If your family throws big holiday parties every year, why not throw a party with a helpful twist? Charity Christmas party ideas are a great option for people who want to have all their friends and family join them for a holiday event but don't want to deal with all the gifts people feel obligated to bring.

A food pantry party is an option that is sure to be appreciated by your local food bank and requires very little extra effort on your part. To throw your charity Christmas party:

• Call the food pantry to find out what items are on its most wanted list.
• When you send out invitations, make sure you add a short paragraph explaining that you are asking for items from the food pantry's list in lieu of a hostess gift. Don't forget to tuck a copy of the list in the invitations.
• On the big day, place several boxes covered with decorative paper by the door and clearly label them as food bank donation boxes.
• After the party, you can simply take the boxes of food to your food bank and your hallway will be uncluttered once more.