While I wait for experts to answer some questions for the Monday Consult, today's Consult is on a question lots of folks have around this time of year. How can my family make the holidays more meaningful by helping someone else?

The folks at Volunteerspot.com, a web site that organizes volunteers, sent these ideas. They all sound pretty easy to do -- a must during this busy season.

--Stuff new, warm socks with water bottles and granola bars to give to the homeless.

--Gather gently used children’s books and DVDs for kids in the hospital or military families.

--Rake leaves or shovel snow for an elderly neighbor.

--Decorate reusable grocery bags for the food pantry (deliver them full, even better).

--Sign up the whole family to participate in a fun-run or 5K for a cause you care about.

--Pick up litter and scrub graffiti at your local park.

--Host a hot chocolate or cider stand and donate the proceeds to a local charity.

If you have other projects to suggest, please add them in the comments.