The holiday season isn't always easy. Be it Christmas music everywhere you go, spending hard earned time off having to travel across the country, or the constant crowds at every store, the season can take its toll. Despite these holiday anxieties, it's good to keep things in perspective and remember that it could always be worse.  Thankfully, it's easier now more than ever to do something about it.

Although the holiday season can be draining and not always pleasant, there are those who can't enjoy even the redeeming qualities of this time of year. Thankfully, it's easier now more than ever to do something about it.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has been fighting off Christmas sadness for 151 years and is always a good option for donations. Finding locations nearby is a cinch as "locations near you" is one of the first suggested results when entering "Salvation Army" in any browser. Gifts, clothes, and donations can be made in person, pick up, or even virtually. Even trees can be donated with their "Angel Tree Program".

Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots is a good standby that's been championing the toy efforts for kids and is widely recognized as a fantastic organization that has helped millions since 1947. Their site makes it easy to find a location, set up a local donation effort, or even request toys should you qualify as a family in need. 

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Nationwide Children's Hospital is an organization that works directly with children who are hospitalized for various reasons. Much like many other organizations, people have the option to donate directly or indirectly, cash or toys. Whichever you choose, it will make a child's stay during the holiday a bit more bearable.

Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation

This is a good option that's specific to cancer. It's hard to be a human and not have cancer affect your life in one way or another. So if you're extra empathetic to children who are fighting cancer, this is the foundation to consider. If not this, the Bear-able Gifts Program is the organization they go through, so you can go directly to them as well. 

While there's numerous national foundations and organizations out there that are fighting the endless battle with sadness and suffering, nothing beats local efforts. If major organizations feel too corporate or too removed from the cause then a smaller organization is the way to go. You can be connected directly with kids in need and actually see the good that your contribution makes. Regardless of how you do it, if you donate in any shape or form, you've done a good thing. It is the true spirit of the holiday that time and again gets lost in the commercialization of the season, but when you give a gift, you give hope and happiness and there is hardly a greater joy than that.