These Centre County organizations need volunteers this holiday season
You don’t need to spend money to give back, and there are a few opportunities to give in Centre County ahead of the new year.
Nonprofits and churches lean on volunteers to feed their neighbors and provide services during holiday weeks when regular helpers may be traveling or with family. While donations typically surge during toward the end of each year, helping hands are still needed.
Whether you’re in State College or one of Centre County’s smaller communities, here are some ways to help.
Volunteer at the Out of the Cold Centre County shelter
Out of the Cold Centre County is looking for people to provide meals or help residents with chores throughout the holidays.
The State College homeless shelter, which usually provides hotel rooms for residents over the holidays but has opted to keep them at the shelter this year, has volunteer slots open through Sunday, Jan. 4. Volunteers can be “evening hosts,” who commune with guests in the evenings, or bring meals. The shelter said those who would like to bring food could call ahead of time to ask about dietary restrictions. Sign up here.
Prepare and eat dinner with Housing Transitions residents
Housing Transitions, a 12-bed shelter in State College, asks volunteers share a meal they prepared with residents at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Volunteers may cook the meal at the shelter and are responsible for purchasing ingredients. Development manager Amy Werner said slots are available Tuesday, Dec. 30 and Tuesday, Jan. 6, though recommends people consider a date in January or February. She said would-be volunteers should email her at awerner@housingtransitions.org to schedule a date.
Recurring volunteer opportunities
Volunteer Centre County maintains a portal that organizations post on asking for help. As of Dec. 22, there are opportunities for technology tutors, bowling coaches, dog walkers and more. Would-be volunteers are asked to apply and may have to go through training or background checks, depending on the role. See what is available here.
Other ways to give back
Nonprofit service providers also need money and supplies to stay afloat. The Centre Daily Time has a roundup of nonprofits seeking support.
