November brings with it the deepening of the holiday season, and this November is no exception. The onset of the holidays is always a welcome time for me and for those around me. But it’s also a moment, isn’t it, to really—what’s the word—focus on the family? (And by "family," I mean not just the traditional 2.5-kid unit but also any collection of people you might spend the holidays with.) For many of us, that's some kind of cozy indoor situation, with a decent meal and possibly a fruitcake, if your family tradition calls for one. Of course, not all of us have a warm home, a loving family, or a simple situation to get through the holidays in. What should we do, then, to lend a hand to the other half that might need it a little more than we do?

Here are some ways you can help ease the suffering of the many families in our community right now.

Blankets

With the temperatures dropping, a warm blanket can make a world of difference. We have a special need for sturdy, heavy blankets.

Warm Pajamas

Cozy pajamas can bring comfort and warmth to children and adults alike. For that reason, we are seeking donations of warm pajamas in all sizes.

Basic Hygiene Items

Toiletries are basic, but surprisingly, many families served by our partners don’t have them. You can make a family's holiday season by donating items like toothpaste, face soap, and shampoo.

Toys

You know what brings a smile? Toys. They don't have to be big or too expensive to do that, either.

Diapers and Wipes

Parenting is hard enough without the added strain that some families feel when it comes to providing the basic necessities for their children. Diapers and wipes are two such necessities.

Gift Cards

Gift cards can go a long way this time of year. They allow families to pick out just what they need from a selected merchant of your choice.

If you're not sure how to assist, sending direct financial contributions to family-oriented nonprofits is a solid choice. Those groups usually know well how to translate cash into meaningful assistance for family units—working with the kinds of resources and connections that make them good intermediaries for sorting out aid. What's more, they're the kinds of places where you can really count on your giving to make a difference.

Let's unite as a community to bring brightness to this holiday season for everyone. By reaching out to those who need extra help right now, we can make love, joy, and hope the watchwords of this time of year.