by Erik Harris

Created on: December 05, 2009

You will find many organizations who rely on the services provided by volunteers everyday. With the upcoming holidays, the need for volunteers is even greater. You can do your part by volunteering your time to one of the following non profits in the area.

Salvation Army: Christmas means The Salvation Army is in full force, with programs to assist underprivileged children and elderly and disabled adults. As a volunteer, you could assist with fund raising by manning a kettle collection or assist with sorting gifts for the Angel Tree Program.

www.salarmy-nash.org

Walden's Puddle: Ages 16 and up can spend the day helping to care for the animals. You will be responsible for feeding and cleaning. You can also assist with fund raising projects. www.waldenspuddle.org

Safe Haven Family Shelter: This shelter provides help for homeless families as a whole. Make the lives of the families in the program at Safe Haven a little brighter this season by cooking a holiday meal for the residents. You can also volunteer to work a shift at the shelter or with repairs and matinance duties. www.safehaven.org

Nashville Rescue Mission: Caring people are needed to serve holiday meals to the homeless on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.This will take place in the morning hours, not to last over 2 to 3 hours. www.nashvillerescuemission.org

Second Harvest Food Bank: With the economy in the shape it is in, Second Harvest has seen quiet an increase in the number of requests for emergency food. Volunteers are an important part of the Second Harvest team. There are a variety of jobs available to suit any need. You can spend a day working in the warehouse sorting and stacking food, delivering food boxes, assisting with clean up, working in the office, or many other duties. www.secondharvesttenn.org

Fannie Battle Day Home: The whole family will enjoy door to door caroling as you raise funds for the Fannie Battle Day Home For Kids, a program designed to assist low income families with child care services. www.fanniebattle.org

Miriam's Promise: For over 20 years, Miriam's Promise has provided adoption and counseling services to women in the area. There are exciting opportunities for those with a desire to help others. Babysitting during support groups, fund raising, and technical positions are available. This is a great event for individuals, families, or groups. www.miriamspromise.org

Learn more about this author, Erik Harris.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.