Archives for 2020

Flu vs COVID-19: Prepping for Flu Season in a Pandemic

December 8, 2020 By Barbara Russo

Learn to tell the difference between a common cold, the flu, and COVID-19—and stay as safe as possible.

This year’s cold and flu season is a lot more complicated due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 39 million cases of influenza (a viral disease that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs). Most adults will get the common cold about twice a year—though children get it more often. This begs the question: What will cold and flu season be like during the pandemic?

How bad will flu season be in the U.S. this year?

Kelly Fradin, M.D., author of Parenting in A Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through COVID-19, looks for clues from Australia—where the flu season occurs before ours. “What we’ve seen in Australia is that there has been ninety-eight percent less flu than normal,” she says. “It’s been attributed to all the precautions that have been in place for coronavirus.”

Sharon Nachman, M.D., chief of the division of pediatrics infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, says the severity of flu season in the U.S. will depend on the individual—and what safety precautions they take.

“Among populations that are not going to be wearing masks, the flu season has good potential to be bad. We have a lot of people indoors, the weather’s getting colder, and it catches easily in households,” Dr. Nachman says. “However, among those populations that are being very careful by wearing masks and washing their hands, the potential is that we will have low transmission in those settings.”

Get the flu shot during COVID-19

Doctors recommend adults and children ages 6 months and older get the flu shot. Although there are no guarantees that the shot will prevent the flu, the illness won’t be as severe.

“Of the children who died last year of flu, more than eighty percent of them did not receive any flu vaccine,” Dr. Nachman says. “The flu vaccine may not prevent all disease, but it’s going to work hard at preventing hospitalizations, and will work even harder at preventing death.”

Shirin Peters, M.D., an internal medicine specialist, and founder, medical director, and primary care physician at Bethany Medical Clinic of New York, agrees that the flu shot is essential this year, “as it will prevent my patients from needing to seek care in a busy urgent care or emergency room, where they may be exposed to COVID-19 and other infectious illness.”

Is it a cold, flu, or COVID-19?

The symptoms for all three illnesses are similar, according to doctors including Myron Rolle, M.D., a resident at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General.

“Symptoms of the flu and cold are similar and often include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle and body aches, headaches, and fatigue, but the flu is more intense and comes on more abruptly,” Dr. Rolle said. These symptoms are so similar to those of COVID-19, that it’s often hard to make a diagnosis.

One distinguishing symptom of COVID-19 is anosmia—loss of smell (and often taste as well). Not all COVID-infected patients get anosmia and because the flu can cause a stuffy nose, it may still be a symptom that causes confusion.

Dr. Rolle recommends getting tested for COVID-19 if any flu-like symptoms occur in adults or kids. And don’t worry—tests will be available, Dr. Nachman says. “Many doctors are now starting to get rapid testing abilities in their offices, similar to rapid testing for flu and strep throat.” She believes that the frequency and ease of COVID tests will only increase. “The more resources to do this that are available, the more doctors are going to feel comfortable with testing.”

Take all COVID-19 precautions during flu season

As flu and cold season approaches, it’s more important than ever to take precautions such as washing your hands, wearing face masks, and social distancing. “The good news is that the same measures that help prevent the spread of COVID-19 can also help prevent the spread of the cold and flu viruses,” says Travis Stork, M.D., an emergency medicine physician.

And if you or your child get sick, doctors recommend rest, hydration, and a good diet to help your immune system. “Over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help with body aches and fever,” Dr. Stork says. “Eat a wholesome diet with plant-based foods that are loaded with antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables which will help your immune system fight off the infection. Get plenty of rest and if you get concerned, call your doctor.”

Barbara Russo is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the City University of New York. She enjoys playing guitar, following current events, and hanging out with her pet rabbits.

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How to Find the Best Pet for Your Family

November 24, 2020 By Lara Krupicka

When Erica Galligan’s children were young, her family tried adopting a dog. But allergy issues forced her family to return their pet to the breeder. Over time they found other alternatives, starting with a saltwater aquarium for their whole family and gradually adding freshwater fish and a tree frog for their sons. “I figured an aquarium was easy, low-maintenance, and fun to look at,” Galligan explains about their next step into pet ownership.

