There is no better way to end the year than by giving back to your community. Here are a few simple steps you and your family can take this holiday season to make a difference in the lives of individuals experiencing hardships.

1. Visit the Nonprofit Showcase

We have indispensable nonprofit organizations in the Kearney area. The programs and services provided by these local nonprofits help develop and enrich our community in numerous ways, enhancing the quality of life for many individuals and families. To highlight these efforts, the Kearney Chamber of Commerce is hosting the second annual, virtual Nonprofit Showcase, presented by D'Creamery, running November 1st through November 30th.

2. Volunteer

The best way for an immediate impact is by volunteering. With the holidays right around the corner, there are multiple opportunities to have an impact in your community. Help kids pick out presents for mom and dad or write a letter to Santa, deliver a meal to a senior citizen, reduce youth substance use and youth suicide, or load delivery vehicles with gifts and toiletry items for local families. Many nonprofits need your talents just as much as your financial support.

3. Purchase Items to Give Away

Whether giving back is already a family tradition or you want to start something new, pull your loved ones together and do something special for others — opportunities to lend a helping hand are plentiful. Adopt-A-Family with the Kearney Family Foundation program to provide gifts and clothing. Purchase a turkey or pie for holiday meals distributed by the Kearney Food Pantry. Drop off diapers for new moms at the Parkville Women’s Clinic. Another great way to give back is by leveraging the product or service you've already built or developed.

5. Donate

You can make a big difference by donating to an organization whose mission you believe in. Even the smallest cash donations go a long way in assisting those in need. At Fulfillment House, just $25 can provide an associate one day of meaningful and enriching employment opportunities. At Northland Therapeutic Riding Center, $50 will pay for a rider's helmet, one lesson for a rider, or a round bale of hay for the horses. You could fund a scholarship or provide opportunities to enrich the educational experience for students and staff of the Kearney School District through the Education Foundation.

Imagine how great it would feel to know that you are removing barriers and helping another human reach their full potential. Many companies will match your donations to a nonprofit. This is an easy way to increase a nonprofit's cash flow without adding additional expenses on your end.

5. Vote for Your Favorite

Help give a $500 grant to one local nonprofit by simply voting for your favorite charity in the Nonprofit Showcase. Invite your friends to vote too.

If you feel the urge to give back in some way, and you don't already make service a part of your life, realize that you don't need to save the world to be useful. Instead, find the example on this list that works for you and take the first step. Every journey starts with a first step. Even if you do just one great thing this month, you'll make a difference.

To learn more about supporting Kearney area charities, visit the Nonprofit Showcase .

KPGZ News - Stacie Bratcher contributed to this story