Top 10 Christmas and Holiday Service Project Ideas

IFor those who volunteer every once in awhile, this article is for you. Here are the top ten Christmas/Holiday service projects. I will give you a list of charities in Raleigh, NC you can help out this season.

1)Soup Kitchen- I would say this is the most popular. It is easy, it takes some time. If you do not mind spending your Christmas away from home then this is for you. It depends on what soup kitchen you go to, you may perform tasks such as serving food to clients, food prep work, or set-up/break-down. Places in Raleigh, NC that you can help. Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen, located on 121 Hillsbourgh Street, Raleigh, NC 27611, phone number is 919-831-2010. Another soup kitchen is Halleujah Soup Kitchen, located on 1904 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC, phone number is 919- 899-6498.

2)Deliver toys- It is just as it sounds. You deliver toys on or before Christmas to needy families with most likely children. Some places you can be involved in gift-wrapping. You can perform this at any places who gives families/children gift for Christmas. Try Triangle Family Services, located 700 Blue Ridge Road st. 101, Raleigh, NC 27606.

3)Food Drive- Considering the economic downturn food pantries may be low of food for the holidays. The food drive can be done anywhere, your local church, outside a grocery store (with permission), or at your school (with permission). Get a group of friends, co-workers, or church members together. The purpose to collects as many can foods or non-perishables as you can. Taking these items are Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, located on 3808 Tarheel Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609, phone number, 919-875-0707 or at the Raleigh Rescue Mission you can be involved in there annual food drives. They are located at 314 East Hargett Street, Raleigh,NC 27601, phone number, 919-828-9014.

4)Sponsor a family- You contact an organization that helps families during the holidays. You can choose to supply presents and/or food on Christmas. This charity is not in Raleigh, NC but close. All'N Together, located in Youngsville, NC 27596, phone number 919-559-9629. Some of the other non-profits that I mentioned before participate in the same event.

5)Play Santa Claus- I have not found a particular organization that needs this but a lot of organization that throw Christmas parties for children will most likely need a Santa Claus. The best thing to do is to search some of the previous organizations above or your area church.

6)Help a Senior citizens- This is a simple and cheap way of helping. Pick a senior citizen, help them clean the yard. Such as raking, cleaning gutters, and vacuuming, etc. There is no organization necessary. I am sure you know senior that can use some help.

7)Singing Carols-Get a group of family or friends together and sing Christmas Caroles. You can go to nursing home or just entertain your neighbors. One place is Community Home Care and Hospice, located 962 Hwy 42 West, Clayton, NC 27520.

8)International giving- Pack a shoe box with toys, school supplies, hygiene items. This is with Samaritan Purse organization, all they ask is for $7 for shipping and other project cost. They collect during November 16-23, 2009.

9)Homeless youth- This organization helps homeless youth. Help in meal preparation for the many homeless children. The organization is Stand up for Kids, headquarters is in Atlanta, GA but they can be contacted at raleigh@standupforkids.org.

10)Toys for tots- This charity is ran by the Marine Corps. It gives a toy to a needy child. Here is a link to where to donate in Raleigh,NC., http://raleigh-nc.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/donate-toys.asp.

I hope this helps in your holiday volunteering ventures.