Central Massachusetts charitable organizations need you. Maybe you have an hour or two free to help wrap gifts or deliver food baskets. Maybe it’s an extra coat or blanket you no longer need. Or maybe the holiday season has sparked your desire to volunteer in the community. Through its annual Holiday Wish List, the United Way of Central Massachusetts (UWCM) offers a diverse range of opportunities for businesses and individuals to support non-profit organizations that help local children and families in need. That need is especially great during the holiday season.
Opportunities range from helping at a holiday party at Girls Inc. of Worcester or the Burncoat Family Center to lending a hand at First Night Worcester or cooking at the Plumley Village Community Life holiday celebration. Many local organizations are also seeking gift cards, toys, books, warm clothing, personal care items and food. Others are in need of volunteers to help with holiday activities such as gift wrapping or delivering food baskets, while others still are looking for long-term volunteers. Some are even looking for individuals or groups to share their musical talents throughout the holiday season.
“UMass Medical School has a long history of partnering with the United Way of Central Mass to help those in need in the Worcester area,” said Kola Akindele, community relations associate in the Office of Government and Community Relations, and a loaned executive to the UWCM in 2011. “With the creation of the annual Holiday Wish List, they have created a catalogue of opportunities for those who would like to give more this season. All you have to do is pick the one that matches with your interests, resources or talents. Every contribution makes a difference.”
If you would like to learn more about this program and brighten someone’s holiday, visit www.unitedwaycm.org and click on the 2011 Holiday Wish List.
