The holidays can intensify feelings of loneliness for those away from their family. Many volunteer opportunities are available to help remind people that they are not forgotten and they are special during these sensitive times. With many organizations ready to serve, sign-up as a volunteer for this holiday season.

This is a large volunteer holiday gift drive that provides thousands of gifts to foster children, seniors and disabled adults served by the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services system of care. This program is run by volunteers and relies completely upon donations from the community. Clients must be referred by their social workers for gifts. Opportunities to help include:

• Volunteering
• Donating

The mission of Senior Nutrition Services and its Meals on Wheels program is to support and maintain the independence and dignity of older persons in their homes and communities and to prevent their premature institutionalization through the provision of a nutritious noon meal five days per week. Find out how you can get started.

The County Animal Shelter is hosting several holiday-themed events aimed to educate the public on smart adoptions and to help support the many needs of animals at the shelter and in the community. Learn about our holiday events and how you can get involved.

Here are some local food banks that need volunteers to help shelter and feed the cold and hungry. During this holiday season, take some time from your life to help those who need it most.

• Volunteers of America – One of the area’s largest providers of human services, they minister to the needs of homeless and hungry in our community. Services in Greater Sacramento and Northern Nevada include shelter and comfort, counseling, independent living and parenting skills, substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation, job training and much more. Learn more about Volunteers of America Greater Sacramento & Northern Nevada.
  
  
• Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS) – SFBFS assists families and individuals in need through eight unique programs, all free to Sacramento area residents. Volunteers are needed in all eight programs: Food Assistance, Clothing, Mother-Baby, Youth Academy, Computer Clubhouse, PlayCare, Women’s Wisdom Art, and Adult Education. Become a volunteer today! Attendance at an SFBFS volunteer orientation is required. To sign up for a volunteer orientation, please visit the Sacramento Food Bank website.