Tis the season to give back. With the bustle and hustle of the holiday season, I know I feel pulled in a hundred different directions between shopping, baking, and getting together with family. The holiday season is a time for joy and giving but for families and individuals going through hard times, it can be painful. Imagine struggling to pay bills and buy food and not being able to afford a Christmas celebration. It can be devastating. Taking time to volunteer not only “grounds” me but teaches my children the joy of giving back.
Below are some organizations in our community that provide ways to give back. it doesn’t have to only be in holiday spirit though they need volunteers year round!
1.) Register to ring the bell with Salvation Army
Salvation Army also has many other events coats for kids that they need volunteers during. Sign up to volunteer here
2.) Get involved with a church or non-profit organization.
Many churches have a community outreach program like providing food and hot meals. The Mission of Hope, Olivet are a few of the local churches that provide food and clothes, etc. The local homeless shelters like Willis Dady and Madge Phillips Center or Waypoint also need volunteers.
3.) Meals on wheels has many opportunities to volunteer simply send an email to volunteer@horizonsfamily.org to assist where needed delivering meals or helping put together meals.
4.) Give back through Hacap
Hacap has many opportunities like packing food boxes, food pantry order prep, and the backpack food program
5.) Give back through United Way of East Central Iowa
There are tons of opportunities to volunteer, the food pantry, museums, and even litter clean up to name a few.
6.) Can’t physically volunteer? Giving back through a monetary gift is always greatly appreciated by and needed for all of the above organizations.
A version of this story was written by Zadie Dague Oct ’23.
_________________________________________
Make sure you never miss out on a parenting or community-related blog post: sign up to receive Cedar Rapids Moms posts in your inbox. While you’re at it, join our VIP List to ensure you’re one of the first to know about upcoming Cedar Rapids Moms’ events and promotions!
