10 Ways to Volunteer Your Time this Holiday Season

Holiday shopping is almost done. You are mailing out your holiday greeting cards, longingly daydreaming of your approaching vacation and waiting for the final days to pass before friends and family gather for the holiday season.

Amidst dreams of dancing sugar plums, however, are other less fortunate families wishing they could celebrate the holidays as well. There are countless charitable ways to help families in Harrison, Westchester and beyond. What better way to spread holiday cheer than by spreading the gift to others in need?

Below are the 10 best places to volunteer your time, services and generosity during the holidays.

1. Sign up to help the local meals on wheels program in Harrison. Although this program is not a short-term commitment, most people can find the time in their schedule to deliver food to the town's most needy residents. For more information contact Florence D'Imperio at the Harrison Community Services Office: 914-670-3027
2. Donate blood at the American Red Cross in Westchester County's blood drive on Dec. 22 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall.
3. The Salvation Army in White Plains is desperate for bell ringers for its kettle locations. The Salvation Army offers social services and specialized programs, including Emergency Disaster situations, homeless programs, soup kitchens, community center programs, homework centers and Christmas assistance. These services are funded by donations made through the Christmas Kettle Campaign. For more information on how you can help, contact Captain Antonio Rosamilia at (914) 949-2908 or Antonio.Rosamilia@use.salvationarmy.org.
4. Make a donation to the . Although this is a busy time for the Harrison Community Services Office, donations are always welcomed. What better New Years resolution than planning to make a food donation every month in 2011?
5. Volunteer to serve meals at Grace Church Community Center's Soup Kitchen in White Plains. They provide Christmas meals every year to those in need. GCCC also accepts food, money and "in-kind" (plates, cups and napkins) donations. The Junior League of Central Westchester also provides two meals a month to approximately 100 individuals served by the GCCC Soup Kitchen. Contact the Community Center at (914) 949-3098 ext. 100 for details about how you or your organization can help.
6. The Scarsdale Teen Center could use your time. Donate and encourage your company to match your contribution. Alternately, donate an item on the STC's wishlist, including furniture, electronic equipment, stage lighting and more. See the full list at the website.
7. Help make a young girl's prom dreams come true by donating new or gently worn prom or bridesmaid dresses to Operation PROM. There are many girls who cannot afford prom expenses. Operation PROM helps hundreds of female teens in Westchester who live in shelters, group homes or very low-income households attend their prom at little-to-no cost. Operation PROM also accepts tuxedos, evening bags, jewelry and shawls.
8. Donate to the Westchester County's Department of Social Services's gift drive for local children, toddlers to 21-years-old living in foster homes or residential centers. Gift cards are also accepted. You can also sponsor a child by filling a specific request on a child's wish list. Collections boxes open to the public are located in county offices. Contact Barbara Sabater at (914) 995-5545 or bms7@westchestergov.com for more information.
9. The Hastings-on-Hudson chapter of Family-to-Family (F-to-F) is collecting new unwrapped toys and books for children ages two to 18-years-old. They are also collecting wrapping paper, tape and ribbon for struggling families. Your generosity helps the parents give gifts to their children this holiday season.
10. Purchase gifts from the American Red Cross 2010 Holiday Giving catalogue for our troops and families in need. Some popular items include the Military Comfort Kits for wounded soldiers, Full Day of Emergency Shelter for Disaster Victims, Infant Care Kits, Cleanup Kit for Victims of Floods and Hurricanes, Shelter and Food for House Fire Victims and Vaccinate Children. The costs of these gifts start at $20. For more items and to learn more, visit the website.

Although this list features many worthwhile local charitable endeavors, do not let it limit your volunteer options this holiday season. Research other organizations in Westchester that need your help, or get creative and do something on your own to spread holiday cheer.

Gather your family and friends and go caroling at a hospital or shelter. Make holiday ornaments with residents at a local retirement home. No matter what you do, the help is appreciated, and giving gifts to the less-fortunate is rewarding and fulfilling.