Intentions of volunteering always surface around this time of year … and with good reason. It’s the beginning of winter, where temperatures are sure to drop below zero degrees more than once. It’s also the holiday season, where people feel the need to give a little back to the community. If you’re one of the many volunteering for that reason, good for you. But if this is the only time of year that you plan on helping out, how much are you really helping?
Volunteers aren’t needed just during the holidays or a cold snap. Food pantries and shelters can use help year-round, especially this year in particular. Most food banks rely on holiday donations to last most of the year. In a study by the Giving USA Foundation done this year, it was found that charitable donations don’t keep up with the rate of inflation during recessions. It’s no wonder then that charities are facing record-lows in donations. That combined with the unemployment rate remaining at a steady high, may cause those in need to face a bleak outcome.
“This is the first year we have literally run out of food each week,” said Major Neal Hogan of the Salvation Army in Denver. The shelves there are normally stocked with enough food to feed a family of four for four days, and are now bare.
“A month ago, we had to turn away 186 families with no food to give them because of running out on those days,” he said.
With most people having so little to give this holiday season, charity leaders are asking those who can help to assist in different ways. Rather than giving cash, donate your time to Habitat for Humanity as a building volunteer or by serving on your local committee. Donate gently used items such as clothing, kitchenware or books to Goodwill. Rather than celebrating the holidays with gifts, serve hot meals at a local church or restaurant like Ministry with Community and Blue Dolphin.
By giving your time or contribution this season to those less fortunate, you’re instantly helping revitalize our city and put a little bit of hope back into one of its residents. With a little effort, we can easily clothe and feed all those who need it right now.
But what happens come January?
The holiday spirit is sure to wear off by then but hunger and homelessness aren’t so easy to get rid of. To be a real contributor to the betterment of society, invest in something that will be long lasting. Plan a monthly donation. Volunteer your time in June. Become a mentor and pass on the mentality of selflessness.
Donating a few canned goods only in December may put your mind at rest, but it won’t do any good once that meal is gone. Rather than considering volunteering just once a year, make it a habitual part of your life and not only will it help others, but see how much it will impact you.
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