Volunteer opportunities available this holiday season

By Ashley Luthans

There are many ways to volunteer or donate to charitable organizations in St. Joseph during this time of year.

The St. Joseph Salvation Army is one place that people can volunteer at, not only during the holidays, but year-round.

Major Laura Key with the Salvation Army says that each child that has been adopted by the organization this Christmas will receive toys, clothing, bedding and more.

“They do get a lot and I’m so happy to say that I don’t think the parents should have to worry about buying them anything,” Key said. “If they don’t have the means, then let Santa Claus do his thing.”

Thanks to volunteers and donors, more than 100 children are going to be helped this Christmas by the Salvation Army.

Jodi Flurry, the Director of Community Investment at the United Way of Greater St. Joseph, says her agency has a list of volunteer opportunities available on its website that is always being updated.

Flurry says that there is always a need for volunteers, not just during the holiday season.

“A lot of agencies have greater needs during the holiday season, but needs exist throughout the entire year, both for donations and for volunteers,” Flurry said. “Our community is a better place because of the thousands of people who donate their time. So if you want to be a part of that, you are welcome to reach out to United Way. We can talk to you about volunteer opportunities or just visit our website.”