Many call the next six weeks the season of giving--giving gifts and giving thanks for what we take for granted. Giving of your time in volunteering is a wonderful way to reach into your heart for those less fortunate.
But spending money or eating turkey with family is not the only way to give this season--you can also volunteer.
It may become difficult to see the great need this time of year generates, mostly concerning the poor and their children and the elderly, who are often either home-bound or otherwise alone during the holiday season.
According to Salvation Army Dane County literature, \[Dane County's] homeless shelter for families turns away twice as many people as it serves each night; the food pantry ran dry in early October and volunteers are serving a record number of meals each day.""
""We have a greater need this year with the uneasiness of the economy. Donations have been down and so it's depleted our resources,"" said Ruth Ann Schoer, Development Director for The Salvation Army. ""So we will need more throughout the holidays to make up for the year. And also, with the downturn in the economy, we have more people that are seeking our assistance.""
In addition, the number of deaths in homes for the elderly increases during the holiday season. Many say the cause can be linked to loneliness. Volunteers make a difference through programs designed to increase time spent with both shut-ins and those who many have little contact with family over the holidays.
""On Thanksgiving we deliver meals to what you might call shut-ins or home-bound--making a friendly contact,"" said Salvation Army Dane County Volunteer Coordinator Dianne Leyerle. ""Most of these people are alone. They don't have families. ... It's just a nice way to see a young person and get a nice hot meal hopefully.""
Because there is such a need, programs have changed to make volunteering a possibility for more people. Students may find many of these programs accommodating, even with a tight time budget.
""You can put in as little as two hours ringing bells or we could use you all day, everyday throughout the Christmas season,"" Schoer said. ""We have volunteer opportunities that would meet your time and your expertise.""
Many organizations will match volunteers with what activities they would most enjoy doing and with what groups of people.
""We have all kinds of things to match anyone's skills. ... You name it we've probably got it,"" Schoer said.
Many students may also be under the false impression that volunteering is something they have to do alone. When asked if there are opportunities for not only individuals, but couples and groups, both Schoer and Salvation Army Dane County Coordinator Major Paul Moore said, ""Absolutely.""
For those who can afford to, donating cans of food, toys or even cash can be one of the quickest and easiest ways to contribute to the spirit of holiday giving.
One place to do this on campus is at Grainger Hall, where the Salvation Army is setting up three donation barrels from Nov. 18 to 21.
""We don't turn anything away,"" Schoer said.
http://uwdc.org, http://www.salvationarmy-madison-wi.org
