It doesn’t matter whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or nothing at all, you can make someone’s life a little brighter by giving the gift of your time.
Here are some volunteer activities that can benefit others during the darkest time of the year and maybe give your heart a lift, too.
Deliver Meals on Wheels
If you have a Minnesota driver’s license, a car in good condition, can carry meal containers and climb stairs, Eastside Meals on Wheels could use your help. Last year, 200 volunteers delivered 48,000 meals to 278 clients in Northeast Minneapolis, St. Anthony Village and Southeast Minneapolis. That’s an average of 193 meals per day.
Each route has five to ten stops and takes about an hour to complete. You can volunteer once a month or as often as you like. The pick-up time is 11:15 a.m. at Waite Park Wesleyan Church, 1510 33rd Ave. NE. Contact Jessie at 612-277-2529, or
Jessie@eastsidemeals.org. Or fill out the online application: https://www.eastsidemeals.org/volunteer-information.
Help animals
There are numerous animal rescue organizations throughout the Twin Cities. The Animal Humane Society is looking for people to foster pets — dogs, cats, rabbits — until they can be adopted. Or, you can work in one of their shelters as an animal care assistant. Other organizations are looking for pet photographers, videographers and people to write their websites. Seach online for pet volunteer opportunities.
Donate your used household goods
Don’t just set that old dresser out on the curb — donate it to an area thrift store.
Hidden Treasures, 2915 Pentagon Drive in St. Anthony, takes furniture and gently used clothing. They provide work for people in recovery and those who are reentering society.
Southern Anoka County Community Assistance (SACA), 627 38th Ave. NE, also operates a thrift store, in addition to a food shelf. They are not always able to take furniture donations, so call ahead before loading up your pickup: 763-789-2444. They gladly accept food shelf donations at any time.
Make welcome baskets
for Clare Housing residents
Clare Housing, 929 Central Ave. NE, provides affordable housing with services to 300 neighbors living with HIV/AIDS. Some move in to Clare Housing with some personal items, but not all they need to set up their new homes. The organization has a gift registry at Target that you can use to purchase items they need, such as small appliances (coffee maker, microwave, toaster oven), utensils, dishes, pots and pans, sheets and towels, cleaning supplies, paper products and large, lidded, plastic storage containers.
Donate blood
Both Memorial Blood Center and the American Red Cross are short on blood supplies this holiday season. To set up an appointment with Memorial, call 888-448-3253. For the Red Cross, call 612-871-7676. If you can’t donate blood or plasma, they can also use monetary gifts.
Organize a coat collection
Gently used outerwear can be a blessing. Sharing and Caring Hands, Central Lutheran Church Minneapolis, Shop for Change and Joseph’s Coat will take your coats, hats, mittens and scarves and give them to those who need them most. Check online for addresses and hours.
Snow removal
Look around your neighborhood. Is there an elderly person who’s blocked in because they can no longer shovel their own sidewalk? Finding reliable snow shovelers is not easy. Gather some able-bodied friends and make a party out of clearing sidewalks. Follow it up with hot cider and cookies at your home, or head to a local watering hole.
Be a music maker
Be a Midday Music Maker at East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 2nd St. NE. Musicians play a 10-30 minute set for participants, volunteers and staff, Fridays only, at a pre-arranged time between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Musicians are welcome year-round, not just during the holidays. Send a video clip to VitalLiving@esns.org.