Tis the season when we share, giving away a little of what we have. New England is particularly tough given our hard winters. There’s no shortage of great organizations you can donate to, helping families around the world and around the country. But here are a few local places where you can send donations this holiday season and know that they're going to someone in need living right here in Rhode Island.

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is a great organization with a widespread net of donation events coming up all across the state. Ocean State Job Lots, Clements Market, Eastside Marketplace, and those are just some of the locations where events are happening over the next two months. Check out the complete link for all the when and wheres you can donate.

photo courtesy of Stacey Doyle Photography — photo courtesy of **Stacey Doyle Photography**

Sojourner House provides support, advocacy, housing, and education for domestic and sexual abuse victims. Donating here helps bridge the gaps in funding across all aspects of their program. They have many ways to give and help, you can see all of them here. If giving your time is something that interests you, Sojourner House also has volunteer opportunities.

Crossroads Rhode Island is the largest homeless organization in RI and does a lot for those in need struggling in the Ocean State. Many of the less fortunate people in our little state seek refuge at Crossroads, this includes families with children. To donate to Crossroads click here.

AmazonSmile is a way for you to shop the same old Amazon while giving back to your favorite (local) charity, organization, or school at the same time. Follow this link and search by charity name or location. After that, Amazon will give 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the organization of your choice. A great note to leave on is that AmazonSmile is an ongoing opportunity, and you should absolutely check it out because it is one of the easiest ways to give.

No matter which one you choose, remember that many of us are very, very fortunate to live the life we have. And even giving just a little could help to change the course of someone’s life this season and beyond.

Thanks for reading and I hope you have the best of holidays this year!

+ Colin Carlton