On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, ways to spread the love, and a little time reserved just for me.

'Tis greater to give than to receive. Don't believe it? Just try to ignore the endorphins released when the thoughtfulness of your actions bring a smile to someone's face or trigger thanks from a complete stranger.

The holiday season is nothing if not a time of giving. It's no secret among charities that generosity abounds this time of year and many organizations rely on holiday donations to carry them through not only this season, but the rest of the year, too. 

In Macomb Township alone, there are several organizations that serve the local area specifically by providing food, social services, monetary support and more to residents.

Here are a few ways to spread the love this year:

• Macomb Charitable Foundation – Provides financial assistance for items such as food, cothing, rent/utility assistance, vehicle repair and educational assistance to local families and their children.
• Cougar Closet – Community food pantry at Dakota High School
• Church of the Covenant Food Pantry
• St. Peter Lutheran Food Pantry
• Angels of Hope – Provides financial, advocac, and support services to the families with children or parents diagnosed with cancer. 
• Chippewa Valley Educational Foundation – Fund mini grants to Chippewa Valley teachers to enhance classroom education and awards scholarships.
• Macomb Township Community Foundation – Establishes endowments and makes grants to support township activities and organizations.
• Friends of the Library – Fund special library programs, such as summer reading and Sunday concerts, as well as special purchases, such as e-readers.
• Macomb Township Goodfellows – The Goodfellows, known for their "no child without a Christmas" campaign, are facing extinction if no new members step up to take over the organization and its fund-raising efforts. Those interested should call township Trustee Roger Krzeminski at 586-247-6736.

While canned food donations are always accepted at the food pantries, grocery store gift cards and monetary donations are even better, as they allow pantry organizers to buy what is most needed at any given time. Nonprofits like Macomb Charitable Foundation appreciate gift certificates for bus passes, haircuts, fast food restaurants and plain old every-day needs.