3 Hanukkah parties to help those in need

Help those in need this year by throwing a charity-focused Hanukkah party, using one of these ideas.

Throw a party that focuses on gathering items to donate to those less fortunate instead of one about exchanging gifts. It's completely rewarding — and equally fun.

Most people love sweet treats during the holidays. This year, instead of gathering your friends to eat your favourite desserts, have everyone bake two trays of their favourite kind of Hanukkah treat and bring them to the party.

You and your friends can eat one tray, and, afterwards, bring the other to a charitable organization that would enjoy them. Consider contacting a nursing home, homeless shelter or food bank to see if they accept fresh baked goods and ask how to donate before you go.

This year, rather than accept gifts from friends for the holiday, contact a local organization in need and ask for a list of needed supplies. Send the list to friends and tell them to purchase an item on the list in lieu of a present.

Then, throw a party for your friends and tell them to bring their purchased supplies. At the end of the party, you can bring the supplies to the organization in need. If you're not sure about organizations to contact for supply lists, consider looking up inner city schools, homeless shelters or food banks.

Rather than spending one night of Hanukkah unwrapping presents, spend it wrapping presents for people who wouldn't otherwise receive anything. Contact an organization that might be giving gifts or supplies out to people in need this holiday season, and ask if you can volunteer to wrap presents for them.

Then, invite your friends over, play festive Hanukkah music, eat latkes and wrap presents together. You'll be giving people in need some cheer this holiday season, and sharing in the spirit of giving with those you love.