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As you deck the halls, tackle your gift list and make merry this holiday season, keep in mind that this time of year isn't full of cheer for everyone.
For many members of our community, the holidays are a time of need, anxiety and despair because they are alone or can't afford to create that holiday magic for their loved ones.
That's where you come in - if you so choose. Many area nonprofits have upcoming initiatives - offering one-time or ongoing volunteer opportunities for locals - to provide a happy holiday experience for those in need.
Keep reading to learn more about seven opportunities to give back this season, starting at Thanksgiving and extending through Christmas.
As the old adage goes, it's better to give than to receive - and we couldn't agree more.
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Serve Thanksgiving Dinner
Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services partners with the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center, both in Boca Raton, to serve dinner on Thanksgiving Day primarily to seniors who would otherwise be alone.
Since this tradition started 15 years ago, it has grown to be the largest Thanksgiving banquet in Palm Beach County.
"Over 700 people attend, and we need 300 to 400 volunteers to pull this off," says Nadine Greenberg, director of volunteer engagement.
Everyone is welcome to volunteer; volunteers report for duty an hour before the banquet for training. Tip: Register early as many are eager to help during the holidays.
Info: 561-852-3333, ralesjfs.org
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Care For Homeless Animals
Suzi Goldsmith, co-founder and executive director of the no-kill Tri-County Animal Rescue in Boca Raton, says they accept volunteers from ages 9 to 94 to care for homeless animals during the holidays. Children can be greeters, those over 14 can play with cats in the free-roaming cat room, and volunteers 18 and older can walk dogs after a brief training. In its 21 years, Tri-County has saved more than 63,000 cats and dogs.
Every year, dogs are given turkey (diet permitting) on Thanksgiving and roast beef on Christmas while felines feast on salmon. A wish list on the nonprofit's website details its many needs.
"We have many volunteer opportunities all of the time," Goldsmith says.
Info: 561-482-8110 tricountyanimalrescue.com
Help Children Help Babies
Children and teens are asked to forgo one holiday gift for themselves this season and use that money to buy diapers, wipes or other baby products instead. They can drop them off at Adopt a Family of the Palm Beaches in Lake Worth to help little ones in need.
Started in 1983, Adopt a Family has grown to become the largest provider for homeless families in Palm Beach County. More than 2,000 families with children are aided each year, and most clients are young single moms with children.
"For privacy and their dignity, it is not possible to meet the families, but they do send a handwritten thank you for every gift received," says Layren Calvo, director of agency relations.
Info: 561-253-1361 adoptafamilypbc.org
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Buy Gifts For Residents In Rehab
Founded in 1974, Delray Beach's Wayside House is a substance abuse rehabilitation program for women by women. To keep residents' and outpatients' spirits high during the holidays, the facility decks the halls and fosters a festive atmosphere.
Donations of gifts such as jewelry, games, puzzles and toiletries are needed, says Marlene Passell, director of marketing and communications: "We need gifts for the holidays. It is a lonely time and important to help the women get through it."
Sorting clothes in the facility's career center is another way to give back.
Info: 800-655-0817 waysidehouse.net
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Lend A Hand At Holiday Concerts
In 1913, the Ladies Improvement Association started the Delray Beach Public Library. Since then, the nonprofit has been a vital part of the community - and volunteers are crucial to the group's success.
Volunteers are needed on Dec. 3 at 3:30 p.m. for "Hanukah! Musical Program for Kids" and on Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. for "Holiday Winter Dreams" by the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches.
"Volunteers will usher, pass out programs, direct traffic around the library and work where needed," says Isabella Rowan, educational programs and volunteer manager. "We also need tutors during the school holiday."
Info: 561-266-0194 delraylibrary.org/children
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Help Host A Holiday Party
In Spanish, Milagro means "miracle," and miracles are a part of daily life at the Milagro Center in Delray Beach, which has been helping underserved children reach for the stars since 1997.
On Dec. 14, Milagro will hold its annual Haircuts for the Holidays, a festive open house for families, offering free haircuts, family portraits, health screenings and community resources.
"We need volunteers to help with the party and Thanksgiving food baskets," says Barbara Stark, president and CEO, Milagro Center. "Grocery store gift cards are also appreciated."
Info: 561-279-2970 milagrocenter.org
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Be Santa's Little Helper
For more than 20 years, volunteers at The Giving Tree of Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, Schaefer Family Campus, have purchased gifts for children and seniors. Other volunteer opportunities for this annual holiday event include a gift-wrapping party, and, on Christmas Eve, Santa's helpers deliver more than 200 gifts to residents of Dixie Manor Apartments.
"Gifts for children must be new and unwrapped. Gift cards from Walmart, Target or Visa for seniors are used to buy food or medicine," says Leslie Steinberg, event co-chair. "We also need leftover Halloween candy to fill candy bags. Everyone is welcome to volunteer."
Info: 561-391-8900 thegivingtreeboca.org/ get_involved