Christmas – Tis the Season to Give Back

It’s hard to believe that another year has almost slipped by and the Christmas holiday season just around the corner! 

This time of year is about more than jingling all the way to the work Christmas ‘do for free cocktails. Although, yes, that is important.

It’s also a great time for doing something that gives back to the community; whether it’s volunteering yourself or as a team-building activity with your work crew. 

Either way, here a few volunteer ideas to get you in the warm and fuzzy Christmas spirit, just like those free mojitos. 

Sort, Wrap And Pack Gifts

Volunteer your gift wrapping and packing skills (if you can cut tape and tie ribbons you’ve got skills) for The Smith Family’s annual Christmas Day toy delivery. Sorting through donations, your job is to determine the appropriate age group and suitability and packing gift packs for children.

Some heavy lifting may be required but this is the perfect role for someone looking to spend the day away from their desk!

You can also volunteer your time as a gift wrapper with the Cancer Council who host a number of gift wrapping stations during the festive period. Gift wrapping sites rely on people who are willing to volunteer their time on the gift wrapping stations. 

No experience necessary, just bring a big smile and your festive spirit!

Volunteer To Serve Food Or Clean Up At  Christmas Lunch For The Homeless (But Be Quick)

Volunteering to help out at Christmas lunches for the homeless and those doing it tough one of the most popular volunteering activities of the season; so you’ll need to register your interest early!

Don’t forget to contact your local community groups and churches too. While volunteering opportunities with well-known organisations like The Salvation Army and St Vinnies can fill up quickly, smaller initiatives might still need a hand with Christmas lunch or dinner activities they’re hosting. 

Mission Australia hosts the annual Christmas Lunch In The Park and if you missed out on volunteering, you can ‘donate a plate’ to help those doing it tough enjoy a yummy Christmas dinner too. 

Host A Salvation Army Gift Drive Morning Tea At Work

Organising a food or gift drive at work is a simple way to spread some Christmas cheer with a family in need. You can register the food or gift drive with The Salvation Army.

They’ve made it really simple to promote the drive in your workplace with free posters and resources to let everyone know how they can pitch in. 

After you’ve held the event and collected the goodies, find a local Salvation Army drop off location to donate the goods. 

The Salvation Army recommends holding the drive during November or early December.

Bring A Smile To A Little Face And Donate A Gift To The Kmart Wishing Tree

Since 1988, Aussie Christmas icon, the Kmart Wishing Tree has been bringing gifts to kids who might otherwise not have anything to unwrap on Christmas morning. Kmart partners with The Salvation Army to distribute almost half a million toys to Aussie kids annually.

Why not get your work team together and pitch in to buy and wrap gifts to put under a local Kmart Wishing Tree. If you’ve got little kids yourself, donating a gift is a great way to teach them about the power of giving. 

Volunteer Your Professional Skills For A Festive Event

Got great event planning skills or a creative eye for exactly how to deck those halls?

The Go Volunteer website is a great resource for volunteering during the holiday season with roles from Christmas event assistants, to decorators and event photographers. Lend a hand by doing what you do best! 

If you’re looking to beef up your CV in a certain professional area, this could be the perfect opportunity to gain experience while doing good. Definitely a win-win!

Be A Digital Mentor

Love technology and enjoy helping people? Becoming a digital mentor could be the perfect way to give back to the community this festive season. 

Connected Digital Mentor Training is a free Australian Government initiative that empowers people to help others in their communities with digital technology. 

As a Digital Mentor, you’ll help and inspire people over the age of fifty to get into the swing of using digital technology and guide them through the first steps using computers, mobile devices, and the internet.

Be A Friendly Face Or Helping Hand To A Senior In The Holiday Season…And Beyond

Volunteer work at Christmas is great, but why not become a helper or a friendly visitor for a senior through the holidays and beyond?

Go Volunteer has a range of opportunities to volunteer with senior citizens. Ways to assist include helping out with the weekly grocery shop, running bingo nights or simply having a chat and a cuppa with a senior who might not receive many visitors. 

It’s also worthwhile checking out Bupa’s aged cared program for volunteers in aged care facilities, where you may be able to help out and use your skills for experiences like teaching music, cooking, arts and crafts.

Get A Gift You Didn’t Need?

“Gee, thanks Aunty Sue for this amazing embroidered towel set!”

*Puts towels in the back of linen cupboard with approx 100 other embroidered towel sets also from Aunty Sue* 

If you’ve been gifted a pressie you really think someone else could benefit from more check out GIVIT. The site matches quality donations to those who need them.

Aunty Sue will never know. 

Quick Links For Christmas Volunteering Opportunities In 2019 

Go Volunteer

The Centre For Volunteering

The Red Cross Australia

The Exodus Foundation 

The Cancer Council

Volunteering is about helping others but in the process, you’ll also help yourself. Aside from the warm and fuzzy feeling, you’ll get by giving your time, employers love to see volunteer work on your resume. It demonstrates your compassion, initiative and willingness to pitch in and give back. 

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give” Winston Churchhill