Oprah’s Angel Network

The holidays are a time for giving thanks, and for many, they’re also a time for giving back. Check out these stories from members who are making the holidays a little brighter for those in need.

Do you have a holiday tradition of giving back? Tell us about it.

Missouri Teacher Helps Poverty-Stricken Students

“About seven years ago, I watched a show where Oprah spoke of her childhood Christmas and the nuns who made a difference. I cried as I shared the story with my class and told them I wished I could do that for our children. A single girl spoke up and said “We can!” More from Giving the Gift of Christmas

Your small actions can put a big smile on a child's face this holiday season.

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Member Makes Christmas Happen During Hard Financial Times

“I live in a small town outside Canada’s capital city of Ottawa. Many are families with one or two parents working minimum wage jobs, who find themselves facing unexpected financial challenges or laid off. This means Christmas does not exist for them.” More from In Hard Financial Times, Neighbors Create Happy Christmas

Atlanta Member Sponsors a Family for Christmas

“I have always had a passion for helping others. In late 2008, I contacted child protective services in Atlanta, GA, to see if there was a family that I could sponsor for Christmas that year. Since then, my boyfriend and I together have adopted three more families and have helped them get through hard economic times!” More from Helping Families in Atlanta

Mom Makes Holiday Giving a Family Affair

Involving your children in charitable decisions sets them up to be lifelong givers.

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“Every December my family rounds up all the charitable solicitations we’ve collected over the last year and sorts them. My husband and I consider with our two teenagers how to give away a portion of our annual contributions to charities and causes. We all have to agree that a cause is worthy before a check goes out.” More from Sharing the Gift of Giving With Kids

What You Can Do

After reading these stories, are you inspired to do something special? Not sure where to start?

Consider being an “angel” to a person or family you know. If you know someone who’s been struggling this year and could use some extra cash, check out Giving Anonymously. The goal of Giving Anonymously is to enable you to be your own charity, and for you to give anonymously to those around you in need.