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Volunteering Ideas for Cold Weather Months

December 9, 2024

Brrr…! It’s cold outside! December itself is cold, and the blistery winds of January are right around the corner. However, as we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, we can also feel a cold chill seeping in through our winter coats.

Winter is definitely a joyful time filled with many things to celebrate; but for those who can’t afford to pay for their home, keep their kids warm or find a place to stay, it can also be particularly dangerous. Fortunately, when we all come together, we can help make an impact. If you want to live a more altruistic lifestyle, help give back in the upcoming season by checking out these volunteering ideas for cold weather months.

Host a coat drive.

Winter is certainly a chilly season, particularly if you don’t have anything to keep you warm. For many low-income families, coats are simply too expensive to fit in the budget. If you want to give back and help people in your community keep warm this year, volunteer to host a coat drive for individuals to donate their new or gently used coats to those in need.

Knit scarves, hats and mittens.

Of course, you can’t have a coat without keeping your head and hands warm. If you happen to have a particular talent for knitting, try knitting a few scarves, hats and mittens to donate to people in need. Even if you aren’t a very good knitter, consider donating any mittens, scarves or hats you can to the local shelter.

Collect money to fuel heat.

For many people, the extra costs to keep the house warm during winter are too much to afford. See how you can help by volunteering to host a penny drive campaign to assist families in paying for their heating. Even a little spare change can make a world of difference for someone in your community this winter.

Write and send cards.

For some, the cold season is often the loneliest season. Help brighten someone’s day during the dark winter months by writing and sending a greeting card. Write cards for a local shelter to hand out to patrons, thank volunteers for their service or give back with a care package for troops overseas, hospitalized children or people in need.

Build a blizzard box.

Sometimes, cold weather can prevent necessary community programs like Meals on Wheels from delivering. To help people who need the services, try building a “blizzard box” with anything they might need during a winter storm. Include nonperishable food items, water and even a flashlight for them to feel secure when programs aren’t available.

Donate toys for gifts.

Winter also brings with it some of the most expensive holidays of the year. In the U.S. alone, the average American spends approximately $700 each year on gifts. However, many people cannot afford to buy gifts for their children or other loved ones. Give back by volunteering to shop for new toys to hand out to children in need this holiday season.

Bring food for a shelter.

Finally, the winter season can also put a strain on community shelters, as people in need rush indoors to try and stay warm. This often results in a lack of available resources. Get involved by bringing food for the shelter to give away. Check a list online to see what food they need most, or contact your local shelter to see what you can give to help.

Winter is the most wonderful time of the year, but for those who can’t afford the cold, it can also be the most challenging. As we head into the holiday season, give back to your community by using these volunteering ideas during the cold winter months.

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By Habitat for Humanity of Wayne County • December 16, 2024

Winter holiday season is in full swing! That’s right: the streets are aglow with lights, there’s a brisk cold feeling in the air, and a warm, familiar feeling in our hearts. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we can’t wait to celebrate. No matter what holidays you celebrate this time of year, one thing is undeniable: it’s the best time of the year to spread some cheer. This season, be a part of the merriment by giving back through these four fun festive ways to spread holiday cheer. Donate winter goods. Winter may be a time of joy for most, but for many it’s a time of severe struggles. The coldest season has come, and some friends in our community may not have the necessary winter clothes, supplies or homes to stay safe. Many families feel a sense of regret because they cannot provide a meal or gifts for their children—or moreover, choose to give gifts rather than pay immediate bills. However, you can help alleviate struggles within your own community by donating winter goods to a local shelter or nonprofit. Many shelters accept new or gently used winter items like coats, gloves, hats and boots for all ages. Food banks will also take donations to put together a holiday meal for a family in need. This brings joy to their clients during difficult times, and helps free up money to pay necessary bills. You can spread cheer this holiday season by giving back to those who need it most. Go caroling. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” —Buddy the Elf. This season, spread some holiday cheer by caroling for the neighbors and friends in your community. Get a group together and compile a songs list to share with others. If you really want to get creative, check with local nonprofit organizations to see if any of their clients would like to hear a caroling group. Hospitals, retirement homes and recovery facilities are all great examples of places that love listening to holiday cheer. For an added bonus, consider bringing a donation basket to your caroling locations, then give the donations to a nonprofit organization of your choice. Encourage goodwill. The easiest (and possibly most difficult) way to spread holiday cheer this season is through our everyday interactions with other people. Encourage goodwill in your community by showing you care for others through your actions towards them. Bake cookies for your neighbor, say hello to a stranger who looks down or even send a kind message to a long-lost friend on social media. No matter what, your gift of goodwill can never be too small. When we all come together and encourage goodwill among ourselves, we embrace the season of giving, and care for those closest to us in our community. We spread holiday cheer. Give back. Finally, give holiday cheer this season by giving back to local nonprofit organizations who desperately need it. Nothing means more than helping those in need, and you can do just that. Whether it’s through a monetary donation or volunteering your time, your gift this holiday season shows you love and support those in your community. And after the holidays are over, don’t forget to carry on the holiday cheer by continuing to share your gifts with those around you. The holidays are an important time to give back, but the rest of the year means just as much when it comes to supporting our friends in need. This season, spread some holiday cheer by focusing on these four easy ways to share happiness with those around you. When all of us come together in the spirit of the season, we truly make the world a more joyful place.

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