“The holidays are a time for family to come together. If people of unfortunate standing don’t have family around during this time, others want to help them more,” junior Emily Halliday said.

Many people view the winter holidays as a reason to volunteer at various kitchens and shelters. In fact, the amount of donations given during the holidays stock up kitchens for a good part of the year.

The difference between those who volunteer at shelters or donate items to the needy during the holidays versus the other ten months of the year is a big one.

“The holidays have become a time of year when you should give to others. People are in a better mood around this time, so they want to give more,” senior Emma Stewart said.

The winter months are seen as a time to give rather than to receive, yet the public needs to realize the value of giving their time and resources to shelters and kitchens year round.

“It’s important to help during the holidays, but people still need help during the rest of the year. So those who are fortunate enough should go to a shelter or soup kitchen to help out any other time as well,” junior Carly Tasche said.