I'd like to give to someone less fortunate than me - can you suggest a good local charity that might need new, tangible goods (toys, gifts, etc.)? Also -- where is a good place to volunteer time? I live in the Main Line area. Thank you!
2006-12-04 12:35:52 · 7 answers · asked by Pamela G 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Community Service
Contact your local women's shelter. They are many, many woman and their children there coming out of absolutely horrendous situations. Many shelters allow the mom's and kids to stay there for a bit until they get on their feet. They have nothing but each other. The children have witnessed some of the most gruesome beatings and mistreatments of their mothers, not to mention being the recipient of beatings (and sometimes worse) themselves. I organize a group effort in my office every year. We get a head count of how many people want to participate in the office, I call the shelter and ask them to give us the names, ages, sizes, etc for the amount of kids we can take on. Each employee shops for "their child". We wrap the gifts, mark them from "someone who loves you" and deliver them to the shelter. People get so into it, that they donate not only the specific gifts for their child, but they donate used clothing, small household items, and even food staples. We usually have to take over 2 van loads of items. ANY shelter that you call will be more than happy to accept your gifts. It is a tremendous feeling to help out at this time for these families that are so badly in need. In fact, my office is so wonderful about it, that we've begun making donations throughout the year as well. It's a great "community' project that brings a lot of people together. Those that have, and those that don't......
2006-12-04 14:54:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Volunteering to serve Christmas dinner at a shelter or mission is a wonderful experience, but so many wonderful people are doing that now that you may not be needed.
I would suggest that you perhaps contact your local newspaper or tv station for the name of a family who is truly in need and would not have a Christmas at all if it were not for giving people like you.
Choose a family and find out what they need or something special they would like.
On Christmas Eve take them a small decorated tree and some other little decorations to make their surroundings festive. Wrap gifts to put under or around the tree. Take a turkey or ham and a huge box with all the food trimmings for a special Christmas dinner they would otherwise not have.
You won't touch as many people this way, but you will have made a huge difference in the hearts of one family and,
Trust me - this will be the very best Christmas you will ever have as well.
2006-12-05 22:16:24 · answer #2 · answered by cracker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Salvation Army is a great place to start, or try the United Way I bet they ha ve a volunteer list. Call your local church and see what kind of help they might suggest.
Adopting a family is a great way to make a difference this time of year. But you can make a difference all throughout the year, try Habitat for Humanioty, now there is a great organization!
2006-12-04 22:51:18 · answer #3 · answered by ohsgal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
contact your local council and volunteer for a soup run, or contact the salvation army and donate tinned food and blankets, hospitals in your area are a great place to volunteer and then you can help out for the whole year, you only have to give about 4 hours of your time every fortnight and they are extremely greatful for your help.. or you could sponser a child for a dollar a week and make another ongoing contribution.. Good on you for being selfless and wanting to make a difference for someone else.. pity more people aren't like you...
2006-12-04 20:42:39 · answer #4 · answered by channille 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your local Food Bank is stretched to the max this time of year, look no further. If you want to volunteer in the true sense, offer your services to help serve Christmas dinner at a homeless shelter on Christmas Day.
2006-12-05 00:49:40 · answer #5 · answered by patti duke 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Helping people learn to read is the best charitable work I ever did. I worked with the Laubach Literacy Council. You can check to see if there is one in your area, or a similar kind of organization. It may be a bigger committment than you are looking for just for the holidays. But, I recommend checking into it. It is rewarding not just for the ones you help, but for you as well. You can see the difference you make in people's lives.
2006-12-04 20:47:02 · answer #6 · answered by Curtis76 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
by giving someone else all your presents
2006-12-05 10:18:14 · answer #7 · answered by waspangel_2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