Where to Volunteer for the Holidays
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An educational experience which can be done around the holidays is to volunteer at a food bank or soup kitchen. Although this is a different type of education, it is equally as valuable as something one can be tested on. Volunteering is something everyone should experience, and the holidays are a great time to get started as a lot of extra help is usually needed. There are many places to volunteer in the Boston area, check out the following list for some ideas!
Volunteer to prepare and collect food that will be distributed to shelters and other people in need.
At Community Servings, “families with children ages 13 and older can help us prepare or package meals for our clients. Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Saturday, in the morning (9am to noon), afternoon (1 to 4pm), or evenings. Families with younger children can make a six-month commitment to volunteer to deliver meals on Saturdays.”
Volunteers can help by “by serving meals, sorting and preparing supplies for Veterans, coaching and teaching at the Veterans Training School, and participating in special work details, projects and corporate work outings.”
- Local soup kitchens
Some of the soup kitchens in Boston such as The Pine Street Inn, Rosie’s Place, and the St. Francis House) need extra help during the holidays
- Local restaurants
Many restaurants will host thanksgiving dinners for the homeless or elderly. Check in with the ones in your area to see if they will be hosting any, or participating in a food drive.
There are many children in Massachusetts who are of low income and cannot be supplied with everyday materials they need to succeed. That’s where Cradles to Crayon steps in. They provide materials such as school supplies, shoes, toys, and clothing to children from low income families free of charge. Volunteers help by sorting materials and aiding with distribution. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at no more than a 5:1 ratio(5 kids to every 1 adult)
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Visit the elderly
The Boston Chapter of Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly pairs volunteers with senior citizens who are in need of company during the holiday season. Volunteers deliver a meal to 1-3 elderly citizens who may want to chat for a few minutes, or simply take the food. On Thanksgiving Day, there is a party for 140 elders and volunteers can register to drive 2-3 citizens.
Amanda De Moraes
Boston Tutoring Services