HOLIDAY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Rather than running a separate volunteer referral database, we like to point people to the ones that already exist! United Way of King County has a regional volunteer database and they even have a special tag for holiday-oriented options. Love it!

Adopt-a-Family style opportunities:
https://volunteer.united-e-way.org/uwkc/org/opp/medallions/?medallion_id=23735515

Holiday theme volunteering:
https://volunteer.united-e-way.org/uwkc/org/opp/medallions/?medallion_id=806

p.s. to nonprofits - you can register your opportunities on these sites!
https://volunteer.united-e-way.org/uwkc/agency/

You can also get timely news on Seattle Works programs and volunteer opportunities and civic events from all over town when you subscribe to our Weekly Email. Plus, we've got one-time volunteer opportunities known as Hot Projects happening every single week, and some of our current offerings are holiday-themed.

Having a hard time finding the right opportunity for you? Here are some thoughts on service and on the season.
First, a selection from the oh-so-wise poet of our generation, Shel Silverstein:

Merry...
No one's hangin' stockin's up
No one's bakin' pie,
No one's lookin' up to see
A new star in the sky.
No one's talkin' brotherhood,
No one's givin' gifts,
No one loves a Christmas tree
On March the twenty-fifth.

We love this man. And whether he meant to or not, he makes an excellent point about holiday volunteering and giving.

We here at Seattle Works are huge fans of anything that makes people more inclined to give their time, money and thoughtful opinions in support of organizations they care about. And...

The needs in our community aren't really that much greater this time of year than the rest of the year. We are just more aware of them. It's the one time of the year where more people want to volunteer in certain issue areas than there is a need for. Which means it can be hard to find available spots in popular activities like serving meals.

So... if the holiday spirit moves you, then move my friends! Move! Make good things happen.

And, if you have a hard time finding a volunteer or giving opportunity that interests you, do not be discouraged. Channel that creative energy. Those food banks and shelters need you during the rest of the year too! You could organize a group of volunteers to serve together in January or February instead.

Still hot on December? Environmental groups and arts groups needs you too. And they are not getting flooded with requests.

Think outside the gift-wrapped box! There are lots of ways to channel your goodwill.

 

 

Questions? Contact Steph Heffner.