Volunteer for the Holidays in Philadelphia
Christmas Charities That Need Volunteers in the Philadelphia Area
Nov 2, 2009
There are three charitable organizations that can always use Christmas volunteers. One is a local organization, one a national organization, and one an international charity, but all offer Christmas volunteers in Philadelphia an opportunity to serve people in need.
Toys for Tots Needs Philadelphians for Toy Donations
Toys for Tots is a national organization run by the United States Marines. Toys for Tots collects and distributes toys for needy children. Toy donations can be dropped off at central collection sites; they should be new and unwrapped. Toy donations are collected from October through December 22, and distribute through churches and social welfare agencies on December 23 and 24th.
A list of drop off sites for donating toys in Philadelphia can be found on their website.
Samaritan’s Purse International Charity Operation Christmas Child
Samaritan’s Purse is an international charity run by Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham. Every year, millions of shoe boxes filled with children’s gifts are distributed overseas. Shoe boxes can be dropped off at local collection sites from Nov. 16-23, 2009. Labels on the website can be printed out and pasted on top with age groups marked 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14 and girl or boy. Collection sites also need volunteers to process and ship the boxes.
Donating small toys or personal items is fine. International charities appreciate even things like soap and toothbrushes in the shoe boxes. No war toys or suggestive T shirts or other questionable items are accepted; if wrapped, wrap top and box separately and put a check for $7 for shipping in an envelope on top, or donate online for shipping. Volunteers also needed at collection sites.
Christian Caring Center Offers a Place to Volunteer in Philadelphia Area
The Christian Caring Center is a charitable organization located in Browns Mills, NJ, that runs a year round food bank and thrift shop. Starting in December and going through March, they also run a homeless shelter, open on nights when the temperature drops below 25 degrees, called Code Blue. They need people to help maintain, clean and staff the shelter, to provide food, clothing and personal items or to support monetarily. The Caring Center also needs year round volunteers to work in the food bank and thrift shops.
Volunteers for the Holiday Always Welcome
Many charities are overrun with volunteers at Christmas and forgotten the rest of the year. These three charities specially need help from Christmas volunteers in the Philadelphia area. Volunteering just by donating toys to a child, or warm clothing to a shelter, can do wonder to lift the spirits of both the giver and the receiver.
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