It’s the season of giving, and volunteering is a great way to spread good cheer, not just during Christmas but throughout the year. With so many families in need, here are some opportunities to lend a hand and make a difference this holiday season.
Food Banks & Soup Kitchens
Volunteer at your local food bank or soup kitchen if you want to help those who may not have enough food this Christmas. You can help serve meals, sort donations, package items, or organize pantries. Food banks provide much-needed resources to people suffering from poverty while also helping reduce waste. The Houston Food Bank is one great option in the state of Texas as they provide food assistance to more than 800 partner agencies around Houston.
Toy Drives
During the holidays, toy drives become popular ways of spreading joy and giving back to children in need. Toys for Tots is an organization that collects new toys for kids during Christmas time. You can contribute by becoming a drop-off site or collecting gently used toys. Your time is also valuable, as most drives need extra hands on deck during the holiday rush! If you live in Texas, look for any upcoming Toy Drive events near you!
The Christmas Wish Project is another great organization to get involved with to help provide children with a gift on Christmas. It is a 501c3 non-profit that helps provide foster children in Tarrant County with their dream gift. Volunteers can donate, sign-up to sort, build, and distribute presents to foster families. Companies that want to get involved can also contact the team at CWP to help purchase gifts for foster children. Ag Workers has collaborated with CWP for the past three years to provide Christmas gifts to approximately 150 children in need.
Community Centers
Community centers are another great place to volunteer your time during the holidays since they often offer holiday programs such as gift-wrapping services and toy donations. These centers usually host events throughout December where volunteers can help with activities like setting up decorations and helping with crafts projects that will be distributed among families in need. Organizations such as Community Crisis Center do exactly this by hosting events such as “Christmas Cheer,” which helps spread cheer while also providing support for families around Dallas County who may not be able to afford presents this year.
Religious Institutions
During Christmas, many religious institutions provide volunteer opportunities for individuals who wish to give back and spread holiday cheer. For example, churches often host events such as providing free meals for those in need or collecting donations of toys and clothes to distribute among families in need. In addition to providing toys, clothes, and meals for those in need, many churches also participate in holiday outreach programs. These programs typically provide volunteers with the opportunity to help with activities such as visiting nursing homes and providing elderly residents with companionship during the holidays.
Volunteering is an easy way to give back during Christmas time and make sure others have a happy holiday season too! There are plenty of opportunities across Texas—from helping out at food banks and soup kitchens to organizing toy drives or community center events—so visit websites such as VolunteerMatch or Idealist for more information about getting involved this Christmas! After all, it’s better to give than receive!