For the Do-Gooder Foodie: 5 Ways to Volunteer

It’s that time of year again – that special season when so many of us stop to count our blessings. We reflect on our lives, love, abundance, and gratitude we share. We think about how lucky we are to have such wonderful friends and family, healthy children, and the chance to be alive.

And then we remember that some people are not so fortunate. Whether your religion or sense of humanity guides you, perhaps you find yourself wanting to do a little more.

What’s a Tucson Foodie like you to do? Volunteer, of course! We’ve compiled 5 ideas to help you satiate your altruistic palate this holiday season.

1. Bake for the Homeless

Bake or purchase cakes, cookies, or brownies for a special event hosted by Primavera Foundation. Drop off your donated items by Dec 19th at 151 W. 40th Street in South Tucson.

For more info, visit the Primavera page through the Volunteer Center on United Way Tucson.

2. Give A Turkey (or Christmas Meal) to a Family in Need

Nobody should go hungry on the holidays (or any day, for that matter). Donate frozen turkeys, food, gift cards from Fry’s, Safeway or Food City, or your turkey vouchers to help give Christmas dinner to a person or family who needs it most.

Primavera Foundation is accepting frozen turkeys and grocery store gift cards. Drop off donations at 151 W. 40th Street in South Tucson.

Gospel Rescue Mission also accepts food donations and turkey vouchers throughout the year at 707 W. Miracle Mile.

3. Donate Food for People in Need

Help the Community Food Bank by supporting Winterhaven Food Collection at the Winterhaven Festival of Lights. Volunteers are needed for evening shifts to collect food drive donations at the entrances to Winterhaven from December 13th through December 27th. 5:30-9:00 p.m. weeknights and 5:30-10:00 p.m. on weekends.

For more info, visit the Community Food Bank volunteer page at http://communityfoodbank.com/volunteer.

4. Serve Veterans Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Dinner

CODAC Behavioral Health Services is looking for volunteers to both purchase and serve dinner to 40 of our community’s veterans in need at their Comin’ Home site. The Veterans are so appreciative of the warm and festive meal. It’s sure to put a smile in your heart.

More information can be found at www.volunteer.unitedwaytucson.org.

5. Volunteer to Serve Christmas Dinner to the Homeless

Gospel Rescue Mission is at it again, serving up Christmas Dinner to those working hard to get back on their feet. The Christmas Street Banquet will take place on December 19th from 11 am – 2 pm. To volunteer for any of the holiday events, you MUST pre-register and receive confirmation prior to event.

More information can be found at the Gospel Rescue Mission website at http://grmtucson.com/community-ministries/street-banquets.

The Salvation Army is also looking for Christmas Dinner Volunteers (and Bell Ringers, if that’s more your style). Call 520.322.2006 to get started, and help a make a homeless person’s holiday a little brighter.