Holiday Service Opportunities
November 20, 2014
As students, providing service to others can give us a sense of purpose, have a positive influence on our grades, shape the directions of our lives and change the way we view the world.
We may be doing volunteer to collect hours for a college application, service organization or school requirements. Whatever the incentive, the holidays are a perfect time to rack up the hours.
The Utah Food Bank in Salt Lake City strives to fight hunger statewide throughout the entire world. 1 in 5 kids in Utah are unsure about where their next meal will be coming from. Last year, the Utah Food Bank served more than 31 million meals to people across the state. On Thanksgiving, November 27, there the Food Bank is holding the Utah Human Race. This short run will raise money and nonperishable food items for families during the holidays. The Holiday Food and Fund drive is also taking place throughout the month of December. Margaret Watkins, a senior at Highland is planning to volunteer multiple times this holiday season. She plays the violin and is performing at many benefit concerts throughout December.
“Service is fabulous, especially during the holidays when everyone is aware of each other’s well-being,” Watkins said.
If you are interested in registering for the race or collecting food to donate visit their website.
Another intriguing volunteer opportunity is the Candy Cane Corner. A branch of the Road Home, the Candy Cane Corner provides a store for families in the shelter to find gifts and things they may need during the holiday season. The store in stocked with new unwrapped donations. Volunteers are needed to help sort and wrap gifts. There is also a Holiday Media-a-Thon on December 18th -19th. The Road Home needs help by collecting and sorting donations.
The Ronald McDonald House in downtown Salt Lake City offers families a place to stay so they have the opportunity to access the best care for their child that may not be available in their hometown. This organization depends upon volunteers to provide three meals a day for the families housing there. It would be very fun to volunteer with a large group of friends and prepare a meal for the families.
Below are the websites to these organizations are others in case you are interested. This holiday season, try to give and not just get.
Utah Food Bank:
The Road Home:
The Ronald McDonald House:
YMCA:
The Christmas box:
http://www.thechristmasboxhouse.org