Most organizations see a flurry of volunteerism over the holiday season, but with a pandemic raging, nonprofits have seen a dramatic decrease in their volunteer workforce for months on end. Despite the need to socially distance, there are a number of pandemic-friendly opportunities to give back during this holiday season.
Drive through Drop off for the LA Mission
“Friends and Neighbors” who come to the LA Mission every day for a shower and clean clothing, do not have access to hygiene products and toiletries. For this reason, a constant and abundant supply of these are required at the Mission and can be dropped off in a pandemic-safe drive through. In addition to these items, the Mission is also working to rebuild its pantry stock of canned goods. Find a list of items in need and drive through addresses here
Adopt a Family through Baby2Baby
Baby2Baby’s Family2Family program is their version of adopt-a-family. Supporters are matched with a family in need and are provided a list of essential items that the children actually need, as well as three gifts that they are wishing for the holidays. From warm clothes to toys, supporters have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the lives of children, bring joy, and relief to deserving families.
Online Tutoring through Step Up Tutoring
Many students of color and students growing up in low-income households lack access to learning environments and resources needed to thrive in their academic career. The COVID-19 pandemic has only compounded the issue. In partnership with LAUSD, Step Up Tutoring is providing individualized online support to students. Tutors are needed who have just two hours free next week. More information on the responsibilities and requirements of becoming a tutor can be found here.
Support Refugee Families through Miry’s List
Miry’s List in a nonprofit organization that uses crowdsourcing and technology to solve problems from New Arrival resettling refugee families. A number of their volunteer opportunities are conducive to distanced volunteering including turning lists of family needs into shoppable online wish lists, writing welcome letters or art to include in families’ welcome kit, and serving as a translator.
Nonprofit Amazon Wish Lists
Instead of the money you may have spent traveling this holiday season or buying a new outfit for holiday parties, you can use that money to buy some needed items off a nonprofit’s amazon wish lists. A few nonprofit wish lists include:
- Aviva Family and Children’s Services
- 1736 Family Crisis Center
- Working Dreams
- People Assisting the Homeless
Lastly, we think any day is the perfect opportunity to pay it forward in the coffee or grocery line. A simple few dollars act can change the course of the day for the person behind you in line, or perhaps the subsequent dozen or so.
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