We can all use a bit of extra help during the holidays, and local nonprofits are no exception! In fact, quite often their need is greater this time of year, with extra events and drives to help our fellow community members. Volunteering during the holidays at local nonprofits not only helps our neighbors, but it can help you feel a bit less depressed during this often gloomy time of year. Open your heart and spend some time helping others – it will do you good too! Wondering who needs help? Here are some places with 2024 holiday volunteering opportunities in Skagit County.
Open Door Community Kitchen
Central United Methodist’s Open Door Community Kitchen serves dinner the last full week of every month from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. During November and December, these dinners happen the week before Thanksgiving and Christmas. Volunteers are needed to help prepare, serve and deliver meals. All are welcome, no questions asked. To volunteer, call the church at 360.856.6412
Salvation Army Bell Ringers
The Salvation Army is always looking for volunteer bell ringers in Skagit County. You can register as an individual, or get your book club, sport team, church, etc., together and sign up as a group. They even have a virtual option now for those who would prefer to do online fundraising. Visit the Register to Ring website for more information and to sign up.
Community of Action of Skagit County
The Community of Action of Skagit County has lots of year-round volunteer opportunities as well as several that are seasonal. If you are looking for holiday volunteer opportunities, check out the Great Group Project: Holiday Stocking Stuffer Drive. This drive is geared toward low-income seniors who are in need of some holiday cheer. They are looking for a group to organize the stuffing of 240 stockings delivered no later than November 22! Contact Tracy Montaron, volunteer coordinator, at TracyM@communityactionskagit.org or 360.588.5753.
Another one they have that is seasonal is the East County Resource Center in Concrete needs cold weather supplies. They are looking for people who want to hold drives to fill this important need asap. Contact volunteercenter@communityactionskagit.org or .360.416.1733 for more information.
Check out the Community of Action of Skagit County’s website for a complete list of volunteer opportunities!
Friendship House
The Friendship House always has need for more volunteers – whether you are an individual or a group! You can help by distributing bag lunches, serve in the kitchen, wash dishes and more. During the holidays they serve both a Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner and extra help is always welcome. Check the Friendship House website for more information, and then fill out the volunteer application.
Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund
Each year, the Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund provides toys, books and holiday meals to families and children in need. They need help with toy sorting from mid-November to mid-December. You can also help distribute the items in mid-December. With over 1,700 families being helped, your elf-self can really make a difference this season! Call 360.419.7263 to find about holiday volunteering in Skagit County with the Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund.
Does your nonprofit need some extra helps this holiday season? Let us know about your holiday volunteering opportunities at submit@skagittalk.com.
