Spread holiday cheer by volunteering time to donate and wrap gifts for a charity organization.
'Tis the season to spread some holiday cheer to those less fortunate by volunteering time, materials or items for some of the many Christmas-themed projects taking place around the country. Religious missions, food banks and radio stations often sponsor large-scale, unique volunteer opportunities that allow the average American to help make a the holiday season a little brighter for another person. This year, use free time and personal talents to volunteer for a community organization. Does this Spark an idea?
Mission Projects
Many communities throughout the United States are home to non-profit, religious missions which aim to help less fortunate men, women and children. Often, these missions, such as the Star of Hope Mission in Houston, Texas, operate because of volunteers. During the holiday season, missions often become more hectic and chaotic due to an increased need in the community. Contact your local mission, Salvation Army or homeless shelter to determine where opportunities for Christmas volunteering exists. The Star of Hope Mission features several holiday projects which require the help of volunteers of all ages. People can help serve daily meals throughout the holiday season or read Christmas themed bedtime stories to children along with serving milk and cookies. Help spread the religious message of the Christmas season by helping children complete activities, games and bible stories centered around the Christmas theme. Perhaps the project requiring the most holiday cheer is the Christmas Workshop run by Star of Hope Mission volunteers. At the Christmas Workshop, the volunteers help sort through donated items, wrap gifts for mission residents and help spread a sense of joy to all who visit the mission.
Food Banks
Most major metropolitan areas are home to a food bank, aimed at ensuring no American is forced to go hungry. The Atlanta, Georgia community is home to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, which is largely dependent on volunteer aid. The Christmas season is the food bank's busiest time, as it is for many food banks throughout the United States. Contact a local food bank to inquire about volunteer opportunities in your area. Volunteers generally help sort, package and group donated items, preparing them to be given to needy families. Additionally, the Atlanta Community Food Bank sponsors some Christmas-themed projects throughout the metropolitan area. Volunteers can help out at the Christmas Festival, held at the Fellowship Baptist Church in East Point, Georgia. This event requires volunteers to help distribute free food to families as well as wrap and hand out presents to children as a team of "Santa's helpers." The food bank also donates food to many community organizations which serve Christmas dinner to the public. Volunteers can help prepare and serve this all important holiday meal.
Radio Station Projects
Local radio stations often sponsor volunteer opportunities aimed at helping make the season better for their listeners. Radio station projects are generally a good way for a family or individual who is short on time to spread good tidings in a fun, festive environment. Contact the radio stations in your area to determine which project's and opportunities are available. 92.5 WXTU, Philadelphia's country music station, offers a unique opportunity for those with a creative sensibility. Each year, the team at XTU sponsors the Toy Truck Parade. Truck drivers, local fire stations and community truck and SVU owners decorate their vehicles which are then filled with donated toys for area children. No child should be without a shiny gift under the tree, and the XTU Toy Truck Parade delivers. Volunteers can help sort and fill vehicles, as well as build Toy Mountain at the parade destination or help people decorate their vehicles.
Tags: help sort, holiday cheer, holiday season, Hope Mission, radio stations, Star Hope