The holidays inspire a lot of emotions, positive and negative. Volunteering is an easy way to make the time positive for even more people. 

Approximately 50 percent of US residents are middle class or higher, meaning there are many Americans who would benefit from volunteer help. Some ways to help out could include working at a soup kitchen, making cards for veterans, those who are hospitalized or senior citizens, supporting essential workers or making/contributing to a giving tree. 

If you prefer, you can donate toys, clothes, shoes, food or other essentials. Often, caring closets or homeless shelters ask for jackets, hats, scarfs, mittens or warmer clothes to help with the cold. Tualatin students were quick to tell us what they do to help out their communities during the holidays. 

“I volunteer once or twice during break with my family members at church,” junior Mia Bui said. “I think it’s important so other people can experience the holiday spirit and just overall being a part of the community.”

This upcoming holiday season, working to help someone out can be even more important than it is during the rest of the year. No matter what holiday you celebrate, if any, you can still contribute to the wellbeing of our community!