The holiday season is a time when most of us look forward to eating delicious food, spending time with family, and reflecting on what we’re grateful for. Reflecting on gratitude doesn’t just have to look like writing in a journal, though. You can choose to express gratitude by giving back to your community. After all, the easiest way to find fulfillment is by doing kind things for others. If you’re interested in giving back to your community but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered:

1. Perform a random act of kindness

Being kind to others goes a long way. Something as simple as buying snacks for your colleagues in the office, paying for the person in line behind you at Dunkin, or complimenting a stranger can truly make someone else’s day. A random act of kindness can also be performed without leaving the house. You can send someone a handwritten letter, shoutout your favorite small business on social media, or text a friend you haven’t seen in awhile all from the comfort of your own home. Suffice to say, performing a random act of kindness is a low-effort endeavor that can make a big difference.

2. Donate to BU’s Professional Clothing Closet

Attending networking events and job interviews for the first time can be stressful, especially when many students don’t have the proper clothes to dress for these occasions. To help ease the burden, BU started the Professional Clothing Closet, which provides free professional attire to students. You can donate your unwanted professional clothing by taking it to the drop-off location on the 5th floor of the Yawkey Center for Student Services. Be advised that the building may be closed during the winter intersession. If you don’t have any professional clothes you’re willing to part with but would still like to help out, you can donate financially to the Professional Clothing Closet fund. All donations made before December 31 will be tax deductible.

3. Bake for loved ones

Arguably, there is no better way to express your affection for someone than to give them baked goods. Across every culture throughout time, food has proven its unmatched ability to bring people together. And during the holidays, there’s no better way to unite family and friends than by sharing irresistible homemade cookies. Not everyone is naturally gifted in the kitchen—but don’t worry, fellow Terrier Jerrelle Guy (MET’18) is here to help. Check out Guy’s beloved vegan peanut butter cup and gingersnap cookie recipes from her book, Black Girl Baking.

4. Mentor a student on BU Connects

All seasoned professionals have once been stressed out college seniors preparing for post-graduate life in the workforce. Many students and alumni alike use BU Connects— Boston University’s professional networking site—to search for jobs, find mentor relationships, and expand their professional networks. To help prepare a student searching for guidance as you once were, you can offer your career expertise by becoming a mentor on BU Connects.