Out of your comfort zone: Helping othersBy Mermaid Jennifer
When the holiday season rolls around, many of us opt for non-tangible giving:
- Dropping off coats for kids
- Sending holiday gifts overseas
- Donating to the food bank
- Buying for a tree of giving
While these are all super ways to help others during the winter months, there are some more tangible and possibly more rewarding ways to really put yourself out there.
Serve food at a soup kitchen
Can you imagine being homeless and living outdoors in the cold months? There would be nothing nicer for some people than to be served a hot bowl of soup and bread from a smiling young face. If you have fear of who you'll meet at a soup kitchen or what the environment might be like, here are tips on "How to volunteer at a soup kitchen."
 Clean house for the elderly
Many older people don't have family who can help them to clean house. Some live alone and the lonliest time of the year is the holiday season. If you are good at housecleaning, then you may be able to really brighten someone's day! Not only will they end up with a clean home, but they may also make a friend that will last beyond the holidays. To find people in your community who may need to have their house cleaned, check out Charity Vault and seach by city or community.
Visit a nursing home
We all have assisted living and nursing homes in our communities. What many of us don't have are living grandparents to visit on a regular basis. That shouldn't stop you from visiting the older generation in your community. During the holidays many nursing homes receive visits from school groups and Scouts, but they may really appreciate some one-on-one conversation with another adult. You might just learn something too! To find assisted living and nursing homes in your area, go here.
 Knock on your neighbors door
It gets harder all the time to get to know your neighbors. As soon as we arrive home in the evening, the garage doors go down and we put up our walls. During the holidays, you may not need to have a neighborhood party (although it would be nice of you) but maybe just take some cookies over to a neighbor to say hello. You never know what people are going through within their four walls. Be a friend and reach out!
Hold babies
In many communities, there are broken homes. Within those homes, young children and babies may be displaced into foster care, or a temporary care facility. If you have a heart for babies and young children, you may consider volunteering to hold babies or play with the kids. You can make a difference in a busy facility through your efforts. The children will relish your loving touch. Search for "crisis nursery" on a search engine or contact the YMCA.
Donate and deliver furniture or household goods
Wrapped gifts are nice during the holidays, but a donated sofa and coffee table keep on giving long after. If you are updating your furniture this year, consider donating to a local family. You can find listings of people who need household items in your local newspaper. Additionally, you can donate to Goodwill Industries, or a handful of other durable goods drop-off centers. If you are able to donate in your community, go the extra mile and clean the furniture and then deliver it.
 Walk dogs and hold cats
Visit your local pet shelter to give the pets a happy holiday. Pets don't know that it's Christmas time, but they do know when they are lonely. If you aren't ready to adopt a pet, take a little time to spend time with them. Most pet shelters have volunteer programs where you can donate time. As an added benefit to you - petting a dog or cat can soothe frayed nerves! Search for "Pet Shelter" within your area in a search engine.
For other volunteering opportunities, visit Volunteers of America.
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