By Lydia Browne
The holiday season is a time to give. While we give presents to family and friends, we should also be sure to take time to think about the people less fortunate than us. Here are a few volunteer opportunities where you can make a difference this holiday season.
Volunteer at Faith Food Fridays—Vallejo
Located at 826 Solano Ave in Vallejo, Faith Food Fridays is a food pantry that helps those in need with boxes of food, groceries, and other necessities. It hands out items on Sundays from 11 am to 1 pm, Tuesdays from 11 am to 2 pm, and Fridays from 11 am to 5 pm. Those interested in helping out can volunteer and drop off donations throughout the week: Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 2 pm, Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Saturday or Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm. Volunteering at FFF is a great way to help the Vallejo community, as the organization serves over 400 families each week.
Sell Hot Chocolate Bombs with the BHS Key Club—Benicia
The BHS Key Club raises money by selling hot chocolate bombs on First Street at the Tree Lighting, which will take place on December 1 this year from 6 to 9 pm. The funds from the chocolate bombs will go towards the Pediatric Trauma Program, which works to reduce the number of children who are killed or injured by Pediatric Trauma in California, Nevada, and Hawaii.
Community Meals at St. Paul’s—Benicia
This is another event in which the BHS Key Club participates. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church—located at 120 East J Street, Benicia—organizes a Community Meal on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6 pm. Attendees can get a free meal to go. This is a great place to volunteer and help others, whether it is for the holidays or year round.
Volunteer at the Library—Benicia
The Benicia Public Library is a wonderful place to volunteer, particularly for teens. The library has a volunteer program in which teens volunteer once a week both during the school year and during the summer. This is a good opportunity to build your skills through a variety of activities, and make new friends. If you are interested in volunteering, there’s no time like the present to sign up for this program. You also have the opportunity to participate in a coat drive by dropping off coats inside the library.
Volunteer with The Soroptimists of Benicia
The Soroptimists of Benicia is a global organization which works to educate, train, and increase opportunities for women and girls. They will be hosting a Children’s Christmas Tea on December 10 from 12 to 3:30 pm, and are looking for volunteers to help set up the event, help kids while they meet with Santa, and assist with crafts. Volunteers would dress in provided elf costumes, and would be provided with lunch.
beniciapaw.com 