Are you interested in giving back this holiday season? Finding a great project, drive or volunteer event shouldn't be difficult, which is why Connect has compiled a one-stop list of holiday opportunities for you. We will be adding to this list daily, so please send us additional projects for posting. Thank you for your efforts in making this holiday season a memorable one for our local community.
Central Virginia Foodbank
Community Kitchen: Help prepare meals for Meals on Wheels by packaging, traying, labeling and cleaning. December 22, 23, 30 and 31.
For more information: Hands On Greater Richmond.
Senior Connections
Annual Holiday Gifts Project: Donate gifts to seniors, includes grocery and pharmacy gift cards, household or personal care items, disaster preparedness items (batteries, flashlights, etc.) and more.
For more information: Diane Foster, 343-3045.
Young Ladies with Vision
Thanksgiving baskets/Christmas baskets: Donate toys, hats, clothing, food, etc. or provide the names of families for consideration to receive these donations.
For more information: Shareta Berry, 714-7778 or 261-1743.
Assisting Families of Inmates
Donated food and toiletries: Donate canned food items for client families (sweet potatoes, green veggies, stuffing, etc.) and toiletries.
For more information: Fran Bolin, 643-2401.
Commonwealth Catholic Charities
Christmas wish list: 50 back packs including the following items inside: personal hygiene items, such as shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, body liquid soap, brush, deodorant, lotion, and a disposable camera. Items can be for boys or girls. Items needed by 12/17/08 for the annual Christmas party on 12/18/08.
For more information: Bebe Tran, 545-5949 or Bebe_Tran@cccofva.org
The Active Hand Ministry
Bentley Bear Donation: TAHM would like to donate 1,650 Bentley Bear Companions to a child from one of the following organizations: Children, Inc.; Friends Association For Children; Richmond ARC Infant and Child Development; Saint Joseph Villa and Jewish Family Services. Sign up to donate a bear to one of these organizations.
For more information: Rev. Junius E. Gash, juniusgash@yahoo.com
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Radiothon: On December 12 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., call 474-0200 to donate and help make wishes come true for local children with life-threatening illnesses.
Donate frequent flier miles: Help children fulfill their wishes, which often involves travel.
Donate disposable flash cameras: Help children remember their wish fulfillment this holiday.
Macy's Believe Campaign: Macy's will donate a dollar to Make-A-Wish for every letter written to santa. Letters can be from anyone of any age. Funds raised will grant wishes of local children.
For more information: Lyn Benson, 217-9474 or email lbenson@cwva.wish.org
ElderFriends
Deliver baskets of cheer and visit with isolated elders for the holidays: There are two volunteer opportunities available. 1. Donate goods to be included in the gift basket, e.g. blankets, soaps, teas, puzzles and stationary. 2. Deliver these baskets of cheer on December 16 and spend an hour visiting with the elderly this holiday.
For more information: Kiersten Ware, 249-5408.
AARF
Have your dog's picture taken with Santa at Petsmart on December 20th and 21st, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The $10 cost will benefit AARF and their mission to save dogs from being put to sleep. Location: Petsmart at Broad and Libbie.
For more information: 262-4065 or email aarfva@hotmail.com
Special Olympics of Virginia
Donate new or gently used sporting equipment to help provide for the 17 sports offered through this organization. The Special Olympics is also collecting hand-knit scarves to give to the nearly 3,000 athletes competing in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho this February.
For more information: Holly Claytor, 726-3025 or email hclaytor@specialolympicsva.org
Easter Seals
Santa Dollars: 12 branches of Union Bank in the Richmond area will begin selling Santa Dollars for $2.50 through December 25. Santa Dollars are real US currency that is bankable and spendable. The remaining amount helps support Easter Seals. You will receive a gift card, envelope and Santa Dollar. To purchase Santa Dollars you may also contact the Easter Seals' office (see contact information below).
For more information: Missy Wilder, 287-1007 x107
Also, check out our partner program, Hands On Greater Richmond, for great volunteer opportunities in the area.