Make someone merry and bright this month by partaking in one (or all) of the local acts of kindness below. Not only will you fill someone else’s heart with joy, but your own as well!

1. Next time you’re buying a cup of Joe, pay for the customer’s coffee behind you.

2. Bake (or buy) an assortment of cookies and bring them to a neighbor or the local firehouse or police station.

3. Organize a caroling group and sing your holiday favorites at a nearby senior living facility.

4.  Make a monetary or food donation to the Food Bank of El Dorado County. For more details, visit foodbankedc.org/give-help.

5. Leave a holiday-inspired “Thank You” card (with or without a small tip or gift card) for your mail carrier.

6. Create “mini holiday hygiene packs” and pass them out to the homeless.

7. Volunteer to babysit for a friend or family member who’s particularly sleep-deprived. 

8. Donate blood at the Marshall Community Blood Center (681 Main Street, Suite 211, Placerville) on Thursdays, or BloodSource (3105 Cedar Ravine, Suite 102, Placerville) Tuesdays through Saturdays. For hours and eligibility, visit marshallblood.org or bloodsource.org.

9. Know someone who’s new to the neighborhood and may not have family nearby? Invite them to partake in your holiday celebration.

10. Bring a few colorful bouquets to the nearest hospital and ask them to be put in the rooms of patients who don’t get a lot of visitors. 

— Megan Wiskus  |  The 10 Spot photo © travnikovstudio/fotolia.com.