Happy December! The holiday season is upon us.  Holidays are a time to give and receive gifts. What is better than the gift of your service? Volunteer your time, talent, voice, or money for the holidays this year.

Time:

Volunteer Locally! Local organizations are always looking for volunteers and helping this season is a great way to interact with your community, make new friends, and see the direct positive benefits you provide to those neighbors in need.

Talent:

Find a locally run organization that you can assist with in some way.  Skills-based volunteering is a great way to give back in meaningful and impactful ways.  If you know how to cook a delicious healthy meal, volunteer at a soup kitchen.  If you are great with kids, volunteer at a school classroom or afterschool program. If you are an accountant, volunteer at the local community center and help your neighbors with their taxes.  Whatever your skills may be, there are people in your community who can use your help if you reach out to them.

Voice:

Speak out for those in your community. Volunteer your voice for a cause you care about, could be a close to home cause, or start blogging and using social media to spread the word, recruit volunteers or supporters, and/or fundraise.

Money:

If you don’t have much time to give during the holidays, then consider a monetary donation to the charity or cause of your choice.  Consider bringing your extra change with you when you go grocery shopping in order to give to the Salvation Army door greeters.

No matter how much time you have available and would like to give during this holiday season, there is an opportunity and a need. You’ll find the perfect idea to make your holiday this year fulfilling—both for yourself and for those who receive your gifts of service.