Volunteer Ideas for the Holidays

[cinlee3]

I would like to have my family participate in some sort of volunteer activity over the holidays. I want us to do this as a family so my kids can appreciate what it is like to do for others. My kids are 17, 12 and 4.

Can you give me some ideas of what to look for as far as volunteer ideas.

 

[Pam]

A good idea is ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. This is usually done at the local supermarket, mall, etc. If you check with your Church, they should have the phone number of the person in charge. Each town usually has a local chapter. We do this every year.

Another idea is one that is also done in my area - the Habitat For Humanity is operating a gift wrapping booth at the mall. They are looking for volunteers to wrap presents. The gifts are wrapped in exchange for donations to Habitat For Humanity.

We have also acted as "Secret Santas" for families who are in financial straits, but you know they won't be seeking out help. We've collected food, clothes, presents, etc. and dropped the items off on their doorsteps anonymously!

Pam

 

[CajunDixie]

Check local businesses for "Angel" trees. The specifics are a bit varied but basically you pull a ticket off of a Christmas tree then buy and wrap the item or items that the person has wished for. Some businesses will only have the person list 1 necessity and one fun thing while others may have only children on their trees and they will list all shoe and clothing sizes and might specifically ask for things such as boots and a coat and still list one toy type item. I'm thinking of having my scout den taking a name off of the Salvation Army's Angel tree this year as part of their community service.

 

[lisajl]

Here in our town we have something called People in Need.
Around the first of Dec. they gather volunteers at our fairgrounds and we all put food baskets together.
We also go through names of people that need things and find gifts that people have bought.

Not sure if we are going to do it this year. But, it is a wonderful thing to get everyone involved in.

Lisajl

 

[sudiequ]

Go caroling at a nursing home or assisted living place. It's really a shame to see so many people spending the holidays alone! My son also made a candy cane ornament (the pipecleaner & tri-bead kind) to hand out to everyone eating dinner. He made over 100 of these and enjoyed giving them out. I was so glad to hear he wanted to do it again this year.

 

[Mish19]

Not sure if other areas do this but the main post office in NYC collect the letters to Santa Claus and invite the public to go through some letters to see if they can be "Santa" to the person.
I remembered a website that actually sponsors and collects the letters to Santa and you can register for a letter or two to help either a child (4-12) or teen (13-17). The website is www.nycares.com .
There's always Toys For Tots and I've seen and participated in an Angel Tree project when I was a student at NYU.
I love the idea of gift wrapping in exchange for Habitat for Humanity donations.

 

[mickeyfan1]

You may think about volunteering as an Angel Tree attendant. All the people who track the tags and gifts are also volunteers. I know the Salvation Army is desperately seeking people to man the tables att the malls around Phoenix. Not sure about the age limitations, but maybe the oldest could do that and the youngest could help shop.

 

[Cindy B]

Ok, I will tell you about a wonderful organization I have been volunteering with for over 8 years.

The organization, does many awesome and incredible family oriented service projects, and they truly help the poor/underserved.


The organization is Hope Worldwide.. Maybe you have heard of them, maybe not...

The website is www.hopeww.org

I know many people who work there, and there life/service is just outstanding.

 

[cinlee3]

Cindy B - Thanks for the link. I checked and they have an office right here in my town. I will contact them.

All the ideas are wonderful, keep them coming. Thanks.

 

[Cindy B]

Glad to be of help... I remember when this non profit was just a few people, now it is all over the world...


Its a great group... really awesome.. I truly encourage you to check them out.