The holidays are traditionally a time of giving. Due to the economic impact of COVID-19, nonprofits and charities need your help more than ever. Volunteering this year looks different than it has in the past. Many organizations have halted or severely reduced in-person volunteering opportunities. Here are ways you can still help.
Make Something
If you are feeling creative, you can write letters and cards to first responders, military personnel, or seniors living in a care facility. Operation Gratitude makes it easy for you to register for a toolkit and send cards to first responders. So far, they have received over a million letters and helped send over 3 million individual items, like care packages and pouches, to first responders across the country. These cards make people who read them feel appreciated. Writing the cards is also a great family activity that gives kids and teenagers the opportunity to be creative and practice their writing skills.
If letters aren’t your thing, consider making blankets for organizations in need. Animal shelters always need blankets, and there are DIY’s online that teach you how to create no-sew blankets. Grab some fleece and family members and spend an afternoon creating dog blankets. Not only will you get to spend family time together, but you can drop them off and see some potential pets in the process.
Virtually Visit Someone
Virtual visits can help someone going through a tough time. Some organizations have adapted to help volunteers connect virtually with people who need support. Big Brothers Big Sisters created the MentorHub App, which allows mentors and mentees to meet virtually to build a relationship that may have been lost without the app. Organizations like Table Wisdom connect an older adult with people who are learning English via Zoom. Their website makes it simple to become a mentor and they include resources if you are unsure of how to use video chats.
Video Chats are not the only way you can connect to someone virtually. Mystic Valley Elder Services, an organization in Everett, is working to connect isolated seniors to volunteers. Through their organization, you sign up to offer companionship and friendship to someone who may not know how to use Zoom or prefers a phone call.
Find Socially Distant in Person Opportunities
If you want to get out of your house, you can still find socially distant opportunities to volunteer in person. Nonprofits have set schedules or are limiting the number of people who can sign up for a shift. Make sure to check websites. Do not be afraid to call and ask questions about in-person opportunities.
Donating blood and giving plasma is extremely important and helps save lives. To find out if there is a blood drive near you, check out the American Red Cross website for more information.
Another way to volunteer in person is to do a neighborhood clean-up. Beach clean-ups and park clean-ups are always an easy way to get outside and support your local community.
Donate Something
One of the easiest ways you can help nonprofits without leaving your home is to look at their websites and see what materials they made need. Food pantries, homeless shelters, and other organizations need donations to support their efforts. You can either donate funds online or some charities have specific hours to drop off donations. Some charities even give you the opportunity to run your own drive. Challenging your coworkers or friends to see who can collect the most items and then provide some of the essentials local nonprofits.
Additionally, organizations are beginning to include Amazon wish lists or registries on their websites which enables the public to buy things the organizations need. If your favorite organization doesn’t have an Amazon wish list, they may be connected to Amazon Smile. This program allows you to shop like normal and Amazon will donate to charities on your behalf.
Giving back has many forms, but all are helpful. Take some time and research your local nonprofits. Find out who needs what and how you can help. Giving brings joy throughout the year, and especially during the holidays.