According to the America Veterinary Medical Association., 56% of U.S. households include a pet. But if yours isn’t among them yet, how do you find the right pet? Here are five factors to consider and a few tips for easing into pet ownership:

Amount of care and energy

Different types of pets require varying levels of commitment. Consider how much time you have available each day to care for a pet. Are you willing to walk a dog? Do you want to be regularly cleaning a hamster cage? Can you give a younger pet the extra attention they will require? How will you manage that puppy when it’s full-grown?

Sarah Collins, Adoption Team Leader for the Wisconsin Humane Society, advises, “Be honest about what you can handle. And remember that responsibilities will ultimately fall on the parents.” Aquarium pets, such as fish and dwarf frogs, require the least care. Next come tank- or cage-kept pets: snails, hermit crabs, birds, reptiles, rodents and rabbits. And then cats.

Aside from horses, dogs can be the most time-consuming pets, with some breeds needing large amounts of exercise. Recognizing the energy level of a dog before bringing it home can prevent any surprises related to care and exercise. Puppies particularly require attention, even if they have been housebroken. “The rule of thumb is to allow one hour for their age in months, plus one,” Collins says, explaining how long a puppy can wait before being let out. For example, a two-month old puppy would have to be walked every three hours, day and night. Knowing how much time you can invest in a pet may help to narrow your options.

Ages of kids and level of responsibility

Introducing a new pet into a home with very young children can be a challenge – for both the pet and the child. Toddlers don’t have the capacity to understand appropriate handling of animals and their quick motions can startle or scare pets. If you’re ready to bring home an animal while your children are young, make sure to consult pet store or humane society staff to find a pet whose personality melds well with active youngsters.

If your children are older, taking responsibility becomes more of an issue. Often kids want a pet without understanding the care involved. Discuss how much work they’re willing to assume and explain what is necessary for different pets.

Bridget Cahill drafted a contract with her three daughters before allowing them to purchase a tortoise. Then each girl signed the contract, agreeing to the responsibilities and consequences they’d outlined together. “It did say on the contract, ‘I will not throw a fit when you ask me to feed Nelly. I will do it lovingly and happily,’” she says.

Your Lifestyle

It’s easy to think a dog or cat would be fun to own – until you’re planning a trip and need to find a place for the pet to stay while you’re gone. If you travel often, this can quickly become a hassle. “It’s pretty easy to put a 10-day feeder in an aquarium,” notes Galligan. which makes fish a terrific option for families who are away from home frequently. For a busy family on the go, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs or other independent pets work well.

Space

It’s not necessary to have a fenced back yard – or any yard at all – to own a dog. But you should have in mind places to walk the dog and play with it. A small aquarium can go in a bedroom, like the freshwater fish tank one of Galligan’s sons keeps in his room. A litterbox can be kept in a laundry room or basement, as long as the cat has access.

Collins says, “If you have a small house or yard, you just have to be able to accommodate your pet’s needs.” It helps to think through placement of cages and other equipment before bringing a pet home. If you live in an apartment or condo, it is also important to check any rules that apply to pet ownership before bringing home any animal.

Read Next | An Open Letter to My Allergies

Allergies

People can be allergic to dogs, cats, birds, and even guinea pigs. Reactions such as itchy eyes, runny noses, rashes and asthma, come from a protein in pet dander and saliva, and occur in 15 to 30 percent of allergy sufferers (according to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America). Because the allergens stick to surfaces, such as clothing and walls, it’s important for those with pet allergies to avoid having the animals in their home, if possible.

But this doesn’t mean families with allergies can’t have a pet. Reptiles and amphibians don’t create the allergy-causing protein and should be safe. Or choose a pet requiring more regular grooming, such as a poodle or poodle-mix dog. Also note that the smaller the pet, the less dander is created to activate allergies. Ask your allergist or a veterinarian for recommended pet breeds. Collins advises, “If you’re not sure, get allergy tested by your doctor.”

Whatever animal your family chooses, you will find many benefits and rewards from being pet owners. It’s a lot of fun,” says Galligan. “It’s great for kids to grow up with the responsibility of someone other than themselves.” And given so many breeds and varieties out there, you’re sure to find a pet to fit your family.

