As we move closer to the holiday season this time of year brings additional opportunities to get involved and donate your time to your community.
Volunteering can make a huge difference in your community and is looks good on scholarship and admission applications for college. And while opportunities to physically volunteer may be in short supply this year due to social distancing and the risk of community spread with COVID-19, that doesn't mean you can't give back.
In fact, this year there is probably more need than ever and makes it more important to find ways to connect and give back.
Here are some ways to volunteer your time in safe ways while still making an impact in your community:
- America Reads. America Reads is a program were volunteers visit classrooms and read to students. This year these in-person visits can't happen, but the importance of sharing a good book can still be given. Connect with a local elementary school and offer to record a video of you reading a book to students.
- Food and Clothing Drive. There is always a need for donated food and essential items. Consider starting an online food or clothing drive. Setup a virtual event and invite everyone you know, and have them spread the word. Have a safe drop-off point or offer to collect items from front porches. Then make a safe drop off at a local food bank, nonprofit family center, or shelter.
- Online Trivia or Game Night. Organize an online trivia or game night for a local nursing home or community group. Many in our senior communities haven't been able to have visitors or interact with each other during the pandemic. Envision a way for them to connect with young faces and have fun.
- Elementary School Projects. Connect with your school's volunteer coordinator and see if there are projects you can help with from home. Throughout the year many elementary teachers rely on classroom volunteers to help setup in-class projects and supplies. Pick up supplies and setup project boxes and drop them back off again.
- Giving Tree. Take part in a community giving tree and sponsor a family or child for the holiday season. You can shop online and send gifts directly, or drop them off with the group organizing the giving tree.
The most important thing is not what you do, but that you do something. Giving back to your community can make all the difference to those you help, even if you never meet them, and we could all use some good cheer about now.
