5 Ways to Rethink Holiday Volunteer Traditions

2020 has been a year like no other, but it is still possible to fulfill our desire to give back this holiday season.

2020 has been a year like no other, but it is still possible to fulfill our desire to give back during the giving season. Here are 5 ways to rethink your approach to volunteering during the pandemic.

1. Hunger persists. If you normally sign up for a December shift at a food pantry or soup kitchen, be open to other ways of feeding people in need. Hunger alleviation organizations need all kinds of help, like delivering meals or boxes of food. Congregation Sons of Israel is one local organizations that delivers meals on Christmas and needs donations and volunteers to help make it happen. Learn more about volunteering at food banks during COVID, and find your local food pantry.

2. Look at holiday wishlists. Many organizations create lists of holiday needs and opportunities to give and serve. Check out the website or Facebook page of your favorite local nonprofits to see what their wishlists are this year. You can also view the list of volunteer and item donation needs on UWFC's website.

3. Adopt a family. Volunteers can be paired with a local family in need and provided with ages, clothing sizes, and special requests. Salvation Army of Chambersburg has an online registry for Christmas gifts that will be given to local families. Waynesboro Community & Human Services also runs Christmas Programs, and you can reach out to churches in your neighborhood to find out what they're doing this holiday season and how you can help.

4. Make it a family affair. These 6 kid-friendly ways families can volunteer virtually will help connect your family with the needs in your community, and provide a chance for your children to give as well as receive this holiday season.

5. Engage with causes remotely. For those looking to participate from home, engage with organizations online. Sign up for mailing lists and follow along with the local charities you love on social media so you can learn about volunteer opportunities and campaign fundraisers. Lending a hand can also mean giving a donation—whether that be monetarily or by contributing material goods.

Staying home is one of the best things we can do for others this holiday season. We hope this list provides you with a myriad of virtual volunteering ideas to do from home so you can stay safe and give back this season and in the New Year.