4 Meaningful Ways to Volunteer Around Chicagoland this Season

The holiday season is a time of goodwill and cheer. While monetary donations are a common option for those who want to give back during the holidays, you don’t have to spend money to have a meaningful impact. Consider donating your time and effort as well. These Chicagoland charities could use your help this season.

1. Hesed House
659 S River St, Aurora

Hesed House helps provide safe housing for more than 1,000 people each year. As winter chills settle in, it’s more important than ever to make sure everyone has a safe, warm place to sleep at night. You can get involved in this effort by volunteering your services throughout the holiday season and beyond. Volunteers assist with:

• Preparing and serving meals
• Registering guests for housing
• Opening guest lockers
• Handing out toiletries
• Doing laundry and cleaning

If you want to get involved, set up an online volunteer profile to begin receiving information on weekly volunteer openings.

2. Feed My Starving Children
555 Exchange Ct, Aurora

Feed My Starving Children is a charity that helps feed those in need. Volunteers regularly help pack meals for children around the world. The organization has three locations in Illinois. The Aurora packing facility is just 25 minutes from our Springs at Orchard Road community. There are special holiday packing sessions scheduled for November 23, December 10, December 17 and December 23, 2017. A $50 donation is required at these events. Reserve your spot online now.

3. Green Harvest Food Pantry
25448 Ruff St, Plainfield

Green Harvest Food Pantry provides food to low-income families in Plainfield, Oswego, Naperville, Montgomery, Bolingbrook, Yorkville, Aurora, Plano and Romeoville. The pantry is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. weekly. It’s also open the first Saturday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. and the third Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are always needed. Reach out and contact the pantry to let them know when you’d like to serve. Just half an hour from our Springs at Weber Road community, this is a great opportunity for Romeoville residents.

4. Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care
7435 W Talcott Ave, Chicago

Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care provides long-term, end-of-life care to patients around the Chicagoland area. Volunteers are needed for patient care at long-term care facilities, at inpatient units and in patients’ homes. As a volunteer, you might run errands, assist with chores, help prepare meals, visit with patients and families or offer other basic day-to-day assistance. You can make a meaningful impact this holiday season by reaching out to assist families dealing with ill and elderly loved ones.

Do you know of other charities in need of volunteers this season? Share any additional opportunities in the comments section below!