Cuddling up on the couch under a warm blanket, might keep you cozy, but if you really want that warm and fuzzy feeling, consider giving back! Today while watching the local news, I heard about NBC journalist Ann Curry’s challenge for #26ActsofKindness in memory of everyone that was killed in Newtown, CT on Friday. What an awesome idea and a way to do something, instead of feeling helpless!

I loved hearing the stories of people buying a stranger’s groceries, leaving a card with cash in it on a random car with a note that says in memory of a life lost at Sandy Hook, donating toys for needy kids, and the list goes on and on.

Of course, there are so many ways to participate, even without spending a large amount of money. You could help someone load their groceries into their car, swing by a local nursing home and visit, volunteer at a local food bank, share a coupon with someone in line at the store, bake some goodies for your local first responders, etc.

Want to make a donation to a charity? There are many wonderful charitable organizations in need of funds. Shot@Life is working to raise $20,000 by December 31 to help deliver life-saving vaccines to children in developing countries. Currently, they’ve raised a little over $7,000 towards their goal. For just $20, you can help save a child’s life with immunizations that protect them from preventable diseases. Last year 1.3 million children lost their lives to pneumonia, this could have been prevented with proper vaccination.

As you look for the perfect gift for everyone on your list, please consider one of Shot@Life’s gift packages:

Shot@Life is a UN Foundation Campaign, and your donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Join us and others as we give back this holiday season, I can’t wait to perform #26ActsofKindness, and hopefully make someone’s day a little brighter!