(credit: Thinkstock)
(credit: Thinkstock)
It’s never too early to teach your children about the spirit of giving. The holidays are quickly approaching, and there’s really no better time than now to reach out and help those in need. Whether it is assisting others with your time or money, you may make a difference in your community. These are some of the best holiday volunteer opportunities for families in Cleveland.
5310 Carnegie Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44103
(216) 431-3510
www.thecitymission.org
The City Mission of Cleveland helps people who are struggling with homelessness, poverty and crises. It boasts two shelters, Crossroads Men’s Crisis Center and Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center. Every year, The City Mission provides special holiday meals around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, it expects to provide 22,000 meals to those in need. If you are interested in helping out at The City Mission, you may do so by donating as little as $1.70. To find out more about donating money or volunteering your time, click here.
5572 Smith Road
Brook Park, OH 44135
(216) 233-1487
www.toysfortots.org
Toys for Tots collects new, unopened toys during October, November and December each year. Then when Christmas time rolls around, they distribute the toys to the less fortunate children in the community. Toys for Tots is in need of volunteers to help with collecting toys, so if you are interested, just fill out the online application. Feel free to donate toys as well. There are a number of drop off locations through out Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. You can find a full list of drop of locations here.
614 W. Superior Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 436-2000
www.hungernetwork.org
The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland’s main objective is to stop hunger by providing emergency meals to those who need it most. With service sites located throughout Cuyahoga County, the Hunger Network helps families everywhere from Cleveland’s inner-city neighborhoods to the suburban network of Greater Cleveland. It is always looking for volunteers, especially during the busy holidays. If you are interested in serving hot meals or donating food, call (216) 619-8155 ext. 17 or email dcook@hungernetwork.org.
2507 E. 22nd St.
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 861-8185
www.salvationarmycleveland.org
The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland has been serving Cleveland since 1872. As an organization, it is dedicated to caring for the poor, feeding the hungry and educating youth. The Salvation Army has several different volunteer opportunities available this holiday season. You may purchase Christmas toys, pack and sort Christmas toys, ring the red kettle bell to collect money, or serve food to families in need. If you’re interested in volunteering, fill out the online application or call Jodi Stewart at (216) 623-7422.
17876 St. Clair Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44110
(800) 707-8922
www.hospicewr.org
Hospice of the Western Reserve provides hospice services, palliative care and bereavement assistance to patients and families throughout Northeast Ohio. There is a wish list of items they are in need of, and with the holidays coming up, it would be the perfect time to donate some items. From arts and crafts supplies, to musical items and kids products, there is a wide array of donation items to choose from.
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