Tips to Easing Into Ownership

If you’ve thought through these five factors but still need more reassurances to be confident in choosing a pet, consider trying one or more of the following:

Research

Galligan’s son developed an interest in freshwater fish before having his own aquarium. He read books from the library. He visited the pet store to investigate varieties. He learned all he could before convincing his parents to buy a freshwater aquarium.

Besides books and store staff, it can help to also speak to someone who owns a pet like the one you are considering. Cahill talked with a friend who owns a turtle before letting her daughters buy the tortoise.

Pet Sitting

The Cahills also had extensive experience caring for a variety of animals before they brought home their own pet. They watched friends’ fish, hamsters, several cats, hermit crabs and a number of dogs. And they used each of those experiences as an opportunity to talk about pet ownership.

“It’s totally different to have the animal every day,” Cahill notes. “It makes them see that it’s constant. There are certain things you have to do everyday.” She recommends having a child take on a pet sitting responsibility, even if it means simply going to a house to feed a pet or let a dog out for one day.

Start Simple

Not all pets are created equal. Which means you can choose to start with a low-maintenance pet to allow your children to learn responsibility before moving up to a bigger commitment. Cahill agrees. “I thought the tortoise would be great to ease in. The girls still clean, feed, and walk her in the summer.” Collins also recommends guinea pigs for families new to pet ownership. “They’re easy to hold and not as hard to take care of.”

By Lara Krupicka, a freelance writer and mom to three girls and one dog (and at various times, several beta fish and dwarf frogs).

Impress Your Kids With These Facts about Snow

November 23, 2020 By Staten Island Parent Staff

Snow is much more than white, wet and cold. There are many different facts about snow that make it unique and one of the more complex types of precipitation.

Although snow appears white because of the countless tiny surfaces of each snowflake crystal reflecting most of the wavelengths of light, snowflakes are actually colorless. Snow may take on other colors thanks to particulates in the air or even from different strains of algae.
Many places around the world hold certain world records pertaining to snow. The most snow to fall in a 24-hour period occurred in 1921 in Silver Lake, Colorado, where 76 inches of snow fell. However, the most snow to fall in one year took place on Mount Baker in the state of Washington. This area saw more than 1,000 inches of snowfall during the 1998-99 season.
The world’s largest snow sculpture was called “Romantic Feelings” and was 656 feet long and 115 feet tall. The sculpture was on display at the International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in Heilongjiang Province in China.
Snowflakes come in many different shapes, and their sizes are determined by how many ice crystals connect together.

It can be too cold for snow to form. Without enough water droplets in the air, snow will not fall during extremely cold weather.
The largest snowflakes ever recorded fell in the state of Montana. The snowflakes were 15 inches in diameter.
The average snowflake falls at a speed of 3.1 miles per hour.
Snow that has been compacted after multiple melting and refreezing cycles is known as snow pack.
A snowstorm describes a heavy snowfall that results in several inches of snowfall. A blizzard classifies a snowstorm combined with wind, obscuring visibility.
Snow will either melt or sublimate. Sublimation is when snow turns from a solid form into a gaseous form without an intermediary liquid phase.
Snow can be heavy or light depending on its water content.
An avalanche occurs when snow that has accumulated on a mountain is disturbed by a thermal or physical impact, which causes the snow to rush downhill in a large mass. Preceding an avalanche is a phenomenon known as an avalanche wind caused by the approaching avalanche itself, which adds to its destructive potential.

10 Thanksgiving Traditions for Families

November 23, 2020 By Sandy Wallace

Try out a new Thanksgiving tradition with your family this year. This list includes ideas for DIY holiday crafts, fun Thanksgiving-themed games, charitable activities, and more, all of which can help your family show gratitude and give thanks.

Yes, the highlights of Thanksgiving Day are watching the parade (and the game) and eating turkey. But this special holiday isn’t just about the entertainment and the food. This year, start a new tradition that brings out the importance and symbolism of the holiday. Begin by asking yourself what Thanksgiving means to you. Is it about faith? Family? Giving back to the community? Incorporate these ideals into your new tradition in a fun, creative way. Keep in mind the concept of Thanksgiving isn’t always easy for little ones to grasp, so involve your kids and give them a taste of what Thanksgiving is really about.

