How to Give of Yourself this Holiday Season

When it comes to Christmas it’s an excellent time to give to others. The age old adage that it’s better to give than to receive never made sense to us as children but now, as adults, we have quite a different perspective on it. We’ve learned that it feels good to give, especially when we can make a difference. There are as many ways to give as there are people and places to give to. Whether you’re walking dogs at the Humane Society, donating blood at the Red Cross, or visiting patients at a hospital or nursing home, it really does make a difference when you reach outside of yourself to give to another.

 

 

Volunteering Your Time

There are many places that would thrilled to have you volunteer your time whether it’s right now during the holiday season, or at any other time during the year. Following are some places looking for volunteers to give of their time this holiday season. 

Brunswick County Literacy Council – The council helps students with reading, writing, math, computers and English-speaking skills, in either a one-on-one or small class confidential setting, by pairing them with volunteers who are carefully trained and matched with each student. 

Cape Fear River Watch – Volunteers are needed to assist with many programs, including outdoor education and recreation, clean-ups, outreach, wetlands restoration, fundraising and administrative tasks. 

Brunswick Family Assistance Agency – This agency needs volunteers to help in their pantry, at the front desk, in the Family Thrift store, during fund-raisers and with quarterly commodities distributions. Volunteers are also needed to assist with distribution of the Christmas in July and Christmas Tree of Hope programs yearly. 

Coastal Horizons Center – Volunteers are always needed to respond to New Hanover County and Brunswick County hospital emergency departments to assist rape victims and their families, to mentor youth staying at the emergency shelter and to assist with answering Crisis Line and First Call for Help Hotlines. A 48-hour training program is provided. 

 

 

Salvation Army – Volunteers may serve on the Advisory Board and Ladies Auxiliary and in the shelter, which serves men, women and children. Volunteers are needed to work at the thrift store, in the soup kitchen, the Woodlot Project, Christmas fundraisers, the toy and food distribution center, the annual Coats for the Coatless drive and on disaster relief teams. 

Elderhaus, Inc. – Volunteers are needed as program aides, activity assistants and meal servers. Volunteer board members oversee fund-raising, public relations, educational activities and more.

Hope Harbor Home – Volunteers are needed at this domestic violence shelter to work on the speakers bureau and in the office, provide childcare, help organize and implement fundraising activities, assist clients in preparing paperwork and provide moral support during court proceedings. Volunteers are needed as well for transportation and to help distribute and sort donated clothing at the Hope Chest Thrift Stores in Holden Beach, Leland, Bolivia and Oak Island.

 

 

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Following are some other websites offering additional volunteer opportunities:

United Way of the Cape Fear Area
Arboretum Center, Bldg. II, 5919 Oleander Dr.
Ste. 115
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 798-3900

The Volunteer Center
Brunswick County Government Center
25 Referendum Dr.
Bolivia, NC 28422
(910) 253-2574

All of us at Carolina Plantations would like to wish you and your family a very happy and safe holiday season!