Guest blogger Andrea Lum is an intern at the Case Foundation.
As other Case Foundation bloggers are scouring the internet for great gift ideas that give back for the holiday season, one cost-free way to give back is through the act of volunteering. Volunteer work not only requires little to no funding but can also allow for one to see instant results while helping an important cause. As a college student, I may not have dollars to give, but can give of my time. Thousands of charities and organizations nationwide are searching for helping hands. Here are some of my picks:
Hunger and Homelessness
The holiday season is an especially harsh time for those in need of food and shelter. Donate an hour of your time serving dinner at a local soup kitchen, providing food to a food bank or drive, or helping out at a food pantry in your community.
- Feeding America, formerly known as America’s Second Harvest, allows you to search for local food banks, soup kitchens and food pantries in your community to learn more about what volunteer services they are in need of.
- Homeless Shelter Directory provides a list of homeless shelters nationwide as well as an online forum in which requests can be submitted and discussed.
Gift and Necessity Drives
With the economic downturn, many Americans this winter are unable to give gifts to their family and friends. Lend a helping hand by assisting organizations in providing gifts to others.
- Toys for Tots hosts thousands of drives nationwide and is always looking for volunteers to help distribute, collect and organize donations. Contact your local drive coordinator today.
- Food, clothing and toiletry drives are easy to organize and can benefit a number of different causes including homelessness, hunger, support for the troops and more. Charity drives are perfect activities for large groups, including sports teams, schools, churches and the workplace.
General Volunteer Opportunities
Today, hundreds of online databases have risen to provide ways in which you can get involved. Here are some of the most comprehensive databases that make getting involved fun and easy.
- Serve.gov allows you to search for opportunities by both state and category.
- AARP’s Create the Good Network sends email announcements with opportunities within your area while also allowing users to post opportunities, create events and share experiences about making a difference.
- Volunteer Match provides a variety of different ways to volunteer, including online opportunities for those unable to participate physically. Some notable organizations that post during the holidays include the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
- Do Something lets you narrow down opportunities by a cause, who you participate with, where you participate and how much time you can give.
- The Give List is a compilation of 71 ways to give back and make an impact "without opening your wallet."
Many of these opportunities can be done close to home and take only a few hours out of your day. They are fit for individuals or groups of people who want to make a joint impact in their community. This year, take some time to give a gift that really gives back! Feel free to post any other volunteer opportunities that you are aware of during this holiday season.
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