Where and how can you volunteer in Hamilton this Christmas?

There are plenty of opportunities for those of us who would like to give our time, services, and donations to organizations and individuals during the coming holiday period. Whether it be in Hamilton or abroad, the benefits that volunteering can bring are truly inspiring — especially at this time of year. Despite how busy we get with our own families, there’s always a little bit of time you can spare to help others less fortunate. Not to mention how amazing it is to be part of a team effort during the holidays!

CHARITIES

Charities you may want to research online, by telephone, or approach in person are: Angel Tree, whom provide gifts for the children of prison inmates, Toys for Tots, whom donate gifts to children in low-income neighbourhoods, and My Two Front Teeth, whom post children’s wish lists online that individuals may fulfill. These charities may enlist you to wrap gifts that they distribute, or employ your help with distribution. Getting in touch is the way forward concerning helping these organizations out.

MISSION SERVICES

The Mission on Hamilton’s James St North is a hub for the provision of food and shelter for those in need. This would be an opportune place to volunteer your time, particularly with their soup kitchen.

Our family puts together personal hygiene and self-care packages that we drop off at the Mission for ‘first come first served’ hand outs to attendees. We also keep pre-prepared packages in the car for when we encounter people who may need them. When building packages, it’s a good idea to keep a few geared for women’s needs and some for men. I usually pack feminine hygiene products such as a lady’s razor, hypoallergenic soap, small shampoo bottles, a few new pairs of underwear, and socks. The socks are especially important for both men and women as those whom are without homes are on their feet almost constantly. Noteworthy too is that if you include toothpaste and/or mouthwash, that these should be alcohol-free.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

The Ronald McDonald House near McMaster Hospital on Main Street West in Hamilton has a program that takes place in January, whereby teams of individuals are organized to cook and bake for families whom are staying in residence while their loved ones are in hospital. This is a wonderful giving and team building opportunity for all involved. Anyone wishing to donate to the cost of the provision of food stuff are encouraged to contact the Dundas Hamilton Public Library branch with donations. You may reach them at 905-627-3507 or drop into 18 Ogilvie Street, Dundas.

THE SALVATION ARMY

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program provides new clothing and/or toys for children of needy families. The organization’s special Christmas trees, known as Angel Trees, are decked out with numbered paper angel tags that have the first name, age, and gender of a child who is in need of a gift. Contributors remove one or more tags from the tree and purchase appropriate gifts for the child or children described on the tags. It’s a shopping adventure where you know the items you’re purchasing are exactly what that child is looking for — a perfect match!

SING YOUR HEART OUT

If you can play an instrument or sing with others, then this is certainly a fun way to liven spirits. Church or local community choirs may be able to indicate opportunities for people to get together and choral sing in hospitals, seniors centres, door-to-door, and in schools. It’s not just our voices that are joined as one when we engage in singing as a group, but the mental health benefits of singing are well documented, too. Choral singing is something that can bring people of all ages and singing abilities together in a joyous, healthy group activity.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Concentrating on what others need at this time of year makes us all aware of our community and how we can and very much need to support each other at Christmas as well as throughout the year. Bear this in mind and let these opportunities flood you with inspiration for what you can do as an individual within your community. Then get out there and act on your ideas! It will benefit your own sense of fulfilment as well as aid others with their needs. As we approach this Christmas season lets open our hearts, wallets, and schedule for charity.

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