The holidays are always a busy time of the year. Whether you are buying gifts, making holiday treats, going to holiday parties, visiting family or volunteering it seems that there is always something to do.
Volunteering is one thing that keeps many people busy over the holiday season. While it may not always come to mind as you think about normal holiday activities, volunteering is a huge part of the holiday season.
Many programs work to give gifts and food to the less fortunate during the holidays. Sophomore Mallory Thomas will be packing snack bags for homeless people this December.
“I think it’s important to give back to the community during the holiday season,” Thomas said.
Many people support Thomas’ idea of giving back during the holiday season. Marissa Joyce, the high school youth leader at First Presbyterian Church, is in charge of a mission trip that takes place over the holidays called “God at Christmas”.
At this event, over 120 middle school and high school students will volunteer around Winston-Salem for two days. They will be volunteering at many places around the city including Cook Elementary School, Crisis Control, and the Samaritan Inn .
“I think that if we’re not actively seeking to make our community a better place, whether that’s a better place to live or a better place for others, then I don’t think we are fulfilling our call,” Joyce said.
While volunteering around the holidays is crucial, it is also important to remember to give back to the community during the rest of the year. There are still people in need in the spring, summer and fall that need as much food and support from their community as they receive in during the winter season.
“People choose to reach out more during the holidays because they feel that that’s the time where it’s needed most,” junior Grace Manning said. “This is an opportunity for a lot of people in shelters to get help during the holidays, but they do need that help year round.”
In the winter, opportunities to volunteer are everywhere. There are signs all around the city calling for people to donate food, gifts and more to those who are less fortunate. During the rest of the year it may look like volunteer opportunities are scarce, but don’t let this fool you! There are just as many opportunities to volunteer during the rest of the year.
Reynolds has many ways that people can volunteer over the year. There are many service clubs and events around the school that need more volunteers. Even staying after school to help a teacher clean up their classroom is a way to lend a hand.
Volunteering is an important part of our community. It is important to remember to volunteer not only around the holidays, but year round.
“It’s fun to give back because you get to embrace everything that you have,” said Manning.