By Tom Midford
It’s almost Christmas time, and many people seek to celebrate the season by volunteering. There are many opportunities out there, if you know where to look. That’s where this post comes in. From serving hot meals to baking birthday cakes, there are myriad ways to give back this holiday season, ten of which are included in this post.
Serve a Hot Meal at the San Diego Rescue Mission
You can help the San Diego Rescue Mission serve the 150 odd people living at the shelter.
Volunteer at the 2022 Holiday Bowl in San Diego
Volunteers are needed to man the concessions stand at the Holiday Bowl on December 28th. You will need a pleasant attitude, black pants and tennis shoes, a valid government ID, and be at least 18 years old.
Mentor a Small Business Owner
Volunteer as a mentor at MicroMentor.org. The schedule is extremely flexible.
Distribute Clothing and Hygiene Items
Shop for fresh clothing for 50-70 people each week. Distribute hygiene items and clothing from the clothing room at Third Avenue Charitable Organisation.
Lead A Catholic Mass at Father Joe’s Villages
Volunteer every Wednesday from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM. Help plan liturgical music, perform said music, and lead the congregation in musical worship.
Lead A Walking Tour for Hostel Guests
Lead hostel guests around one of San Diego’s attractions. You can take them on a tour of Barrio Logan, Coronado, Downtown San Diego, Ocean Beach AKA Sunset Cliffs, and Balboa Park.
Become an Ambassador at Balboa Park
A partnership between Forever Balboa Park and the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, the Park Ambassadors greet visitors and offer up-to-date information.
Bake Birthday Cakes for At-Risk Youth
Cake4Kids provides foster and at-risk youth with birthday cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and bars. You will be baking a cake and delivering it to a youth in need who have been signed up with the organization.
Volunteer at a Food Pantry in Downtown
The Salvation Army distributes food to people in need. You will help set up and take down the food sorting area. You will also help bag food in either single-person or family bags. You must be comfortable interacting with all sorts of people, including many homeless and impoverished people.
Play Music at the National City Library
The National City Library is seeking volunteers to play music at its Monday Cafe Nights. The categories of performers are Acoustic Performers, Jazz groups, Vocalists, Chamber music ensembles, string quartets and soloists.
Citations
The Best Volunteer Opportunities in San Diego | VolunteerMatch. (n.d.-d). https://www.volunteermatch.org/search?l=San+Diego,+CA,+USA