Looking for ways for your family to give back this holiday season? Whether it’s donating needed items to a local non-profit or volunteering as a family at one of the city’s agencies, we’ve compiled a list of Ways to Serve OKC With your Family. We’ve done a lot of the work already; scroll down and see what appeals to you!
1. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma:
Through this on-site volunteer experience, volunteers sort, pack and prepare food for a variety of Regional Food Bank Programs. Children ages 8 and older may participate, and anyone under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteer activities may include:
- Assembling sacks of nutritious food for the Food for Kids Backpack Program
- Packing Commodity Supplemental Food Program boxes full of food for seniors living on fixed incomes
- Sorting and packing bread, produce, package meals and/or cans
- Tagging bags
- Cleaning
Check out volunteer opportunities online here or email: [email protected]
2. The Salvation Army – Central Oklahoma Area Command:
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Red Kettle – Volunteer to “man” a kettle station over the holidays for the Salvation Army. It’s easy to sign up here. Great for families to do together!
- Angel Tree – Adopt an angel and help a needy family buy Christmas presents for their children this year. Look for the Salvation Army Angel Trees at Quail Springs Mall and/or Penn Square Mall.
- Boys & Girls Club – Coach a sports team, help children with their homework, lend your hand to campus beautification or provide and serve an evening meal for 60 children.
- Red Shield Diner – Provide, Prepare, Serve: Organize a group to work a night in our kitchen, preparing and serving the evening meal to all guests, and then cleaning up. This dinner is offered nightly to not only our shelter clients, but anyone else who comes in.
- Senior Centers – Take handmade cards to seniors or plan to serenade them with Christmas carols.
Register at redkettlevolunteer.org for working a red kettle station/bell ringing.
3. Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse International Relief
- Pack a shoebox (or two) full of toys and personal care items for a child in need and then drop it off at your closest collection site during the week of November 13 – 20. Pay $10 for the shipping AND you’ll be able to track your box as it is delivered! More info by clicking on the words Operation Christmas Child above.
4. Infant Crisis Services
This organization provides life-sustaining formula, food and diapers to babies and toddlers in times of crisis…Because no baby should go hungry. You can donate items off their wish list by checking out the list here and then donation drop off sites here. Another way to help Infant Crisis Services is to host an event at your church or workplace such as:
A Christmas Ornament Drive – Join Infant Crisis Services in providing “Hope for the Holidays” by collecting life-sustaining formula, diapers and other basic necessities for babies and toddlers in need this December. We have made it simple by creating holiday ornaments listing items most needed. Hang these ornaments in your church or place of business and collect the baby items from your members or coworkers.
5. Oklahoma Humane Society
Their primary focus is to eliminate the needless euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals in Oklahoma City. You can help make a difference by contributing needed supplies, signing up to be a family that fosters pets, or adopting your next pet from the Humane Society.
6. Food and Shelter
Located in Norman, Oklahoma, they work daily “empowering people in need of food, homes and hope.”
Volunteers needed in the following areas:
- Breakfast/Lunch service
- General Kitchen Help
- Yard Work
- Clerical
Click here to register to volunteer at Food and Shelter, Inc.
7. The City Rescue Mission
They have helped the homeless and near homeless in the Oklahoma City metro area for over 60 years. CRM has many opportunities for volunteers and they love to see families serve together! Click here for more info. Volunteer opportunities may include sorting donations, food service, indoor maintenance, housekeeping, or helping maintain the outdoor lawn and garden. Check out the opportunities to “Adopt a Table” for Thanksgiving or Christmas lunch. You bring the desert and the table decorations and then share a holiday meal with clients.
Do you serve as a family around the holidays? If so, let us know about your experience by commenting below. What other ways do you serve?
