“But it’s not even November yet!”
This is probably what you’re thinking as all the stores ready their Christmas displays and announce their layaway programs, and your friends talk about getting started on their holiday shopping. While we might think it’s too soon deal with holiday preparations, the truth is that winter is right around the corner.
For some people, this can be one of the hardest times of the year. Many of our neighbors worry about how they will keep their families warm, give their children Christmas presents, or provide a traditional holiday feast.
With this in mind, the seemingly early arrival of the holiday season brings with it various opportunities to give of ourselves and help ease the stress of our struggling neighbors.
Here are some holiday-related volunteer opportunities to get you started:
Hiawatha Homes Festival of Trees – A Celebration of Giving
November 22-27, 2011
Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN
The Festival of Trees helps Hiawatha Homes to provide residential, in home, and community-based programs to individuals with disabilities in our community. Volunteers are needed to be Gift Thyme Shoppe Helpers, Door Greeters, Floor Ambassadors, Ticket Takers, Holiday Café Helpers, Children’s Carnival Helpers and more.
Click here to find more information on the Festival of Trees volunteer opportunities!
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Gift of Life Transplant House – Thanksgiving Feast
November 24, 2011
Gift of Life is asking for volunteers to help provide a memorable Thanksgiving Feast for the guests and caregivers staying at the Transplant House during the Thanksgiving holiday. They are in need of a variety of prepared side dishes, desserts, vegetables, salads, etc.
Click here to find out when and where to drop off your donations for the Thanksgiving Feast!
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In addition, the Salvation Army has many Christmas volunteer opportunities. You could be matched with a child and go to ShopKo, to help that child select Christmas gifts for his or her family. Maybe you would like to assist families in need in registering for the Salvation Army’s Christmas programs. You could even take two hours out of your day and be a bell ringer for the Red Kettle Christmas campaign; every two hours of bell ringing raises an average of $100+!
Click here to explore all the projects the Salvation Army has for volunteers to participate in!
(And if you make a fun video like this one, be sure to send it to us!)
