The holiday season is a time to think about all the blessings we have received, and to consider paying it forward. If you want to give back to your community, you can always volunteer for or donate to different organizations to make a difference and improve the community.

If you love reading, you can get involved with “Traveling Stories,” a non-profit organization looking for students who can read to children for at least an hour. It hosts readings in City Heights and in Linda Vista. People who don’t want to read stories can always become “Story Tent Pioneers,” volunteers who help set up the tents and aid the other volunteers. Being a Story Tent Pioneer does come with lots of responsibility, but the role shows commitment to helping children have a better future. To get involved, visit travelingstories.org.

Those who to give back to the community but don’t have enough time, can always help by donating used clothing. For example, “Gently Hugged” is a nonprofit that accepts clothing gently used by babies, from newborn to 12 months old. Students who have clothing for babies can always go to the organization’s website to find out where to bring clothes for babies that are in need. If you want to be more involved, you can always sign up on the website, gentlyhugged.org.

Now that you’re in college, you won’t need your old prom dresses anymore. Help out by donating them to “A Night to Remember Prom,” an organization that hosts a prom for high school students in San Diego county with special needs. Make someone feel beautiful just by donating the old dress that probably is in the back of your closet collecting dust. By donating, you allow these high school students to experience the prom of their lives. For more information, visit anighttorememberprom.com.

Giving back to the community doesn’t take much, but every kind gesture is going to make a difference. During this holiday season, don’t forget to give back.