Creative ways to give back this holiday season

This holiday season AOL encourages everyone to give back. We've highlighted some of our favorite causes this year in the slideshow above.

Purchasing something as simple as a bottle of wine can help support cancer research and AIDS prevention. A woven basket can help empower an artisan struggling in a third world country. One kind act can change lives in your own community and around the world.

How are you giving back this holiday season? Share your stories and comment below with your favorite charities to support.

More holiday content from AOL.com

Last year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has second life as vet's new home

Three-legged dog finds forever home just in time for the holidays

Penguin stars in heartwarming Christmas ad