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When you think of holiday gifts, you usually think of family first and then others. It’s only natural. Here in Las Vegas, there are so many people that don’t have that luxury. Many children attending local schools not only have no idea where their next meal is coming from, they also don’t know where they’ll be spending the night. Various organizations in town have been started to help all those who need assistance. So give today, give wisely and know that you have provided hope to the hopeless and help to those who otherwise may not have a Merry Christmas.

If you decide to “adopt-a-family” for the holidays, you will be given a wish list submitted as part of their application process. You can pick and choose which items you prefer to provide for them, the only stipulation being that all toys and clothing must be new. By “adopting,” you help provide a better holiday for a needy family who may otherwise go without. The website says, “All donations made through this holiday program stay in southern Nevada and benefit families throughout Las Vegas and the surrounding communities.” To get involved this season, please fill out the registration form and fax it back to (702) 836-2188 or contact Abby Quinn at (702) 369-4357.

Three Square desperately needs donations of food and time. As a volunteer, you can help assemble backpacks for kids, which contain weekend food for children in need. You can help package over 10,000 fresh, nutritious meals per week for children in after-school programs and during school holidays. You can also volunteer to help with food drives and other special events. Assistance with mailings and clerical duties are always appreciated. As well, you are invited to organize your own food drive to benefit Three Square. This organization also caters, with all proceeds going to its programs and the needy it serves.

Related: Best Places to Buy Homemade Gifts in Las Vegas

Michael Spada wants nothing for himself. He is grateful for his blessings and for the chance he has been given to fight cancer with the support of his family and the staff at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. All he wants is to help in providing comfort and warmth for other children fighting this insidious disease. His letter says it all. Read it here.

Josh Stevens was a kind, loving Las Vegas boy who tragically died from a freak accident just before he turned 13. The Josh Stevens Foundation was created to honor his life and example. His parents believe that children should be recognized and rewarded for kind acts and that this will in turn inspire kindness in more children. The website says, “Genuine kindness born in the heart of a child deserves celebration.” Exemplary children are rewarded with a Kindness Card. This card includes a poem about the importance of kindness, Josh’s inspirational story and a silicone bracelet just for that child. The purpose of The Josh Stevens Foundation and the kindness card is to “remind children that there is a whole world needing kindness” and one small act can start a pay-it-forward chain of events. The organization wants children to know that “people really do appreciate their kind actions, even though most times they go unnoticed.” In this age of cruelty and bullying, this is a welcome ideal. The Josh Stevens Foundation appreciates donations towards its Kindness Crusade. Donations are now possible through PayPal.

Related: Top Holiday Volunteer Opportunities For The Family In Las Vegas