Construct a Family Tablecloth

Use a plain white tablecloth and fabric markers to personalize your Thanksgiving table before you lay out the turkey and stuffing. Have each person write their signature, the date, and what they are thankful for on the cloth before the meal begins. Use the same tablecloth each year and enjoy reading the old memories before adding new ones.

Create a Gratitude Tree

A gratitude tree is a fun way to share what Thanksgiving means to each person. Use a die cut machine or free-cut the shape of a tree with lots of branches from a brown 12-by-12-inch sheet of paper, then tape it to your dining room wall or attach it to the refrigerator. Cut out leaf shapes from various fall shades of paper.

Let each family member write something for which they are thankful on a leaf and attach to the tree with tape. Your tree will quickly take shape as the thankful leaves are added. You can add leaves daily during the month of November, or do it as a one-day project with the extended family on Thanksgiving.

Design a Family Cookbook

Does your family have some favorite traditional Thanksgiving foods? Type the recipes on the computer and print copies to give out to the extended family. Have kids decorate the recipes with drawings of each food, and then scan them onto the document. This works especially well with old family recipes that have been handed down. Older kids can help type the recipes on the computer, too. Or get fancy and make up a recipe photo book using a program such as Shutterfly.

Make Place Mats

Create handprint place mats for the kids by tracing each child’s hand onto a plain white paper place mat. Let each child use markers to decorate their handprint to look like a turkey and write their names on the place mat. Stickers and glitter can add fun for younger kids. This can also be a fun project for the kids to work on with your babysitter or nanny before the big day.

Pin the Feather on the Turkey

This game will keep the kids entertained while dinner is cooking. Make the turkey’s body by cutting a circle out of sturdy brown construction paper, and then a smaller circle for his head. Get creative by gluing on googly eyes, a beak, and a top hat. Let the kids come up with a name for Mr. Turkey before taping him to the wall in the dining room or living room. Make paper feathers in fall colors and have each child write their name on a feather. Attach tape to each feather and have the child close their eyes tightly and try to tape their feather onto Mr. Turkey.

Assemble a Gratitude Chain

Make a gratitude chain by cutting 6-by-1-inch slips of colored construction paper in shades of red, orange, and brown to incorporate a Thanksgiving theme. Let each person at your Thanksgiving dinner write one blessing they have received this past year or one thing for which they are thankful. Connect the ends on the first strip of paper with tape or glue and then connect each link to the chain. This is fun to work on all month with the family, too.

Volunteer

Start a new family tradition by giving back to the community. Check with your local community center or homeless shelter to see if they serve a Thanksgiving dinner. If so, volunteer as a family to work in the center’s kitchen for the day. This will teach your kids the value of giving back and show the importance of helping those who are less fortunate.

If you’re looking for a way to give back while getting some fresh air, look into participating in a local Turkey Trot. These races can be a great way to burn off that pumpkin pie and most Turkey Trots benefit local charities.

Donate to Charity

Thanksgiving is also a great time to sort through the kids’ toys and clothing and donate what they no longer need to a local homeless shelter, preschool, church, or nursery. Christmas is just around the corner, so you’re going to need some extra room anyway!

Let the children choose some toys to donate—just be mindful that little ones might have a difficult time letting go of things they’ve grown attached to, even if they haven’t played with them in a while. Explain to the kiddos that some little boys and girls don’t have many toys, and this is a way to share with other families.

Visit the Elderly

Do you live too far away from extended family to go home for Thanksgiving? Many local nursing homes or assisted living facilities run Adopt-a-Grandparent programs that strive to forge lasting relationships between seniors and members of the local community. You and the kids can visit with an elderly resident who doesn’t have family nearby nearby to celebrate the holidays with. Check with senior housing options near you to see if this program is available.

Have a History Lesson

Help the kids make pilgrim hats and read the story of the first Thanksgiving. Gather items to decorate the table like the pilgrims may have for the first Thanksgiving, such as leaves, pinecones, and a cornucopia filled with fruit. Talk together about how different life was for kids in 1621 compared to today. If you have older kids, let them do some research on the Internet and share what they learned with guests before Thanksgiving dinner. Make it a game to find a new, unusual fact about Thanksgiving’s past. Give a prize to the best answer.

However your family spends Thanksgiving, remember that giving thanks for the blessings in your life is what the day is all about, and family is one of the best blessings of all.

