can give back this holiday season, here are 10 ideas for spreading some holiday cheer to those in need. Also, don’t forget that many companies match employee donations and volunteer hours. Check to see if your employer has a charitable matching program to spread the generosity even further.

	1. Donate books Too many books and not enough time? Check out your local libraries, schools, and even hospitals to find out if they have book donation programs. Your contributions of gently used or newly purchased books can help improve literacy and education in the community.
	2. Prepare care packages for military personnel Support and boost the morale of troops spending the holidays away from their homes by participating in programs that send care packages. The organizers will offer ideas on what the troops may need and want, as well as shipping information.
	3. Sort and wrap donated gifts Donating gifts and volunteering your wrapping skills are great ways to get in the holiday spirit. A number of different organizations, including hospitals or even your local schools, have programs where volunteers can donate their time to providing brightly-wrapped presents to those who may otherwise go without.
	4. Give blood Help save lives by donating to a blood drive. A quick online search for blood donation organizations can help you find resources and information for giving blood. There are also ways you can get involved without being a donor, such as volunteering your time to donor centers and blood drives.
	5. Assist seniors in need Many senior citizens may need extra assistance during the holidays. You can brighten someone’s day through friendly conversation or playing board games at an assisted living facility. Another way to keep seniors in your neighborhood from feeling lonely is to deliver meals or help them run errands.
	6. Contribute to a food drive Contact your local food bank to see how you can donate to food pantries and support meal programs that help those facing hunger. These organizations can also provide guidance on how to organize your own food drive at your office or local school.
	7. Help out at your local animal shelter Animal organizations are always in need of help, and the holiday season is no exception. Volunteers are needed to provide in-shelter support as well as to donate funds for vaccines, food, and supplies. Even just stopping by to spend time with the future-pets can relieve the stress of the animals and shelter workers.
	8. Donate to a coat drive As the days get colder, many people in need could benefit from gently worn or new coats. You can help by donating coats or funds to a local coat drive. If you can’t find one, consider organizing your own drive; several organizations provide free instructions and resources on how to do so.
	9. Participate in food sorting Help fight hunger in your community by readying food for sorting, packaging, and distribution at local warehouses. There are also other opportunities to provide food for the hungry, from educating the community with facts on nutrition and resources to distributing goods directly.
	10. Mentor others Mentoring people who may benefit from your experience and knowledge could make a wonderful difference in someone’s life. Whether it is helping youths through tutoring, providing career guidance to those entering a new field, or just offering a listening ear, mentoring can be an invaluable gift to others.