The holidays aren’t all about the food, parties, and fun–the season also serves as an opportunity for individuals to serve their communities. From volunteering at senior citizen centers to serving local shelters and food banks, the Triangle area has plenty of non-profit organizations in need of helping hands, especially with the holidays approaching. Here are the GHFalcon’s top seven picks for ways to help out those in need during this time of year.

Letters for Rose 

Founded in 2020, Letters for Rose aims to reduce loneliness among the elderly by establishing a program that allows students to create and write thoughtful letters to nursing homes. Green Hope’s chapter of Letters for Rose is open to new members year-round and posts updates on their Instagram at @ghhslfr. 

A Place at the Table 

Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can cafe combats food insecurity by providing healthy, affordable meals in a comfortable dining setting. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch six days a week and allows visitors to volunteer in exchange for a free meal. The public is welcome to help wash dishes, clean silverware, wipe tables and meet others. More information can be found on their website here: https://tableraleigh.org/. 

Dorcas Ministries 

Dorcas Ministries provides financial assistance through a food pantry, training center and thrift shop program. Volunteer can spend time sorting through donated clothing or shelving canned goods while supporting others at the crisis and training center. Typically, volunteers work three-hour shifts once a week, but this can vary based on one’s schedule. More information can be found at: https://dorcascary.org/volunteer/. 

Designed for Joy 

Not many nonprofit organizations are able to provide both support and assistance through employment programs, but Designed for Joy does just that. Pledging to ‘remove the stigma of vulnerability,’ the organization provides artisans with the opportunity to sell their products. Learn more about how you can help manage their shop, package orders and donate supplies at: https://www.designedforjoy.com. 

The Carying Place 

The Carying Place aims to provide essential life skills training to homeless families. The non-profit helps families manage finances, find affordable housing and job/interview training. Qualifying families receive furnished housing, utilities and rent and support for children’s education. Help out this organization by visiting their website at: https://www.thecaryingplace.org/. 

Read and Feed 

Read and Feed is an after-school literacy program that helps combat food insecurity. The organization provides meals, tutoring and books to underserved elementary school students, and the program also wraps presents for children. For more information, visit: https://readandfeed.org/. 

Cat Angels Pet Adoptions 

Cat Angels Pet Adoptions is a no-kill shelter for abandoned cats. Funded by an adjoining business, Cat Angels Thrift Store, the shelter aims to provide kittens and cats with permanent, loving families and reduce populations in kill shelters. Volunteers can work with the shelter to feed, clean and take care of kittens and cats. More information can be found on their website: https://catangelsnc.org/volunteer. 

Volunteering can serve as a valuable learning experience and teach individuals to gain perspective as well as appreciate the things they often take for granted. With the season of giving right around the corner, we hope you all take advantage of the opportunities to not only spread joy but also serve the local community.