red heart - charitable ideasWe’ve officially entered the season of giving. This sentiment can sometimes get lost, however, as our children are likely more focused on what they’re going to get this holiday season. In the interest of putting the focus back on the spirit of community and giving back, we’ve compiled a list of a few events that “give back,” with proceeds going to charity.

These events are a fun way to both give something and get something! There are also lots of local happenings in the neighborhoods surrounding Boston, from fun runs to tea parties to pancake breakfasts to toy drives, so look out for one near you!

November 30 :: Shop for a Cause at The Street

Get your holiday shopping done early at Shop for a Cause, the exclusive holiday event at the The Street in Chestnut Hill. The event will benefit the B Fund, the MSPCA, and the ICA. Make it a moms’ night out on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6–9 p.m.! Tickets (purchase here) include cocktails, light bites, and shopping from curated collections from many of the shops at The Street.

December 3 :: Room to Grow Family Volunteer Day and Toy Drive

Room to Grow is dedicated to enriching the lives of babies born into poverty, and you can help make a difference during the family volunteer event on December 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children ages 8 and older are welcome to attend. Register here, or by contacting Patricia at [email protected].

You can also participate in Room to Grow’s toy drive throughout the month of December in three ways: 1) Donate a new or nearly new toy that is appropriate for kids ages newborn to 3 years, and drop it at Room to Grow’s office at 142 Berkeley Street in Boston. 2) Organize a toy drive in your school, work place, neighborhood, or other organization. Contact Emily ([email protected]) to get started. 3) Purchase a toy from this Amazon wish list. Get your kids involved, and give back to others from the comfort of your home!

December 4 :: Cookies and Cider with Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign

On Sunday, December 4, join Share Our Strength for a family holiday cookie decorating party from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Boston Harbor Hotel. They’ll provide the cookies, decorations, and lunch, and you provide your holiday spirit! Proceeds benefit the No Kid Hungry program, and contributions are tax deductible. Purchase tickets here.

December 11 :: Flour Bakery Cookie Swap with Cambridge Family & Children’s Service

Visit Flour Bakery’s new Cambridgeport location at 40 Erie Street in Cambridge for the seventh annual cookie swap! Bring two dozen cookies to swap with Flour staff and customers on Sunday, December 11, at 3 p.m. Ticket proceeds benefit Cambridge Family & Children’s Service and can be purchased by emailing Jessica ([email protected]).

December 20 :: “A Christmas Carol” with Rosie’s Place and WBUR

WBUR radio personalities perform a special reading of the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol” at the Omni Parker House on Tuesday, December 20, at 7 p.m. Hot cocoa and holiday cookies will be provided during intermission, and holiday cards and jewelry from the Women’s Craft Cooperative will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Rosie’s Place, and tickets are available here.

Rachel Wilson
Rachel is a native of the West Coast and didn't know that her straight hair could frizz until she made the move East! After earning a Master of Environmental Management from Yale, she moved to Boston for a job opportunity and, on her first Saturday night in the city, met the man who would become her husband. They married in 2012 and are learning more every day about how to be parents to daughters Annabel (2013) and Eleanor (2016). Rachel and her family recently relocated from Charlestown to the Metrowest suburbs and are enjoying their yard, but dislike shoveling snow from their driveway. Rachel currently works as an energy and environmental consultant, and wore Birkenstocks before they were trendy. Likes: her family, her in-laws, cooking ambitious meals and leaving the dishes for someone else, hiking, running, yoga, climbing mountains, reading books, farmers' markets and her CSA, dark chocolate peanut butter cups, the sound of her daughters' laughter, and coffee Dislikes: running out of milk, New England winters, diaper rash, wastefulness, cell phones at the dinner table