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Incredible Kids Recipients – October 2020

November 18, 2020 By Jeannine Cintron

Congratulations to Angelina Palmer,
Staten Island University Hospital’s Incredible Kid of the Month for October 2020!

The October recipient of Staten Island University Hospital’s Incredible Kids Awardsis four-year-old Angelina Palmer of Arden Heights. She was selected via voting process on the Staten Island Parent website, siparent-com.go-vip.net.

Angelina was nominated by her mom, Lisa Palmer, who said in her submission:

“During lockdown, Angelina came up with an idea of sending out pen pal (letters) to her cousins and friends as a way to stay connected. We called the pen pal initiative #projectfamily. Along with a poem, she sent items or crafts she knew would bring them some happiness during these dark times.”

“Angelina originally thought it would be fun to make little Descendant crafts to send to her cousins because she and her cousins loved the movie,” Mrs. Palmer told Staten Island Parent. “Then I explained how pen pals were kind of like text messages through the mail, and she wanted to start doing that too.” She started sending pen pal packages to long distance family members, grandparents, and especially her Aunt Alexa, who has been working hard as a nurse throughout the pandemic.

“So it started out as sending pen pals, and then crafts and little gifts, and then we created social media pages on Facebook and Instagram that offered ideas and activities to keep children entertained and their minds stimulated while stuck at home,” Mrs. Palmer said.

Her mom says Angelina cried tears of joy to learn she was being honored as October’s Incredible Kid because she was also named Student of the Month earlier that day at school.

Angelina will be featured in the upcoming December issue of Staten Island Parent. She also will receive a $150 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Staten Island University Hospital.

Angelina has generously chosen to donate her gift card to the Northwell Health Pediatric Cancer Center at Staten Island University Hospital, a decision inspired by a video she watched about a child from the center who was a recent Make-A-Wish recipient.

Staten Island’s Incredible Kids Awards recognizes and honors outstanding children in the community. Nominees have helped others in need, donated time or effort to an important cause, boast impressive achievements at a young age, or simply stand out for their kindness and compassion.

A new child will be honored in Staten Island University Hospital’s Incredible Kids Awards each month until June 2021. To nominate a child, go to siparent-com.go-vip.net/incredible-kids and upload a photo, then explain in detail why he or she deserves to be nominated.

Meet October’s Featured Pediatric Specialist

Staten Island University Hospital’s board-certified specialists evaluate and treat children and adolescents who exhibit a wide range of developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges.

Dr. Shahed Ahmed Quraishi
Director, Pediatric Cardiology

Staten Island University Hospital’s board-certified Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr. Shahed Quraishi, specializes in diagnosing and treating heart problems in children, and when indicated, consults with pediatric heart surgeons to determine the best treatment and intervention.

Click the button above to enter your child (or the child you feel deserves to be recognized) into Staten Island’s Incredible Kids contest!

Volunteer Opportunities For Kids and Families on Staten Island

November 13, 2020 By Jeannine Cintron

The holiday season is about giving, but not just material gifts. Spread some holiday cheer in Staten Island to those in need by volunteering and donating your time to a worthy cause. There are many ways kids and families can volunteer in Staten Island this year. You can help prepare or serve meals to those experiencing food insecurity, help a senior in need or donate your time to a local animal rescue. Even doing something as simple as making a greeting card from home can bring joy to a homebound senior or someone who may be alone this time of year.

Browse our guide to where kids and families can volunteer on Staten Island this holiday season. Most are designed to give kids the opportunity to volunteer, but some organizations do have age requirements. It’s a good idea to check the website or call in advance to find out about specific volunteering instructions. However you choose to volunteer in Staten Island this holiday season, it’s sure to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

1. New York Cares

65 Broadway, Manhattan, with volunteer opportunities on Staten Island
212-228-5000
Facebook • Instagram

For the last 30 years, New York Cares has organized the city’s largest winter coat drive, gathering more than 1.8 million winter coats. Last year, the organization collected and distributed 109,000 winter coats to families who would have otherwise faced a long, cold winter without one. For a map of drop-off locations where you can donate a warm coat to someone in need, visit newyorkcares.org. The organization also offers many volunteer opportunities, with more than 1,600 listed on their website per month, including opportunities for teens and kids older than 6.

