Tis' the season to give back! Each year from November 1st through January 1st nonprofits offer a range of opportunities for volunteers looking to give back around the holiday season. Because the holidays are a time to reflect and be thankful for what we have, there are many family-friendly opportunities available. The holidays are a great time to volunteer as a family and spend time together giving back. There are usually also many donation drives happening throughout the holidays . . . be on the look out for drives for: warm coats, warm socks, canned food, toys, cards for veterans, medical supplies, and more.
Holiday Tip #1: There are not many opportunities to volunteer in a soup kitchen around the holidays. Many soup kitchens rely on regular volunteers throughout the year and do not have enough extra slots for every volunteer who wants to serve food on Thanksgiving. Because of these circumstances it is best to apply early to volunteer.
Holiday Tip #2: Soup kitchens and other local nonprofits need volunteers 365 days a year. If there's a nonprofit you want to support during the holidays, contact them and find out when they need support the most - being flexible and generous with your time can be the greatest holiday gift you can give!
To find active holiday opportunities posted by local nonprofits in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam, please visit Volunteer New York!'s Holiday Volunteering Page at volunteernewyork.org/holiday (which is updated annually around mid-October).
