ASOP AWAKENERS: A BLOG
Sparking curiosity and inspiration in our readers.
“I am not a teacher, but an awakener.” - Robert Frost, American poet and educator
THE BEST HOLIDAY PRESENT: YOUR PRESENCE IN THE COMMUNITY!
December 5, 2024
Charity during the holiday season is about more than giving gifts; it's about spreading kindness, warmth, and hope to those in need. For students and families, it’s a chance to make a real difference by sharing time, resources, or talents with others. By giving back, we create a stronger, more connected community and remind ourselves of the true spirit of the holidays.
Volunteering during this time of year is a valuable opportunity for students in the Kansas City area to make a meaningful impact on their community while gaining personal growth and life skills. The holiday season often highlights the needs of local organizations, such as food banks, shelters, and toy drives, which rely on volunteers to help serve families in need. By stepping up to help, students not only spread kindness and joy but also develop a deeper sense of empathy and responsibility. Whether it's serving meals, organizing donations, or helping with holiday events, students can create a positive ripple effect that uplifts their community during a time of year meant for generosity and goodwill.
Here are some ideas for our students and families at ASOP to spread some holiday cheer!
Food Security
Harvesters – The Community Food Network: Students can help by sorting and packing food, assisting at food drives, or volunteering at mobile distribution events. These projects impact thousands of people across the region.
NourishKC Community Kitchen: This kitchen serves meals to those in need. Volunteers can prepare and serve meals, offering an essential service to the community.
Kansas City Community Gardens (KCCG): This organization works to make healthy food affordable and accessible to all. Volunteer opportunities include cleaning up and transforming empty lots into green spaces, fruit thinning at orchards, picking vegetables at KCCG’s many locations, and more.
Animal Welfare
KC Pet Project and Wayside Waifs: Animal lovers can volunteer to walk dogs, assist with adoption events, or help care for shelter animals. Both organizations rely heavily on the support of the community to meet their missions.
The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City (HSGKC): Volunteer opportunities include dog walking, socializing scared kittens, cleaning, organizing, and facility projects. Your time helping allows HSGKC to provide a better environment for the animals in their care.
Great Plains SPCA: Join the Goodnight Crew to help get animals tucked in at night by providing extra enrichment or walks; or Slumber Puppies, a program aimed at giving the youngest puppies extra care overnight. Other volunteer opportunities including playing with cats, walking dogs, and assisting with the upkeep of the organization’s facility.
Environment, Conservation and Parks
Bridging the Gap: This Kansas City organization’s goal is a green, healthy environment for all. Program opportunities for volunteering include KC Wildlands and Recycling Centers.
Kansas City Parks and Recreation: Join in park beautification efforts, trail maintenance, or special events. The Parks Ambassadors program offers training and exclusive volunteer experiences for those committed to outdoor conservation and community events.
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium: As a volunteer, you will help support the Zoo & Aquarium’s mission of “connecting all people to each other and the natural world to promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation.” There are opportunities to volunteer with education, horticulture, and animal care.
For students seeking a comprehensive guide to volunteer options, Uncover KC provides a searchable directory to find events and service opportunities across multiple causes, including health, the environment, and the arts.
