Volunteering During the Holidays

Many people find the Holidays a good time to volunteer. They have time off from work or school and generally a more giving spirit. While help is needed year round, it is great to see increased volunteer activity during the holidays. The demand for volunteers during the holidays often exceeds the amount of volunteers! As you continue to cross presents off your holiday shopping list, remember those who are in need of your time and generosity, but may not be able to ask for your help. A great way to help those in need is to volunteer!

Here are some volunteer ideas to consider this Holiday Season:


VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsor A Needy Family

Put food on the table for a family that doesn't have the means to do so when you volunteer with Family-to-family.org, an organization that matches you with a household in need.

Help The Homeless
At a time when warm homes and family gatherings are common, the homeless are left feeling particularly isolated. The National Coalition for the Homeless offers a number of ways for volunteers to combat homelessness by serving food at shelters, building homes, or offering job training. Check out the list of ways you can get involved this year.

Deliver A Meal
Share a meal with a lonely person in need this holiday season when you sign up with Meals on Wheels' food-delivery program.

Volunteer For Vets
Find out how you can thank the veterans who put their lives on the line for our safety by visiting the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Visit A Senior
More than 50 percent of senior citizens in nursing homes never get visitors, according to the Senior Source. Bring a sense of family to someone who doesn't have one, when you volunteer at one of these locations.

Show Some Puppy (or Kitty) Love
Get a warm-fuzzy feeling when you volunteer with furry, loyal creatures who are waiting to find the perfect home. Find an animal shelter that needs your help here.

My favorite animal shelter is Wayside Waifs where I have been a volunteer since 2010. 

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

American Red Cross

"Give something that means something" when you get involved with the American Red Cross' campaign that aims to do just that. Peruse the list of charitable opportunities, which include vaccinating a child and buying phone cards for troops and offer up the ultimate present of selflessness.  I love volunteering for the Red Cross! 

The Salvation Army

Each holiday season, the Salvation Army amps up its fundraising efforts to help support the elderly, the homeless and other underserved populations. Find out how you can get involved with the Salvation Army's work to offer aid to those in need.

Toys for Tots

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation collects gifts for children who come from economically disadvantaged families. If you don't have a drop-off center near you, consider starting your own. Find out how you can get involved here.

United Way
Looking for an opportunity to donate money or time this holiday season? United Way offers both! There are nearly 1800 community based United Ways in 41 countries and territories. The United Way works to help individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability and healthy lives. Click here to learn more about the United Way.

There are many opportunities to volunteer or give over the holidays and year round! 

Thank you for donating your time or money to others! Happy Holidays!