Holiday volunteer, donation opportunities abound
Nov. 18—Rogue Valley residents have plenty of ways to get that warm, fuzzy feeling from volunteering or donating during the holidays.
The local Salvation Army needs volunteers to ring bells outside various stores to encourage shoppers to drop money into red kettles. Other volunteers can help as Angel Tree assistants, handing out tags to Rogue Valley Mall shoppers who want to buy gifts for kids in need, or packaging donated toys in the Christmas Tree Warehouse.
Visit volunteer.usawest.org and enter your ZIP code to browse through The Salvation Army volunteer opportunities near you.
The Salvation Army is just one of many local groups that collect donated gifts for families. At stores all around the Rogue Valley, watch for Christmas Trees decorated with tags that show the gifts kids would like for the holidays.
Court Appointed Special Advocates of Jackson County, which helps abused and neglected kids, has tags at almost 100 locations. Pick up a tag, then bring purchased items back to the location or to CASA's office at 409 N. Front St., Medford between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The children and teens greatly appreciate the gifts they receive, said Erin Carpenter, development and media manager for CASA of Jackson County.
"It shows that the community cares about them. It goes beyond toys to include things like socks, clothing and warm coats. It's an opportunity to make sure kids are taken care of," Carpenter said.
She said people who want to go a step farther can host their own gift drives with friends, relatives, neighbors or co-workers, then bring the donations to CASA. Some people pick a theme, like hoodie sweatshirts for teens, sports gear or art supplies.
The Jackson County Foster Parents Association has a Christmas tree gift tag program, as well, that brings in presents for hundreds of foster kids. Tree locations include Walmart and Rogue Valley Mall.
To learn about volunteer and donation opportunities to help homeless youth and their families through Maslow Project, see maslowproject.com.
The social services agency ACCESS has volunteer opportunities year-round, ranging from helping in a food bank to presenting information to potential homebuyers.
The long-running ACCESS Senior Shoebox Project is back this year after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Donors and volunteers can help fill shoeboxes with gifts for seniors, people with disabilities and residents who are homebound. The shoeboxes are hand-delivered the week before Christmas.
For more information on volunteering, donating or to see a list of most needed items for the ACCESS Senior Shoebox Program, see accesshelps.org.
Peace House in Ashland operates the Uncle Food's Diner community meal program. Volunteers can sign up to cook or serve food, or volunteer at another event or in the office. See peacehouse.net.
Other organizations like churches also offer meals, including holiday dinners. Check with your local church about events.
To help animals, consider volunteering or donating through Friends of the Animal Shelter in Jackson County. You can walk dogs, pet cats, foster an animal while it awaits adoption, do office work, help with fundraisers and much more. Call 541-774-6651 or see fotas.org.
Southern Oregon Humane Society has similar volunteer opportunities. See sohumane.org or call 541-779-3215.
Reach Mail Tribune reporter Vickie Aldous at 541-776-4486 or valdous@rosebudmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @VickieAldous.
