8 short-term volunteer opportunities to put your holiday cheer to good use in Vancouver

It's that time of year again: drinking eggnog, crying at old reruns ofMiracle on 34th Streetand grappling with the overwhelming desire to give.

For those looking to put that holiday spirit of giving to good use, short-term volunteeringcan be a perfect opportunity to do so.

"Let's face it, we want to give back, we all know that it's needed ... but life is busy," saidCathrynFrance, director of fund development at the YMCA of Greater Vancouver.

France points out that short-term volunteering can also be a good way to get to know an organization and start thinking about contributing in the long-term.

"One of the things I would encourage people to think about this time of year is how to take those short-term volunteer opportunitiesand leverage them into year-long commitments," she said.

So if you're looking to dip your toes into the feel-good waters, here are some short-term volunteer gigs for you to explore.

1. Salvation Army toy drive

The community and family services branch of the Salvation Army in Vancouver is looking for volunteers to sort and pack toys from its toy drives. Volunteers can contribute for a half or a full day.

It is also looking for volunteers to solicit donations at its Christmas kettles for a day, or to help out during the registration process for its Christmas assistance program by translating for Cantonese, Mandarin or Vietnamese speakers.

How to sign up:call604-872-7676or email volunteer@salvationarmyvcfs.com

2.Ignite the Warmth blanket drive

Ignite the Warmthis a student-led initiative that hands out blankets to people on the Downtown Eastside with personal messages of hope for the recipients. It is looking for people to donate blankets,make hand-made cards, andhelp hand out donations.

How to sign up: emailignitethewarmth@gmail.com

3. WISH Drop-in Centre holiday meal prep

WISHaims to improve the health, safety and well-being of women involved in Vancouver's street-based sex trade.

It is looking for women 19 years old and over to help prepare and serve food between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, particularly on Christmas Eve, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year's Eveand New Year's Day.

It is also looking for volunteersto sort through donations andhelp with administrative tasks.

How to sign up: emailwishvolunteers@shaw.ca

4. Project HELLO Christmas card donations

Project HELLO helps people on the Downtown Eastside connect with their families by helping them send Christmas cards and locate loved ones.

It is looking for volunteers to make handmade cards or donate materials and help track down friends and family.

How to sign up: emailkblakeway@sd42.ca

5. Beauty Night holiday-themedaesthetic services

The Beauty Night Societyprovides wellness and beautyservices to help build self-esteem forimpoverished women and youth.

It is looking for wellness and beauty professionals to offer services like manicures, massages and haircutsat shelters in Metro Vancouver over the holidays.

How to sign up: fill out a volunteer application form

6. AIDS Vancouver holiday grocery

AIDS Vancouver's annual holiday grocery eventsupports more than 700 HIV-positive people with food security issues.

The event takes place Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. PT to 4 p.m. PT on the Downtown Eastside and it is looking for volunteers to distribute food, make merry and hand out treats. Volunteers can also help with set up on Dec. 9 and 12.

How to sign up: fill out a volunteer application formor emailanoopg@aidsvancouver.org

7. Union Gospel Mission turkey carving and Christmas hampers

The Union Gospel Mission provides shelter, food and services for those in need.

It is looking for volunteers to deliver Christmas hampers to families and seniors on Dec. 14 and 15.

People with culinary skills who are over the age of 18 can contribute on the mornings ofDec. 5to 8 to carve turkeys in preparation for its Christmas dinner on Dec. 10.

How to sign up: emailvolunteers@ugm.ca for the hamper program, orvolunteers@ugm.ca for the turkey carving.

8. Be a Santa to a Senior

Be a Santa to a Seniorpartners with non-profit organizationsto identify seniors who might not otherwise receive gifts over the holiday season.

It needs volunteers to collect, wrap and deliver gifts to seniors at homes and service agencies across B.C.

How to sign up:submit your postal code to find an agency near you that is looking for help.