It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
It is also the time to be thankful for all that you have, and give back to those in need.
Too many times it is easy to forget what the holidays are truly about.
If you have yet to volunteer or give back during this time, you are truly missing out an enlightening experience that allows you to help others and put your time towards something worthwhile.
There are numerous opportunities in our area and everywhere to do some good and get out there and make it happen.
The Salvation Army is a great place to start and get your feet wet.
You can do some classic bell ringing and sign up on The Salvation Army’s website for an hour up to all day.
If you are really feeling adventurous, you can bring along some friends and sing some Christmas carols for people walking by.
You can help with things such as preparing and serving holiday meals or gathering and collecting toys and other essentials for children and adults in need.
Check out your local Salvation Army as soon you can, you won’t regret it.
People Serving People is another great organization in the Twin Cities area.
They have been helping homeless adults and children since 1982. They offer emergency services for and help people in need take care of themselves.
The opportunities are endless when it comes to People Serving People, including serving meals, caring for children, and tutoring.
You can also help with gift wrapping (if that is your forte), setting up the toy shop, as well as delivering gifts.
Your local food shelf would also be a great place to look into, I know there is one in the Saint Peter and Mankato area, and I’m sure there is one close to home that could use your help.
These facilities are always looking for help during the holidays to do things such as sort through donated items.
You can also donate some yourself if you don’t have time to volunteer but are looking for a way to give back to the community.
You can also pack speciality boxes for the people and families in need and help in anyway that you can.
If you feel like focusing on helping people get food they need for the holidays, maybe Meals on Wheels would be right for you.
Meals on Wheels helps bring thousands of people food throughout the Twin Cities area.
You can also get your family and friends involved and help decorate lunch bags, make holiday cards and also just visit with the people you are bringing the food too; I’m sure they would more than appreciate it.
Love Your Neighbor is an amazing organization through Neighbors Inc that works toward reducing poverty, building a better community, and promoting self sufficiency.
As a volunteer, you can purchase all the ingredients for a holiday meal and donate them, or donate new toys and/or clothes to children in need.
You can also work hands on through the local food shelf and thrift store in the Saint Paul area that Neighbors Inc works directly with.
During this time of the year local schools, hospitals, elderly facilities and churches almost always have some sort of volunteering opportunity and could use help.
So ask around, see what’s out there for you to do. Seek out opportunities, don’t just wait for them to come to you.
This is the time of the year that you should be giving back and thanking others for all they do.
Even though times may be tough every now and then, you should try and feel grateful for what you have and everything that either is given to you, or that you have to work for.
Either way, not everyone gets that opportunity, do not take it for granted.
Who knows? Maybe after all your volunteering during the holidays you will realize that this is something you would like to continue with down the road.
Volunteering can lead to great opportunities and connections for people in need, and for yourself.
We need more people in this world willing to do what they can to help others, that is how we succeed, make each other better, and set examples for the future generations.
Be the best version of yourself and make a difference: volunteer.