As the holiday season arrives, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference in the community. This time of year, everyone has their own traditions.
For some, that includes community service. There are a lot of different options when it comes to volunteering this winter and all of them are applicable to NHS volunteer hours.
One opportunity—that’s not limited to the holiday season—is volunteering through Milford Cinema. There are regular openings to work concessions there and it’s a fantastic way to meet new people in this community!
“I really like interacting with customers and making a positive impact on the community here because the Milford Cinema has been around for so long and plays a part in a lot of people’s lives,” exclaimed Sarah Bennett, an MHS senior.
By going to Milford Cinema’s website, there will be a displayed tab directing potential volunteers to their sign up genius page. Anyone can volunteer here; coordinate with friends in order to work the same shift and experience volunteering together.
For those who are interested in more festive volunteering opportunities, those are available too; through the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, volunteers ring bells and collect donations to ensure families are fed this Christmas. People can sign up for specific times and places to help out at registertoring.com. This can be done individually, with a group of friends, or with family.
Senior Eryn Mather volunteered alongside a friend, and stated, “It’s cold but talking with someone helps. My favorite part was just seeing how happy people were to help and knowing we were making a difference.”
The Red Kettle Campaign supports families all over the country during the holiday season with food, gifts, and numerous social programs. It’s a great way to get involved this holiday season.
Similarly, Milford Presbyterian Church is looking for students interested in helping manage live stream broadcasts for Sunday morning worship services, as well as Christmas Eve services. Each day would include roughly two volunteer hours and would immensely help the audio-visual team there. You can reach out by contacting the church directly.
If you are interested in expanding beyond Milford, Open Door Outreach Center is another wonderful option to get involved in Oakland County. Based in Waterford, they offer a more routine schedule of volunteering. Currently, positions as a receptionist, thrift store helper, and food pick up volunteers are available.
It’s essential to get involved in one’s community and there are a plethora of opportunities for connecting this winter. Volunteering provides people with the tools necessary to become empathetic, productive members of society.
While the holidays are typically seen as some of the happiest times of the year, they can be a struggle for many. It’s important to ease the hidden burdens of this winter by getting involved as much as possible.