Each year as the holiday season approaches, time seems to speed up. Frantic shoppers cannot seem to get everything checked off their lists. Last-minute details in the workplace must be finished before the new year. Countless other tasks must be attended to, and the days seem to slip away unfinished. Charities and philanthropic agencies also see an increase in activity during the holiday season. Organizations that are dedicated to helping those less fortunate experience busy but fulfilling holiday seasons.
Salvation Army
Fundraising requests and responses are generally tripled during the final quarter of the year. The Salvation Army is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Christmas season. The landmark bell ringing can be heard throughout shopping centers and even busy intersections. This charity collects material and cash donations to provide hygiene products, warm blankets, and even shelter to homeless individuals and families.
Toys for Tots
The Toys for Tots Foundation collects tons of toys each Christmas season. They partner with local businesses and professional sports teams to raise awareness and increase donations. Volunteers are needed to inspect new toy donations. Each item must be sorted by age appropriateness and general categories. Volunteer gift wrappers sign up for daily shifts to help package these surprises for needy children.
Prison Fellowship
There are also more instances of volunteerism during the holidays, providing additional support for those in need. Prisoners are generally a forgotten group, but the Prison Fellowship volunteers try to change the stigma. They offer many volunteer opportunities for people who can raise funds and purchase gifts for families of inmates. Other volunteer opportunities include writing letters or visiting prisoners to offer hope and healing during the holiday season.
Samaritan’s Purse
The expert organizers at Samaritan’s Purse ensure that no international disaster goes unrecognized. They quickly offer up support in the way of food, medicine, and financial assistance. Different divisions of Samaritan’s Purse offer relief for natural disasters, disease, and more. Operation Christmas Child is a popular and effective charity campaign run by Samaritan’s Purse. Branded shoe boxes are filled by random volunteers and distributed to children around the world. Many churches and religious organizations contribute through their congregations by passing out empty shoe boxes early in the season. Volunteers contribute toys, personal hygiene items, and school supplies.
