A Resource for Volunteering and Donating During the Holidays - the Holiday Guide to Giving 2009

Looking for a way to give back to the community this holiday season? The Holiday Guide to Giving 2009, compiled by the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County, spotlights the holiday volunteer and donation needs of close to fifty local nonprofit and governmental agencies.

Want to host a collection? Why not use the guide, find and select a local agency to support, and collect items based on their wish list? It'll save a lot of time and effort often spent trying to find an agency to accept donated items at the conclusion of a collection. In addition to wish lists, designated agencies can identify families in need of Thanksgiving or holiday food donations, offering a simple way for a group or business to "adopt a family" by providing everything they need for a special holiday meal.

While there are some opportunities available to volunteer on specific holidays, they tend to fill up quickly. A short list at the beginning of the guide lists area soup kitchens and their contact information. There are a variety of interesting projects identified throughout the guide, including assisting with parties, baking, singing and visiting with people. Some volunteer opportunities are seasonal, while others are available throughout the year.

So go on, take a peek and discover ways that you can make a real difference this season. You'll be happy that you did.


Here is a pdf version of the Holiday Guide to Giving 2009.

For more information on volunteering in Howard County, please contact the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County at 410.715.3172 or visit our website at www.volunteerhoward.org.