The holidays are here! For most people, when you think about the season, the spirit of giving comes to mind. With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s still great to think about how much we have in life to be thankful for.
Volunteering this holiday season could be a great time to gather the family together and teach children how to give back. Listed below are some places the whole family can help.
Community Action Network
Located in Ann Arbor, this non-profit organization helps children and families across under-represented neighborhoods in Washtenaw county through tutoring programs at some of their sites (Arrowwood Hills, Brick, Bryant, Creekside Court, Green Baxter Court, Hikone, Northside). In addition to tutoring, families are able to help pack care packages with food and household items, making way for several opportunities.
Ronald McDonald House
The Ronald McDonald House Charities helps hundreds of families year-round. There are many ways to help, including smaller projects like writing thank you notes and assembling welcome bags. There are also opportunities to take on bigger projects like making meals for the families staying or restocking the pantry. In whichever way you chose to help, you’ll be no doubt making a difference.
Arbor Hospice
Helping out the senior citizen community is always grateful and fulfilling, especially during the holiday season. A simple hello or small conversation with a senior can go a long way for them. Short trainings are offered for longer-term opportunities. Marketing and mailing, grief support, computer IT are just some of the ways people can get involved.
M.O.S.T. Ministries
M.O.S.T. or Mission Opportunities Short Term offers mission work on a smaller, and shorter scale. With its mission to clearly teach others about the love of God through service, you can volunteer through prayer and kind thoughts.
RELATED: Ann Arbor Guide to Volunteer Opportunities for Kids
HOPE America
HOPE America’s main mission is to provide human service needs of food, clothes, educational workshops as well as business workshops. They offer support with giving back to the community through family support, back-to-school giveaways, Thanksgiving baskets, and Christmas for Children.Visit their website for at hope-america.org or call 734.483.5362 for more information.
Food Gatherers
The Food Gathers Warehouse has been a staple in the community for many years. They have many opportunities for the whole family, including teaching kids the importance of giving back to their kid friends. Children have to choice to pick from their Lunches with Love or Junior Rescue Ranger program. One of the bigger programs is the gathering goodness experience, where the whole family can join.
In whatever way you decide to volunteer, be sure to be cheerful, grateful and kind!
