'Tis the season of giving, and while presents for family and friends may come with the territory, it's important to remember the essence behind why we give in the first place. We are still living through uncertain and precarious times, and many people (across the country and globe) are struggling to make ends meet. And this is unfortunately true whether we're in a pandemic, amid rising inflation rates or just simply living in any ol' year. That’s why giving back — in whatever way you can — is vital during the holiday season and beyond.

Beyond simply making the world a better place (the only reason you really need, TBH), giving back actually has some profound psychological benefits. Researchers have found that being of service is a powerful contributor to lasting happiness. The act of giving actually stimulates the pleasure center within the brain. This quote, attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, sums it up perfectly: "For it is in the giving that we receive."

"For it is in the giving that we receive."

Due to the largest inflation rate in 40 years, many people are hurting financially this year. And, as of October 2022, 60 percent of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, according to a recent LendingClub report. That's why we've rounded up several ways to give back this holiday season that don’t involve opening your wallet. However, if you do have the means to donate, we've also put together some ideas for how to make the most out of your donations.

Above all, “giving back” means being intentional about the ripple effect your actions have on the the world no matter what form they take. Read on for some suggestions on how to help for the holidays.

Donate Your Time or Talent

1. Write a "Letter of Love"

There is something incredibly special about receiving a hand-written note of encouragement and love from someone. Through the organization Letters of Love, you can send heartfelt letters to patients in children's hospitals around the globe. Letters of Love is also organizing letters to be sent to Ukrainian refugee kids and mothers in Europe through the help of their partners Frontier Horizon, Letters of Hope for Ukraine and the United Nations Refugee Agency.

2. Volunteer for a Cause

There are countless non-profit organizations that are creating powerful change throughout the world. Find a cause that resonates with you and volunteer your time.

Passionate about taking care of the Earth? Join an action pod for Greenpeace. Eager to dismantle food inequity? Check out our list of both local and national organizations to support through volunteering.

Many public libraries and schools offer services such as resume proofreading or job interview practice — and many are now virtual. Harness your individual expertise and teach your talents to someone who may not have otherwise had the opportunity. Bottomless Closet provides career training for women, and Built by Girls provides mentoring to girls interested in tech careers.

3. Bring Holiday Cheer to the Elderly

The holidays are often an isolating time for elderly folks who may be away from family (if any). Check in with local senior care facilities to see if there are safe ways to bring some holiday cheer to their residents. Maybe that means making some greeting cards or offering to help with shopping — a simple yet heartfelt gesture can really boost someone's mood during the holidays.

Meals on Wheels is a nationwide network of community-based, non-profit programs that delivers nutritious meals to seniors. Find a local chapter to start delivering meals. If you're a New York City local, the organization JASA provides critical services to senior citizens in NYC, including at-home meal deliveries, social programming and health services.

4. Be a Good Neighbor

Check in with your neighbors, especially older ones who may be living solo. Offer to pick up groceries, shovel the sidewalk, hang decorations or even just chat — a little bit of connection goes a long way!

And remember, being a good neighbor extends beyond your physical community. Prioritize gratitude (say "thank you" to waitstaff and other workers) and compassion (offer help or empathy when you see it's needed) wherever you go this season — you never know who you might affect.

RELATED: How to Strengthen Your Empathy Muscle

Donate Money or Goods

1. Give to Organizations You Trust

If you don't already have a recipient organization you trust, finding one may take a little effort — though it will be time well-spent.

As Elisabeth Dawson, a financial expert and founder of COPIA Wealth Management, told SELF, “You [want to] know your donation is going in the right direction, aligned with your beliefs. Do your homework and read their mission statement and goals.” Charity Navigator is a great tool for informed giving: Use it to discover charities and learn how each organization puts their donations to use. If you want to check if your charity of choice is a qualified organization, you can do so by using the Internal Revenue Service's searchable database of charities.

Not sure where to even start? We've got you. Check out this list of social justice organizations as well as this list of organizations working in food and health policy to find a well-deserving charity that could use your support.

2. Make a Statement With Your Wallet

When you do buy gifts for loved ones and friends, be conscious of where you're spending your money. You can treat your loved ones to presents while still giving back this holiday season by supporting local businesses, mom-and-pop shops, artists and more.

Many Black-owned businesses were disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic. While it may feel like we're out of the COVID-19 woods (so-to-speak), many businesses are still feeling the effects. From beauty to home decor and so much more, check out this list of over 100 Black-owned businesses (compiled by The Strategist) to shop at this season (and beyond).

RELATED: 12 Black Pioneers Who Changed Health and Wellness

Looking for a book? Bookshop helps local and independent bookstores. You can search for a specific bookstore through their database and that bookstore will receive the full profit from your order. If you don't have a shop i mind, your order will contribute to an earnings pool that is evenly distributed among independent bookstores (even some that don’t use Bookshop).

3. Donate Goods to a Local Shelter or Food Bank

Find a local food bank or homeless shelter that needs your help for the holidays. You can even start your own drive in your building or neighborhood. Search for your local shelter on Homeless Shelters Directory, for a local food bank through Feeding America's website or for a local food pantry on FoodPantries.org.

When giving back this holiday season, don’t forget that while canned goods and non-perishables are helpful, non-food items (e.g. soap, toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper and feminine hygiene products) are just as important.

4. Give a Toy to a Child in Need

With the number of unemployed Americans around 6.1 million as of publication, many parents might be fearing how they will provide food for their families, let alone toys for the holidays. Toys for Tots has a virtual toy box so that you can donate a toy to a child in need without even leaving your house. Just drag and drop the picture of the toy into the box and brighten a child’s holiday.

5. Support Schools

Regardless of the year, school budgets are always tight, often forcing teachers to buy their own school supplies. This year, give back to the teachers working to enrich the lives of the next generation. Check in with your kids’ school or a school in your neighborhood to see if they have specific needs for school supplies.