How to find volunteer work on Christmas Day

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Our holiday plans have fallen apart, and my husband are spending Christmas by ourselves this year. We would like to do something charitable with our time, rather than sit at home just the two of us. Does anybody have any first hand experience with volunteering on holidays? I was thinking of maybe delivering meals perhaps, or hosting soldiers from one of the air force bases? I'm just looking for ideas that maybe I haven't thought of. (Working is not on the table.) Thanks in advance!

Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

love the idea of visiting a nursing home. Probably best to call ahead of time to let them know you are coming - they may have some ideas of activities that the residents would enjoy such as singing carols or being read to.

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If no volunteer positions work out, you can always offer to work the holiday for someone at your work.

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Very hard to find volunteer things on Christmas Eve/Day here as well. The closest soup kitchen open then is over 300 miles away.

The local Hospice organization has been the only place so far that has said they might be able to use a volunteer over the holiday. If you have one near you, perhaps try them?

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Specializes in Cardiology, Research, Family Practice.

I found out that the Salvation Army has need for help serving dinner at a local homeless shelter on Christmas. That is exactly what I was hoping for. I would have loved Meals on Wheels b/c I would have employed my husband to play his guitar and sing carols for the residents, but they are "closed" on weekends and holidays - double sad.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

I am thinking of doing this as I have no family here for the holidays. I find Xmas etc to be so materialistic & empty, most people don't spend quality time with their family and friend.

But it saddens me also that many places are closed to people who have no family here. This is the time when many places should be open, for at least half a day I think, to welcome those who have nobody to celebrate with, and perhaps offer a small meal or drink to those who cannot afford it. I will be very short for the holidays myself.

Where has the giving and compassion gone in the world today? There is too much emphasis on plasma TVs, new cars, WiFi games (whatever they're called) & not on spending quality time with ur kids, partners & parents. Do all these expensive gifts really matter in the end when ur sitting somewhere alone? I think not.

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