For as long as I can remember, my family has made it a tradition to adopt local families in need during the holidays. It’s something we look forward to just as much as unwrapping presents or decorating the tree. Over the years, this tradition has become one of the most meaningful parts of our holiday season—and it’s shaped how I think about giving, gratitude, and community.

Now, as a college student at Michigan State University, I still take time each year to participate in this tradition with my family. In fact, it’s something I hope to continue for the rest of my life, and one day share with my own future family. If you’ve ever thought about giving back during the holidays but didn’t know where to start, I hope my story can help.

Why Adopting Families Matters

The holidays are often portrayed as a time of abundance—gifts under the tree, tables full of food, and happy gatherings. But for many families, especially those facing financial hardship, the season can bring stress, sadness, or even a sense of isolation. That’s why adopting a family—essentially sponsoring their holiday needs—can make such a difference.

When you adopt a family, you usually receive a “wish list” of items they need or hope to receive, such as clothes, toys, household essentials, or holiday meals. Then you shop for those items, wrap them, and deliver them through a partner organization. It’s a simple but powerful act of kindness that can bring joy, relief, and dignity to families who might otherwise go without.

For me, knowing that we’ve helped make someone’s holiday a little brighter—especially children—is the most rewarding gift I could ever receive.

How We Got Started

Our family’s journey with holiday giving began when my mom, Jennifer, got involved with local charities and shelters through her nonprofit, My Story, which donates journals and art supplies to kids. One year, she suggested we adopt a family for the holidays. I was probably in middle school, and I remember feeling excited about the idea of shopping not just for ourselves, but for another family who really needed help.

That first experience opened our eyes. We realized how many families in our own community were struggling—and how much it meant to be able to help, even in a small way. Since then, we’ve adopted multiple families each holiday season, working with local organizations like Care House of Oakland County and Jewish Federation.

It’s become a true family effort. My brothers, Jack and Greyson, help with shopping and wrapping. We all go out together, pick thoughtful gifts, and take time to write notes or decorate packages. It’s not just a task—it’s a bonding experience that brings us closer and reminds us of what the season is really about.

How You Can Start Your Own Tradition

You don’t need to run a nonprofit or have tons of extra money to adopt a family. You just need a willing heart, a little planning, and a desire to give back. Here’s how you can start:

1. Find a Local Organization
   Many community groups, shelters, religious organizations, and nonprofits organize holiday adoption programs. Reach out early—some families sign up for help in November or even October. Look for groups you trust or that are active in your area.
   
2. Get the Wish List
   Once you’re matched with a family, you’ll usually receive a list of needs and wishes. This can include children’s clothing sizes, favorite colors or toys, or household essentials. Try to follow the list thoughtfully, but don’t be afraid to add a little extra surprise.
   
3. Involve Everyone
   Make it a family event! Assign tasks—someone shops for clothes, someone else wraps gifts, another handles cards or delivery. It makes the process fun, meaningful, and collaborative.
   
4. Set a Budget
   Giving back doesn’t mean breaking the bank. Decide how much you can spend and stick to it. Even modest gifts can have a huge impact. Some families also do group giving with neighbors or friends to share the cost.
   
5. Add Personal Touches
   We love adding handwritten cards, homemade decorations, or little extras like hot cocoa or festive candles. These touches show that someone truly cared and took the time to make their holiday special.
   

More Than Just Gifts

What I’ve learned over the years is that adopting families is about more than gifts—it’s about showing people that they’re not forgotten. That their community sees them, values them, and wants to support them through tough times. It’s a reminder that kindness still exists, and that we all have a part to play in spreading it.

For me, this tradition has also sparked a bigger commitment to service. I continue to volunteer with groups like Chabad, Yad Ezra, and Make-A-Wish Foundation, and I donate to causes like ALS research and local shelters. Helping others has become part of who I am, and it all started with those first holiday shopping trips for families in need.

Final Thoughts

Holiday giving doesn’t have to be extravagant. It doesn’t require a huge organization or a massive effort. It just takes a little time, a little heart, and a desire to make someone’s season brighter.

