As people gather to celebrate at the end of the year, they often dedicate time to giving back, by volunteering. Here are five ways people are making a difference in their community through United Way
- Volunteers at Mile High United Way (Denver, Colorado) will collect toys in the weeks leading up to the Children’s Holiday Party and on the day of the party, help run activities like cookie decorating, ornament making, story time, photos with Santa and face painting.
- In partnership with United Way of Utah County (Provo, Utah), volunteers will join the Sub for Santa program and help families complete applications to receive gifts, run literacy activities, and distribute gifts to more than 5,000 children in need.
- A network of young professionals supported by United Way of Central Maryland (Baltimore, Maryland) will host a Holiday Village at a local hospital. Volunteers will shop for gifts for participants, stuff stockings, wrap presents, and serve dinner to families participating in United Way’s Family Stability programs.
- From greeting shoppers and serving coffee and hot cocoa, to wrapping gifts, restocking candy decorations for the gingerbread house competition, and helping to manage the line for rides on a horse drawn trolley, volunteers with United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties (Coralville, Iowa) are integral to the annual Holiday Market.
- Volunteers with United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) Hoodies for the Holidays program give gifts that lasts well beyond December. This event provides students with a college hoodie and includes the opportunity to hear life lessons from adults about their own college and career experiences.
These are just a few of the many ways volunteers give back to their communities during the holiday season. As you celebrate, consider contacting your United Way to check out what volunteering opportunities are available near you!