A lot of us look forward to the holiday season, where food, presents, and spending precious time with special people are the star of the celebration. Christmas is also the perfect time to give back, as these little interventions can spread some Christmas joy to those in need around you.

Start a Christmas tradition that gives back to others, and get your family involved as well. Here are six charities you can donate to in the Boston and Winchester areas of Massachusetts to start spreading some Christmas cheer.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation

Formed in the e

arly 90s by Janelle Hail, a breast cancer survivor herself, the National Breast Cancer Foundation helps women in all 50 states to get free mammograms. NBCF believes that by educating women, testing, early detection, and support, breast cancer patients will have a greater chance of recovering and get back to their active lives again.

Mission of Deeds

Instead of selling your old furniture or reuse it for some other purposes, you can donate it to Mission of Deeds, a charity that gives bed and gently used furniture and home goods to the previously homeless and people in high need in some counties in Massachusetts. This organization for charity is one of the options to people who are reluctant to donate anything in monetary form as well.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Countless lives have been saved through St. Jude’s mission in defeating childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It’s one of the most prominent non-profit organizations in the world and is supported by celebrities and public personalities. St. Jude doesn’t only fund treatments; they are also involved in research for the prevention and cure of dangerous diseases.

Artists For Humanity

Founded in 1991, Artists For Humanity (AFH) provides youth the opportunity to earn and learn to be self-sufficient through paid employment in arts. The non-profit organization believes that mentoring the youth and giving them a sense of purpose through creative entrepreneurship will bridge social, racial, and economic gaps resulting in a better community.

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center

The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) was founded in 1973 to provide aid to survivors of rape. Today, the organization helps thousands of rape survivors –both male and female– provide them shelter, and offer them counseling so they could heal. The organization also holds community awareness programs not only in Boston, but also in neighboring areas. BARCC is available 24/7 and is a good place to start volunteering if you’re considering to do so.

Rosie’s Place

Rosie’s Place was founded by Kip Tiernan in 1974 to give shelter to the homeless and poor women in Boston. Its mission is to provide a nurturing and safe environment for women and help them find better opportunities as well as a sense of security. Rosie’s is not only a shelter, but the organization also provides hot meals, clothing, and runs classes. The organization regularly accepts volunteers, and a lot of people have remarked how great their experience is at Rosie’s.