Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season

With the end of the calendar year fast approaching, we find ourselves on the doorstep of the holiday season, one marked by a distinct spirit of giving. This is a time to celebrate our loved ones by giving them personal and thoughtful gifts, but it is also a time to give back to our community. Empowering others to pay it forward is very important to us here at the Touro Infirmary Foundation, so we offer you a few ways to express your gratitude to our New Orleans community that will make an impact and ensure that we start off on the right foot as we walk together into the new year.

Food Bank Volunteering

Food has the distinct ability to bring people together, especially during the holiday season. Help others share the happiness that comes from a meal served with love by volunteering your time to a local food bank. Check out organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank or New Orleans Food Pantry. Any type of volunteering during is impactful and not just during the holidays. If food bank volunteering is not for you, considering volunteering at a hospital such as Touro Infirmary.

Toy Donation

Here’s a way to give back, while also cleaning out your children’s toy chest! There are countless organizations around the city that accept new and gently used toy donations and what better way to show that you care while putting smiles on the faces of our community’s youngest residents? Consider donating to Children’s Hospital.

Nursing Homes

Offer both your presents and your presence to a nursing home in your area. Help with meal distribution, hang decorations, and chat with residents to make them feel included and cared for by fellow members of their community. Consider volunteering at Woldenberg Village by contacting Rita Austin at 504-367-5640.

Giving

Time is always a gift to those who receive it. Since time is a luxury and not always available, financial gift-giving in any amount is another option to give back this time of year. The age old saying that “no amount is too small” is truer today than ever. Friend raising and micro giving are making great impacts in people’s lives all over the world. Consider supporting the Touro Infirmary Foundation this Giving Tuesday. Donations to the Touro Infirmary Foundation support the purchase of vital equipment, help fight transportation barriers for cancer care patients, support new parents with education classes, and so much more. Visit www.touro.com/give and direct your donation to an area of healthcare that is meaningful to you.

While exchanging gifts with your loved ones can be a wonderful holiday tradition, nothing can compare to the feeling of joy you get from giving back. We hope you are inspired to get involved in your community this season, and wish you Happy Holidays from our Touro Infirmary family!