2. South Shore Community Pantry

347-352-1447
Facebook • Instagram

Kids and families can volunteer on Staten Island at this South Shore food pantry that works to fill the gap of food insecurity around the borough. The organization is always looking for volunteers and donations. For more information, send a message through its Facebook page.

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3. City Harvest

6 E. 32 St., Manhattan, with volunteer opportunities on Staten Island
646-412-0600
Facebook • Instagram

City Harvest is a food rescue organization that helps to feed more than 1.5 million New Yorkers who are struggling to put meals on their tables. The organization plans to collect 111 million pounds of food this year and deliver it, free of charge, to hundreds of food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community organizations across the five boroughs. Visit the website to learn how you can help.

4. Meals on Wheels of Staten Island

304 Port Richmond Ave.
718-727-4435
Facebook • Instagram

Meals on Wheels serves to ensure elderly people in the community receive nutritious meals and the human connection they need to help them live independently by delivering two meals per day to senior citizens who live alone. Anyone older than 18 with a driver’s license and two free hours one morning per week can apply to deliver meals. To make a donation or find out about volunteering, visit the website.

5. Project Hospitality

100 Park Ave.
718-448-1544
Facebook • Instagram

Volunteer at this Staten Island-based organization that serves the hungry and homeless, people living with HIV & AIDS, the mentally ill and people battling addiction. The organization is always looking for volunteers, ages 16 and older, to assist in its soup kitchen, food and clothing pantries, with child-care services, tutoring, fundraising events, and more. Opportunities are available for children, too. They can run food drives, make reading kits, collect books and do lots more. For more information on volunteering and to download a volunteer application, go to projecthospitality.org.

6. Where To Turn Snow Shoveling for Seniors

22 Brienna Ct.
718-966-6531
Facebook • Instagram

The organization works to provide crisis relief services for victims of tragedies by aiding them in obtaining the help they need during the recovery process. There is also a snow shoveling program that matches student volunteers with seniors Island-wide. Last year, volunteers shoveled for more than 150 seniors. Kids can find out how to enroll in the program on the website.

7. Staten Island Zoo

614 Broadway
718-442-3100
Facebook • Instagram

Adults and children ages 14 and older can volunteer on Staten Island at the zoo any time of year. All volunteer candidates must fill out an application, which is available on the website.

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8. Staten Island University Hospital

475 Seaview Ave.
718-226-9132
Facebook

Staten Island University Hospital is looking for volunteers who are compassionate, professional, dedicated and reliable. There is also a junior volunteer program for students ages 16 or 17 with working papers. Volunteers hold a variety of positions at the hospital. They can be greeters, work in the gift shop, assist staff in the physical therapy department and much more.

9. Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue

800-477-9168
Facebook

Don’t forget about our animal friends in need this holiday season. Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue specializes in the rescue and placement of abused, disabled and/or injured and abandoned animals. Without the help of volunteers, many animal rescues such as this one would not exist. The organization is looking for volunteers on Staten Island who can fill a variety of roles. Volunteers can sponsor an animal, foster an animal in need, care for animals at various locations, do office work and so much more. Find out about volunteering on the website.

10. New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund

156 W. 56 St. Suite 901
646-731-9630
Facebook • Instagram

The organization works to provide financial assistance and a network of support to the families of New York City Police Officers, Firefighters, Port Authority Police and EMS personnel who were killed in the line of duty. It was run entirely by volunteers when it was founded over 30 years ago. Volunteers continue to play an important role in supporting the organization and are always in need. Contact the organization directly by phone or email at info@answerthecall.org to learn more.

11. DOROT

171 W. 85 St.
212-769-2850
Facebook

This organization helps seniors by providing an array of programs and services throughout New York City and Westchester. Youth and families can help by visiting elders at their homes to brighten their holidays, deliver holiday packages and creating birthday and holiday cards. Learn how you can support the organization on the website.

12. USPS Operation Santa

Facebook • Instagram

Help grant the wishes of children in need who write letters to Santa through the U.S. Postal Service each year. Generous volunteers can “adopt” a letter, buy the item requested and bring it to the post office to pay for the mailing of the gift to the child. Learn more about how to get involved during the holiday season on the website. Letter adoption begins Nov. 29.