Volunteering makes you feel good, helps those in need, and gives you great experience. People can volunteer all year round, but there is an extra desire to help out during the holidays. This is not surprise – ‘tis the season for giving and helping others. If you want to play your part in helping out the less fortunate, there are many ways for you to volunteer and give back during this festive time of year.

There are things you can volunteer to do right away. This does not have to be through an organization, and can still have a huge impact on the people around you. Bake some holiday cookies and treats with your family and share them with neighbours, friends, and others in your community. Knit scarves or hats and leave them around your neighbourhood with little notes saying they are free for those in need. Knock on doors in your area, especially the elderly and those with accessibility issues, and ask if you can help with errands or tasks around the home. Think of what other strengths and skills you have to offer, and how you can volunteer all on your own to make someone else’s life a little bit brighter.

If you are unsure or nervous about doing something on your own, there are a huge number of charities that you can go to for volunteering. Food banks such as the Daily Bread need help throughout December sorting food donations. Epilepsy Toronto needs volunteers for gift wrapping in malls across Toronto, as well as for their Holiday Fair in Nathan Phillips Square. The Salvation Army needs volunteers for its Christmas Assistance program to prepare toys, clothes, and food hampers for those in need. Check out the companies looking for help in your neighbourhood and reach out to them right away.

It can be surprisingly hard to volunteer at many charities for the holidays. So many people want to do the same and they fill out volunteer forms months in advance. These spots fill up quickly! Instead, you can try to start your own little organization within your community. For example, a group of friends in Toronto started Yarn It Forward to work with others to crochet helpful items like scarves for those in need.  Get help from parents, family, and friends to hold your own neighbourhood fundraiser with food and activities to raise money for certain charities. Organize a clothing drive to gather used clothes, jackets, and other items that can be given to the less fortunate. This all requires more effort, but it can bring your neighbourhood together and help far more people than you could on your own.

The holidays are a great time to volunteer. The homeless are dealing with the cold and many less privileged people are feeling lonely or sad seeing all the festivities around them. You can do a lot on your own, with your family or friends, or through a charity in your area. These are all great ways to really feel and be true to the spirit of the holidays.

Sources:

blogTO. “Holiday volunteer opportunities in Toronto for 2018.” https://www.blogto.com/city/2018/11/holiday-volunteer-opportunities-toronto-2018/

Teotonio, Isabel. “Want to volunteer at a shelter this Christmas? Think again – do something else.” The Star. https://www.thestar.com/life/relationships/2017/12/11/want-to-volunteer-at-a-shelter-this-christmas-think-again-do-something-else.html

Volunteer Toronto. “Holiday Volunteering.” https://www.volunteertoronto.ca/page/Holiday