“Giving” for
the Holidays

by Janice Johnton, Community Volunteers in Action

The holidays usually bring out the best in people. You’re full of the giving spirit. But giving doesn’t have to mean just the exchange of gifts. What better way to give this holiday season than to share the gift of your time and talents to those less fortunate.
There are the traditional volunteer opportunities that we all recognize, such as the Salvation Army red kettles, and some you wouldn’t know about unless you looked for them, like the holiday meals provided by St. Pat’s Soup Kitchen or the Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army sees an increase in public need during the holidays. You can help them by volunteering to man one of their kettles, helping with their Toys for Tots campaign, helping with their food bank, or by donating food or helping to prepare or serve their holiday meal. Contact Cpt Hench at 622-5252 for more information.

St. Pat’s Soup Kitchen will once again host a holiday meal. They typically get groups who are experienced with soup kitchen work to provide their regular meals to those in need. But they still have some openings for December and would welcome experienced volunteers. If preparing and serving food isn’t to your liking, you could donate food items. Contact Rosemary at 622-1802 for details.
Of course, you could give a donation to your favorite nonprofit. Gently used clothing is always appreciated by Schuylkill Women in Crisis who provides emergency shelter to families who are sometimes arriving with nothing but the clothing on their backs. They’re also in need of cleaning supplies. Gaudenzia House also welcomes clothing donations as does the Salvation Army.

The Office of Senior Services is in need of transportation drivers to take consumers to medical appointments or grocery shopping. If this sounds appealing to you, they can be reached at 622-3103.
Meals on Wheels needs drivers to deliver meals to shut ins. Contact them at 624-3020.

The American Cancer Society is gearing up for their annual Daffodil Days Campaign. Contact Lyndsey at 562-9749.
Local food banks will see an increase in consumers in December. They could use your help.

The Red Cross is looking for the gift of life. Did you know that by donating 30 minutes of your time and a little of your blood you can save up to 4 lives? The need for blood is greater during the holidays. Give now so they’re better prepared later.

If you have a talent or skill, you can contact your favorite nonprofit to see if they could use some help. You’d be surprised who may need some shelving installed or a room painted. Your local nursing home may need help with holiday activities.

Times are tough for everyone. You can find creative, inexpensive ways to give this holiday season that doesn’t leave you strapped. Feel free to contact me for any holiday giving ideas at 628-1426. Happy holidays to you and best wishes in spreading the holiday spirit by giving to others.

Janice Johnston
Director
Community Volunteers in Action