Adopting a family has brought so much joy and meaning to my life, and I hope it inspires others to start their own traditions of giving. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just someone who wants to help, I promise this: the impact you make will last far beyond the holiday season.

Because in the end, the best gifts are the ones that come from compassion and those are the gifts we never forget.

The post Holiday Giving: How to Start a Family Tradition of Adopting Local Families in Need appeared first on Lily Krut.

Growing up in Birmingham, Michigan, volunteering was always part of my life. My mom, Jennifer, started a charity called My Story, and from a young age I helped her collect and donate journals and art supplies to kids in shelters. We also adopted local families over the holidays, helped with food drives, and gave back in other small but meaningful ways. That shaped how I see the world and taught me that no matter how busy life gets, there’s always room to help someone else.

In college, I’ve found that keeping this “conscience” alive—not just doing well academically, but doing good for others—makes everything more meaningful. And while it might seem overwhelming to balance volunteering with classes, clubs, and social life, it’s actually easier than you think once you know where to look.

Start with What You Care About

The first thing I learned about volunteering in college is that it has to start with something you genuinely care about. For me, that’s working with kids, creative arts, Jewish community work, and family-centered causes. That’s why I volunteer with Chabad at MSU, where I help with holiday events, meals, and activities that bring students together and keep us connected to our roots. I also support national organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and donate to causes like ALS and the Care House of Oakland County.

You don’t have to pick something big or dramatic to make a difference. Maybe you love animals—volunteer at a shelter. Maybe you’re good at tutoring—help younger students with homework. If you love the environment, there are clean-up projects and sustainability groups on most campuses. The best way to stay consistent with volunteering is to choose something that energizes you, not something that feels like another obligation.

Use Campus Resources

Colleges are full of opportunities—you just have to ask. One of the best places to start is your university’s student involvement or service-learning office. At MSU, we have a volunteer portal where students can browse service projects, local partnerships, and even sign up for one-time events like food drives or community clean-ups.

Another great resource is student clubs. Joining a club that already has a service component built in makes it so much easier to get involved. Through my participation in Jewish student organizations and fashion clubs, I’ve been able to combine things I love with causes I care about.

If you’re unsure where to begin, go to your campus involvement fair, sign up for email lists, or even ask your professors. Some classes at MSU actually require service hours as part of the curriculum, which is such a great way to get your feet wet.

Make Time in Small Doses

One of the biggest misconceptions about volunteering as a student is that it takes up too much time. Sure, we’re all busy with classes, studying, internships, and maybe even part-time jobs (shoutout to my summer work as a camp counselor at Elena Victoria Camps). But giving back doesn’t have to be a huge commitment.

Some of my favorite volunteer moments have been small—helping set up for a campus charity event, dropping off donated items to a shelter, or making care packages for local families. These quick acts of kindness don’t just help others—they also make you feel good in the middle of a stressful college week. They remind you that you’re part of something bigger.

Connect with Local Organizations

Don’t be afraid to look beyond campus, too. Local nonprofits are often thrilled to have college students involved, especially if you’re willing to bring friends. Whether it’s tutoring at a community center, helping at a soup kitchen, or joining in a seasonal giving program, these organizations always need extra hands.

Over the holidays, I still make time to work with my family to adopt local families in need and provide them with gifts. It’s something we’ve done for years and one of the most grounding traditions I have. Even though I’m away at school most of the year, being part of that process reminds me where I came from and why giving back will always be a part of who I am.

The Impact Goes Both Ways

What I’ve realized through all of this is that volunteering isn’t just about checking a box or doing something nice for someone else—it actually shapes you. It’s helped me develop leadership skills, stay humble, and connect with people from all different backgrounds. It’s made my college experience richer and more well-rounded.

Being a student isn’t just about getting good grades or planning your future career. It’s about becoming the kind of person you want to be. And for me, that means being someone who shows up—for my community, for my values, and for people who need a little extra support.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a student wondering how to get started with volunteering, my advice is simple: just start. Pick something small, do it with heart, and let it grow from there. You don’t have to be perfect or have everything figured out. What matters most is your willingness to help.

