Thanksgiving is over, which means we’re now free to watch Elf in the open and to blast “All I Want for Christmas is You” far and wide…yay! And, while giving well is certainly important this season, it’s equally important to think about giving back.
In honor of #GivingTuesday, we’ve compiled the organizations we volunteer our time to and some tips on how you can, too. As an LA-based company, most of these are local, but there are definitely similar efforts going on in your community! Take a look around your city this season and see where you can make an impact.
1. LA Food Bank – Volunteering at the LA Food Bank is a great way to spend a Saturday morning meeting new people and making a difference. At this time of year, the LA Food Bank needs your help sorting, inspecting, and repackaging donated foods for those in need. The best way to help is to sign up for either Individual or Group volunteer opportunities.
Upcoming service event dates:
Season for Sharing 12/5 AM
Season for Sharing 12/20
Season for Sharing 12/27
Start the New Year Right by Helping Others 1/3
Start the Year Right by Helping Others 1/10
Follow the link to reserve your spot! And, if you’re not in LA, search for your local food bank. http://www.lafoodbank.org/volunteer-opportunities.aspx?c1=get-involved&c2=volunteer
2. Meals on Wheels –The Meals on Wheels Association of America is the oldest and largest organization that supports senior nutrition by delivering meals to seniors who need them each day. By volunteering just a couple hours of your day, not only are you helping to deliver meals, you have the opportunity to spread holiday cheer to the elders in your community.
Click here to find your local Meals on Wheels chapter: http://www.mowaa.org/volunteer
3. Project Night Night – Project Night Night provides Night Night Packages (a blanket, a stuffed animal, and a book inside a canvas tote) to children of all ages in shelters to help them feel secure, cozy, and loved. Through their direct partnership with local shelters, Project Night Night helps deliver Night Night Packages to over 25,000 homeless children each year. To get involved, you can both volunteer and/or donate.
Click here to see where you can help: http://www.projectnightnight.org/GetInvolved.html
And remember, you can give better by giving back all year long! What’s your favorite way to give back during the holiday season?