Where to volunteer during the holidays?
Maybe you have something to offer a local non-profit.
Updated: Jess provided a little more detail in a comment.
Tweeted Jess this morning:
Looking for ideas of where to volunteer on Christmas. Wondering if any readers might have some tips.
Okay, so here's the deal: I'm kinda trying to get out of Christmas. Yes folks, I'm just not that into Christmas - not in a Scrooge way, more like Charlie Brown in the "Peanuts" holiday special way.
My brother will away this year and I'd really like to find some sort of other meaningful activity for my parents and I to engage in on the 25th.
A handful of people have asked us this question in some form recently, so we'll expand this a bit: know of a good place to volunteer during the holidays?
Our suggestion: the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Demand at food pantries in the Capital Region is up -- and it looks like the Regional Food Bank has a bunch of volunteer slots open over the next month.
As it happens, this question came up around this time last year, too.
photo: Flickr user Hamed Saber
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Comments
Colonie Senior Service Centers has opportunities for volunteers to serve lunches or volunteer in their adult day care programs playing games or doing crafts with the seniors. They also have a once a month community dinner that is a lot of fun to serve at - and a great service project to do with your kids.
459-2857 x 303
www.colonieseniors.org
... said Kelly on Nov 24, 2009 at 7:26 PM | link
I feel awkward being the first because I am not that up on charities in the Cap District but here goes...
First of all, don't wait till the holidays. That is when all kinds of folks show up to do volunteer work that is needed all year long. Find a cause you want to support then GO THERE NOW and ask them how you can help.
Second, I feel like you can't go wrong with the Salvation Army. They know how to move the goods to people in need whether it be serving meals or getting boxes of clothing or canned goods ready for families.
Third, think about if you have any special talents and then hunt selectively for opportunities to donate your work. I had a great day a couple of weeks ago nailing up siding on a building here in Saratoga... for me, the best of all possible worlds since I got to do good and enjoy it! But don't let this hold you back... my tip #3 is only after you have applied #1 and #2. Happy holidays!
... said Otis on Nov 24, 2009 at 8:08 PM | link
i'm looking for volunteers to come clean my apartment. contact me directly.
... said Kim D. on Nov 24, 2009 at 11:59 PM | link
Okay, so here's the deal: I'm kinda trying to get out of Christmas. Yes folks, I'm just not that into Christmas - not in a Scrooge way, more like Charlie Brown in the "Peanuts" holiday special way.
My brother will away this year and I'd really like to find some sort of other meaningful activity for my parents and I to engage in on the 25th.
... said jess on Nov 25, 2009 at 8:52 AM | link
What about putting together care package for troops? You and your parents could go out to buy food and toiletry items together, and then package them up.
I found a website that provides the name, overseas address and a note with request for items from soilders: http://anysoldier.com/WhereToSend/
... said Jessica R on Nov 29, 2009 at 3:38 PM | link
I am interested in volunteering on Christmas,any ideas.
... said Kim on Dec 1, 2018 at 8:39 PM | link
@Kim, you may want to reach out to the Ronald McDonald House in Albany. They have volunteer groups cook breakfast or dinner for the families on Christmas (and all other days), seek volunteers to "adopt" families by providing a gift(s) for children who will be staying at the House over the holidays, and for people to wrap the presents for the children.
http://rmhcofalbany.org/
518-438-2655
... said HopefulHelper on Dec 3, 2018 at 11:42 AM | link