The holiday season is a great time for a person to volunteer for the first time. Volunteering can make one feel good, and it can make a difference in one’s community. There are many opportunities for volunteering during the holiday season, and each person can find an opportunity that feels right for them.

Consider Making Cards to Pass Out:

Those who enjoy working with paper and creating crafts can work on putting together special holiday cards. The cards can then be given out to lonely neighbors, those in the hospital, or those who are making a difference in one’s community. Anyone who receives a homemade holiday card will feel special.

Spend Time with Residents in Assisted Living Facilities:

There are people who are living in homes that do not receive a lot of visitors and who can spend the holiday season longing for some company. Those who have the time should consider going to an assisted living facility to spend time with the residents there.

Give to Those Working at the Hospital:

Those who spend long hours working in the hospital during the holiday season will appreciate being remembered. One might put together a gift basket to present to the nurses at a local hospital.

Give to Those Working at the Fire and Police Departments:

Those who work at the fire and police department often have to give of their time during the holidays, missing out on family activities. Volunteers can present such people with baked goods and other gifts that help them know that they are remembered.

Shop for Children Who Won’t Otherwise Receive Gifts:

There are children who have parents in the prison system who will not receive gifts unless a volunteer buys them for them. There are also children living in poverty who would love to receive gifts. Volunteers can get involved with a variety of charities to shop for gifts for children who will not receive anything if strangers do not step in.

There are Many Holiday Volunteer Opportunities:

Each person can find a holiday volunteer opportunity that appeals to them and that fits with their strengths. When someone gives during the holiday season, they will feel good about what they are doing and the lives they are touching.

Knowing which charity to donate to in response to a tragedy is always difficult. After all, the needs of these organizations are often different, and it can be hard to figure out what will make the most impact on your donation. But if you want your donations to go towards first responders, some excellent choices should be considered on this list of top 4 first responder charities.

1) The Red Cross

The American National Red Cross is the perfect place to donate if your money goes directly towards relief efforts. They are already on-site in disaster areas and have a long history of providing medical care for people who need it most, including first responders. In addition, they have a special fund to help first responders who need support in the wake of national disasters.

The Red Cross is also one of the most efficient organizations when it comes to their finances and spending, which means that you can be sure your donation will go towards helping others as quickly as possible. While their services are available for anyone affected by the tragedy, you can be sure that your donation will go towards helping first responders.

2) The National Police Defense Foundation

The mission of the NPDF is to provide support for police officers working in dangerous conditions, including during natural disasters. They pay out all their costs through donations, so you can be sure that your donation will go towards helping these first responders.

3) The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

This foundation exists to honor the bravery and sacrifice of all firefighters who have lost their lives in service. They offer financial support, scholarships, and training for those affected by the tragedy, as well as a scholarship fund available exclusively to first responders looking to make a career change or re-enter the workforce after an injury has pushed them out of their previous career.

4) The EOD Warrior Foundation

Support the brave men and women who work as Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) officers. This charity works to support those affected by PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other psychological trauma related to their line of work. They also provide financial assistance for immediate family members of first responders killed in action or severely injured.

The EOD Warrior Foundation also works to provide support for those injured in the line of duty and need a new start. They offer scholarships, loans, job training programs, and an employment service that pairs wounded vets with companies hiring veterans. This foundation is one of the best places to donate if you want your money to go directly towards helping first responders.

Jerry Swon has a longstanding interest in volunteering and community involvement.

Month: November 2021

Volunteer Ideas This Holiday Season

Top 4 First Responder Charities

1) The Red Cross

2) The National Police Defense Foundation

3) The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

4) The EOD Warrior Foundation