It’s easy to take a lot of our holiday basics for granted. While presents, delicious baked goods, and warm fires may seem like a given during the holidays, for millions of people that’s not the case. Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to give back during the holidays. Here are just three ways that you can brighten someone’s Christmas morning and help make the world better.

Clean Out the Closets

Take some time as a family to go through the closets to donate lightly used items. Build a collection of gently used toys, clothes, kitchen appliances, furniture, tools, and electronics. Consider donating anything that hasn’t been used in the past year. Get the whole family involved to teach your family about giving back. You can even ask the younger kids to draw some Christmas cards. After you’ve rounded up your donations, head to the local shelter or donation center.

Bake Cookies

Baking cookies is another perfect opportunity to get the whole family involved. Spend a few hours baking cookies for the local fire and police station, post office, nursing homes, homeless shelters, veteran center, or anywhere you want to give back to someone in need of a little extra love. Homemade cookies are full of love and appreciation and are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face this holiday season.

Arrange a Food Drive

No one should go to bed hungry, especially during the holidays. Food banks and homeless shelters are always in need of food. Organize your local community to donate food and supplies. Be sure to ask your local shelter what items they need the most. Ask your neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family to contribute. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a difference this holiday season.

Take some time this year to sit down with your family and discuss how you can help those in need. Whether you donate food, clothes, money, toys, or even your time, it will make a difference in someone’s life. Encourage your family and friends to give back and spread some cheer this holiday season. Even the smallest deed can make the world a little brighter.