One of the best gifts you can give during the holiday season—and through the year, for that matter—is the gift of your time. Many community organizations rely solely on volunteers to run their programs, and typically welcome new volunteers with open arms. If you’re looking for opportunities to help those in need, there are numerous programs throughout Westmoreland County that welcome volunteers on a regular basis. While minimum age requirements vary by program, you're sure to find a program that's suitable for both the kids and adults in your family!
Westmoreland County Food Bank
The Food Bank welcomes volunteers year-round to assemble boxes, participate in food drives, distribute items at food pantries and work on “back office” tasks like data entry. If you can’t donate time, you can also support the Food Bank by donating money or by launching a food collection at your workplace. For more information, visit: https://westmorelandfoodbank.org
Salvation Army
Nearly everyone is familiar with the Salvation Army red kettles and “bell ringers,” who collect money during the holiday season. In fact, the Salvation Army raises most of its money through its Christmas kettles! Bell ringers are needed to stand outside local merchants throughout Western Pennsylvania, and kids are welcome with a parent or guardian! If your schedule doesn’t allow for bell ringing, you can also sign up to sponsor a kettle! More info: https://wpa.salvationarmy.org/WesternPennsylvania/Red-Kettles
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is an all-volunteer service that provides local homebound residents with nutritious meals and is always looking for volunteers, including cooks, drivers, buyers and bakers, as well as substitutes. Volunteers are encouraged to serve with their children or grandchildren. More information: https://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/2753/Westmoreland-County-Meals-on-Wheels-Prog
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corp that collects and distributes brand-new toys to children in need. The local Toys for Tots program is sponsored by the Greater Greensburg Marine Corps League Detachment 834 with the assistance of the Rolling Rock Detachment from Latrobe. Drop off sites and volunteer opportunities are available throughout Westmoreland County. More info: https://jeannette-pa.toysfortots.org
Feeding the Spirit
Feeding the Spirit is a soup kitchen for the soul. The organization hosts free dinners every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Otterbein United Methodist Church on College Avenue in Greensburg. The meals are open to anyone, regardless of income or ability. You can volunteer simply by showing up at the church on a Thursday to help serve a meal. You can also sign up to sponsor a weekly meal. The group also sponsors a yearly hat-and-glove drive, where they hang plastic bags full of cold weather essentials from trees and fences throughout downtown Greensburg. More info:https://www.feedspirit.org
Beverly’s Birthdays
Based in North Huntingdon, has gained national attention for its commitment to serving children in need. The program ensures that no child is ever forgotten on his or her special day, and needs volunteers to bake birthday cakes, run birthday parties, and sponsor birthday treat bags. More info: https://www.beverlysbirthdays.org
Personal Care & Nursing Homes
Nursing homes and personal care homes throughout the county rely on volunteers to spread cheer to their residents. At Westmoreland Manor, volunteers are needed to escort residents, participate in recreational activites, shop for residents and simply make friendly visits. Volunteers also run the snack bar and gift shop. More info: https://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/2424/Recreation-Volunteers
Laurel Area Faith in Action
Based out of Latrobe, Laurel Area Faith in Action provides companionship and assistance to help residents with daily living tasks so that they can remain in their own homes and live with dignity. Volunteers are needed for everything from simple visits to teams to help with technology. More info: http://www.laurelfia.org
Excela Health
Excela Health offers opportunities for teens and adults to volunteer throughout its health system. Volunteers are needed to prepare mailings, package medical charts, work the front desk, and staff surgical waiting areas. More info: https://www.excelahealth.org/about-excela-health/giving-back/volunteer-services
Animal Shelters
Finally, let’s not forget about our four-legged friends who need love, too! There are animal shelters throughout Westmoreland County that need volunteers to walk dogs, cuddle cats and clean cages, including the Animal Friends of Westmoreland, the Humane Society of Westmoreland County, the Pet Adoption League, and Action for Animals, just to name a few.
Finally, if none of these opportunities work out for you and your family, consider looking around your immediate neighborhood! Perhaps you have an elderly or homebound neighbor who doesn't have family close by, who doesn't get out much, who could use some companionship or help with daily activities. Sometimes, giving back starts in our own backyards.
Did I miss anything? Send me an email: jenniferbrozak@macaronikid.com
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