The holidays might be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean giving has to. This winter, extend the season of giving by getting involved with these local volunteer and donation opportunities.
Connections for the Homeless
Connections for the Homeless offers a number of ways families and children can volunteer, so round your family up and spend some of your free time doing something that will make everyone feel great about helping others in the community. Volunteers at Connections can cook breakfast or dinner for guests at Hilda’s Place Transitional Shelter. There is also an opportunity for you to put together bag meals. Get more details on becoming a volunteer at Connections on The Volunteer Center’s website.
Cornerstone Community Outreach
Cornerstone Community Outreach is a nonprofit organization in Illinois that focuses on helping the homeless in Chicago. But at CCO, it isn’t just about providing shelter — it’s about a creating an experience, and a good one at that. One way CCO goes out of its way to do this is by hosting holiday and birthday celebrations for their guests each month. Take a minute to check out this month’s parties and sign up to help make a child’s next celebration an extra special one.
LifeSource
Donating blood only takes a few minutes, but those few minutes can save a life. Every drop counts, so get the OK from your doctor and make the donation. Find a Community Donor Center near you.
Mary Lou’s Place
Mary Lou’s Place is a domestic violence shelter for women and their children provided by YWCA Evanston/North Shore. They are always open to receiving donations of domestic gifts such as pots and pans and toiletry items. This winter, consider gathering up some of these items and making a trip to donate them to YWCA. Find a more detailed list of items to donate and collection hours/instructions on the YWCA Evanston/North Shore website.
North Shore Senior Center
The mission of the North Shore Senior Center is to provide service and care to the elderly community through love and effort of their staff and volunteers. The North Shore Senior Center is the perfect place to volunteer your time to make a difference in the lives of older adults. They are always looking for volunteers to offer their company by visiting a senior in their home a couple of times a month. You can really make an impact just by engaging in conversation and providing your attention.
Project Linus
By providing handmade blankets to children who are sick or in need, Project Linus is giving children comfort and reassurance. You can contribute to this sweet cause as a “blanketeer” either by attending their meetings, going to blanket-making events, or making them on your own and dropping them off. Visit projectlinus.org to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
Alexis Miller recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she earned a degree in Journalism, Advertising & Public Relations, and Media Studies. In her free time, she does Pilates, floral arrangements, and some freelance event planning. As an alumna member of Alpha Omicron Pi, Alexis is an enthusiastic fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation.
