While the holidays can be both busy and stressful, they also are a time for helping others and giving back to the community.

Wondering what you can do this season with your family, your co-workers, or by yourself to help someone in need?

Here are some easy suggestions from Danvers Patch.

1. Feed the Hungry: Ma Dukes is looking for volunteers Thanksgiving week to help feed more than 1000 hungry residents of the North Shore. Learn more in today's callout for volunteers.

2. Special Offer: Hall Family Chiropractic is offering a new patient exam for the cost of five non-perishable food items (which includes all necessary x-rays, and a complete spinal exam) The exam needs to be scheduled by November 23, and all of the proceeds go to Danvers People to People Food Pantry. 

3. Support Danvers Students: Participate in Danvers' annual Parade of Trees, by making a tree of your own, or by purchasing raffle tickets next week. Learn more about the Parade of Trees.

4. Liberty Tree Mall's Giving Garden: This holiday season five different trees at the mall will be dedicated to five local charities/organizations: Haven for Hunger, Operation Troop Support, Hope On Wheels, Salvation Army and DEEP (Danvers Educational Enrichment Partnership). Each tree will contain ornaments of wishes specific to the charities/organizations which shoppers can chose from, purchase the item listed on the ornament, and it will then be distributed to the appropriate charity/organization. Help bring a smile to those in need this holiday season and take a walk through Liberty Tree Mall's Giving Garden (opens November 22.)

5. First Annual Sounds of the Holidays Concert: On Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. St. Richards Church is hosting the first annual Annual Sounds of Holidays concert to benefit the People-to-People Food Pantry. All attendees are requested to bring a substantial donation of non-perishable food. The event is sponsored by: Living Legacy Financial Group, Inc. and C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors.

6. Support the Troops: Did you know plain white crew socks are the most requested item by the soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan? Learn more about different ways to support the troops here.

7. Toys for Tots: Starting on Nov. 30, toys can be dropped off at the Danvers State Police Barracks for to benefit children in need. Donors are asked to give new, unwrapped toys with non-violent themes, designed for either boys or girls, ages newborn to 18. The last day to submit gifts is Dec. 17.

If you know of a great way to give back in town this holiday season, please share it in the comments or add an event to our calendar.