There may be no better way to get into the holiday spirit than making the season brighter for those in need. If you’re looking for ways to serve as a family, with friends or as an office, here are ideas from some United Way agencies, courtesy of the Office of Public Affairs.
Center for the Homeless
Adopt a guest or family
Nov. 1 to Dec. 23
Spending range: $75 per child/$50 per adult
Store gift cards for adults are best.
Thanksgiving dinner
Nov. 22, 1-5 p.m.
Servers needed. Shifts fill up fast.
Hannah’s House
Winding Brook holiday lights
Dec. 24-25, evening. One-hour shifts.
Collect donations from drivers for Hannah’s House.
shawn@hannahshousemichiana.org
Incentives for women in program
Transpo bus passes, 30-day or two-week
$5-25 gift cards to Meijer, Martin’s, Speedway, 7-Eleven
shawn@hannahshousemichiana.org
Hope Ministries
Lunch servers
Any time of year.
Provide food for a meal, prepare it and/or serve it.
Sponsor a meal
Any time of year
Collect $250 to provide 100+ guests with a meal.
REAL Services
Elves for Elders
Adopt a senior by Nov. 21.
Purchase $50 worth of gifts.
Due to REAL Services by Dec. 7.
Salvation Army Kroc Center
Adopt a Family
Nov. 19-Dec. 7
Purchase clothing/necessities for each person.
samantha_klapthor@usc.salvationarmy.org
Adopt a Family gift collection/distribution
Lend a hand when gifts are dropped off Dec. 7.
Distribute gifts to adopted families on Dec. 8.
samantha_klapthor@usc.salvationarmy.org
Angel Tree project
Nov. 10-Dec. 12
Purchase clothing for an angel (a child).
paul_szrom@usc.salvationarmy.org
Angel Tree gift sorting
Nov. 19-Dec. 14
Sort and prepare gifts at warehouse.
samantha_klapthor@usc.salvationarmy.org
Angel Tree gift distribution
Dec. 18 (Must also attend Dec. 17 meeting.)
samantha_klapthor@usc.salvationarmy.org
Red Kettle Bell Ringers
Salvation Army Kroc Center
Nov. 10-Dec. 24
Multiple shifts and locations: RegisterToRing.com.
St. Margaret’s House
Adopt a Guest and/or Family
Nov. 19 to Dec. 7
Christmas party
Dec. 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Volunteers decorate, serve lunch, clean up.
Need 5-10 people.
maryfran@stmargaretshouse.org
Christmas Shop
Dec. 3-21
Help guests “shop” for gifts for their families.
Two-hour shifts, M-F, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 pm.
maryfran@stmargaretshouse.org
Radiothon
Nov. 15-16
Volunteer to answer phones.
Hard-to-fill spots: 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 pm.
There are also lists of items needed by these agencies and others, like the Women’s Care Center.