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The holiday giving season is already upon us. As 2023 winds to a close, Dino Rizzo, the founder of Servolution, emphasizes how important giving back is during the holidays.

The Christmas season is synonymous with giving, but so much of that is focused on giving gifts to loved ones. While that certainly isn't a bad thing, the true spirit of the holiday season is giving back to those who need it in the community.

There are many different ways that churches and their members can serve this holiday season. Pastor Dino Rizzo provides some ideas for doing so below.

Set Up a Giving Tree

While many people worry about making the holiday season special with the right gifts, decorations, and more, there are plenty of people in communities throughout the world who are simply wondering where they're going to get their next meal.

If churches really want to spread the word of Jesus and make an impact in the community, a great way to start is by helping to feed the hungry. Children who live in poverty are some of the most vulnerable to going hungry. And during this global food crisis, it's becoming harder and harder for families to afford food or even find it.

Dino Rizzo says that churches can set up a Giving Tree to help become part of the solution. Churches can sign up for a Giving Tree kit through Compassion International that will provide them with 48 printed ornaments that offer ways to provide food for a child or an entire family.

There are handouts and helpful resources that come along with it, and there's a giving option for any budget.

The kits are completely free for churches to obtain, and the church community can help by donating to the cause.

Stuffing Stockings for Those in Need

Stuffed stockings are something that every child looks forward to receiving during the holiday season. Yet, there are many people who will never receive a stocking, and they are the ones who are most in need.

Dino Rizzo says that churches can get creative this holiday season by stuffing stockings full of needed items for single moms, veterans, the elderly, and/or the homeless.

Suggested items include coloring books, crayons, and games for children; everyday necessities such as toothpaste and a toothbrush, soap, socks, deodorant, and a comb or brush; and even gift cards to local grocery stores or food marts.

The church can coordinate receiving donated items and hold a "stuffing party" around the Thanksgiving holiday. Then, they can give them out in December to those in the community who need them.

Christmas Shopping Mall Experiences

Dino Rizzo's Servolution suggests that churches can host free Christmas Shopping Mall experiences for parents. At the events, they can personally choose and wrap gifts for their children, get free treats, sing Christmas carols, and play games, all while receiving prayers and hearing about the Gospel.

These events are a great way for churches to support those in need in the community and reach more people who they may have been missing in the past.

About Dino Rizzo

Dino Rizzo, a 35-year ministry veteran, co-founded Healing Place Church with his wife, DeLynn, where he served as senior pastor for two decades. Through his passion for inspiring believers to serve their communities, Dino Rizzo founded Servolution and authored "Serve Your City." As Executive Director of ARC (Association of Related Churches), Rizzo oversees the planting of over 1,000 churches worldwide and is on the Senior Leadership Team at Church of the Highlands.