Written by Nicole Scopelliti | Photo by Trevor Meyer
It’s easy to get caught up in incessant trips to the mall and never-ending shopping lists during the holiday season. The holidays have evolved into a time for buying dad another bag of socks that he is bound to lose, and for mom, another shower gel set that she will happily accept but never use. It’s time to switch up this holiday ritual. You can achieve this in a productive way l
by giving back to your community in a multitude of ways. Volunteering is a perfect way to spread cheer to someone in need, and it’s also a way to connect with groups in your community. Plus, you can bring your friends and family along and make volunteering an annual holiday tradition. Along with volunteering, you might consider donating to a charity or supporting a brand that helps those in need. With so many options, you’re likely to discover a method of giving back that not only helps others, but makes you feel good on the inside too.
Sackcloth & Ashes
Beneath this company’s stunning social media platforms and charming website is a memorable story and a mission that challenges traditional ways of giving back to the community. For each blanket you purchase from Sackcloth & Ashes, the company will donate one to a local shelter in your community. Not to mention, Sackcloth & Ashes also originated and operates in Oregon. Support a local business this holiday season!
Bob Dalton, the creative mind behind Sackcloth & Ashes, was inspired to start the business after his own mother became homeless, and he discovered that local homeless shelters were most in need of blankets. From this point, he began making the blankets himself, until he decided to get local seamstresses on board with the project. Shortly after, the company was featured on Instagram’s official account and sales took off. The mission of Sackcloth & Ashes, according to Bob, is simply to “empower the consumer to actually make a difference in their local town.” The company offers various types of blankets, including blankets intended for indoor use, and blankets intended for outdoor use. Bob also plans on launching many new products throughout next year. Sackcloth & Ashes aims to combat social injustices and make a lasting change in the lives of others. Bob chooses to live out this philosophy in his own life, and encourages other to do the same. Bob suggests that there are two questions that can help one discover their life purpose: “One: what brings you joy? Two: what injustices do you hate more than anything in the world? When you can answer both of those questions, then you’ve discovered your life’s purpose.” You can buy Sackcloth & Ashes products at SackclothandAshes.com. Consider buying blankets as gifts for friends and family. They won’t disappoint.
Boy Scout Christmas Tree Pick-Up
Help support the legacy of outdoor adventure, friendship and leadership by participating in a local Christmas tree pick-up program. If you’re displaying a tree in your home this season, let the Boy Scouts take it off your hands once the holiday festivities have quieted down. All that is required of you is to have your tree in front of your house by a designated time (usually 8 a.m.), so that the Scouts can pick it up. There is a $10 fee for the service, which is used to fund exploration and leadership trips throughout the year. You can mail the check to the designated address: Boy Scout Troop 182, Irving Grange, PO Box 40566, Eugene, OR 97404. For more information on specific pick-up dates and times, refer to the troop’s website, ScoutTroop182.org.
Sponsor a Diner
Many people in the community face hunger and malnutrition, and luckily, many organizations are striving to end these pervasive issues. Food for Lane County’s The Dining Room is located at 270 East Eighth Ave. in Eugene and serves up to 300 guests in need per day. It is completely free of cost, and diners of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. The Dining Room operates like any other restaurant and offers its guests a variety of nutritious, filling meals and dishes, including vegetarian options. A donation of $18 will provide a diner with three months of meals at The Dining Room. To make a donation, you can visit FoodforLaneCounty.org or text “fullplate” to 41444.
Locks of Love
If you’ve got it, cut it! Donating to Locks of Love is a quick and effective way to give back to those in need as long as you have 10 inches of hair or more to donate. Locks of Love donates hair to children experiencing medical hair loss of all varieties, and their goal is to provide children with the confidence they need to participate in and enjoy activities essential to childhood. The donation process is straightforward, and simply requires you to mail in the hair you wish to donate. For more instructions, visit LocksofLove.org.
Shopping for a Cause
Donating your time to an organization is a great way for college students on a budget to help their community. By volunteering your time, you can help children in Lane County have a memorable holiday season this year. The non-profit organization Christmas for Kids of Lane County needs volunteer shoppers to choose toys and clothing from children’s wish lists. Join them on December 9 at 8pm at the Target on West 11th.
 

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Giving Back during the Holiday Season