College goes by fast, but the impact you make—on your community, your campus, and yourself—can last forever. And trust me, giving back feels a lot better than just going through the motions.

You’ve got a lot to offer. Don’t be afraid to use it.

The post College Life with a Conscience: Finding Volunteer Opportunities as a Student appeared first on Lily Krut.

Where It All Started

Growing up in Birmingham, Michigan, I was surrounded by creativity. I danced at Studio A, played sports like softball and tennis, and helped out with community projects from a young age. But one of the biggest influences on my understanding of giving back came from my mom, Jennifer, and her charity, My Story. She started the organization to donate journals and art supplies to local children’s shelters—giving kids a way to express themselves through creativity and storytelling. Helping with this charity showed me how even small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

Around the same time, I began getting more interested in fashion. I loved helping friends put together outfits, experimenting with trends, and even creating some of my own pieces at the jewelry and sewing camps I taught during the summers. Looking back, it’s no surprise that I started thinking about how these two parts of my life—style and service—could come together in a meaningful way.

Fashion as a Form of Expression and Empowerment

Fashion is so much more than looking cute (though I definitely love a good outfit). It’s a way to express who you are and how you feel. For kids in shelters, teens facing hard times, or anyone struggling with self-confidence, the ability to express yourself through clothing can be empowering. One thoughtful outfit can change how someone sees themselves. I’ve seen it happen firsthand during summer camps—when a child makes their own necklace or stitches together a small project, they light up with pride. That feeling is priceless.

It made me realize that fashion can be more than a personal interest. It can be a gift—something that lifts people up and reminds them of their worth. Whether it’s teaching kids how to make jewelry or donating gently used clothes to local shelters, fashion has real power to do good.

Making a Difference Through Style

While I’m a full-time student at Michigan State University—studying at the Eli Broad Business School—I’ve found ways to keep my love of fashion and service connected. For example, during the holidays, my family and I adopt local families through different charitable programs. It’s not just about buying gifts; it’s about thinking of what might bring joy, confidence, and comfort. I often choose cozy clothes, winter accessories, or small beauty products—items that feel personal and thoughtful. They’re not just practical; they’re a reminder that someone cares.

Even at school, I’ve found small ways to keep this mindset. I’m involved in student fashion clubs that highlight sustainable and ethical fashion, and I follow brands that give back through their sales or production choices. It’s amazing how many companies now build philanthropy right into their business models—like donating a portion of profits, using recycled materials, or creating jobs for underserved communities.

The Future of Fashion is Purpose-Driven

As someone studying business, I think a lot about how I want to shape my career. I’ve had the chance to intern with Campus Ink, a creative company where college students work on branding and merchandise for schools and organizations. It’s opened my eyes to how entrepreneurship and creativity can come together—and how businesses can make an impact beyond just profit.

In the future, I’d love to work with or start a company that combines style with service. Maybe it’s a brand that partners with local charities, employs women from shelters, or creates educational programs in schools. There are so many directions to go in—and I want to be part of a generation that makes fashion a force for good.

How You Can Use Fashion for Good

You don’t need to be a designer or influencer to make a difference. Here are a few small ways anyone can use fashion for social good:

• Donate thoughtfully. Clean out your closet and give gently used clothes to shelters or resale shops that support a cause.
  
• Support ethical brands. Look for companies that use fair labor practices, sustainable materials, or give back with every purchase.
  
• Volunteer your skills. If you love sewing, crafting, or styling, offer to help at youth camps, shelters, or community events.
  
• Host a clothing drive. Invite your friends to contribute and donate items together to a local organization.
  
• Shop secondhand. Thrifting is not only budget-friendly but also better for the planet.
  

Final Thoughts

Fashion isn’t shallow—it’s personal, powerful, and full of opportunity. When we pair style with compassion, we open doors for connection, confidence, and community. For me, fashion has become a way to express who I am and who I want to be: someone who leads with both creativity and heart.

I may still be learning and growing, but I know one thing for sure—looking good and doing good don’t have to be separate. In fact, they’re better together.

The post Blending Style with Purpose: How Fashion Can Be a Tool for Social Good appeared first on Lily Krut.