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SALT LAKE CITY — The holidays are officially in full swing, and there's no better way to get into the spirit than to help those in need.
There are endless opportunities to serve throughout Utah, whether through donations of items like food, clothing, money and other goods or volunteering time to help prepare and serve meals to those without a place to go for Thanksgiving.
To make it easier on you this year, we've compiled a short list of programs and locations across the state that need your help to make sure the holidays are a happy and safe time for struggling Utah families.
Utah County:
The Provo-based Food & Care Coalition is a nonprofit group that serves hot meals to those in need, as well as offering assistance to struggling single adults. While volunteers generally sign up a year in advance to help with holiday meal service, there are still opportunities to help with mealtime entertainment, holiday wish list donations and the needs list drive.
Those wishing to donate items instead of time can refer to the coalition's website, where they'll find a list of the most-needed items for the season. That list includes breakfast cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, hair shampoo and conditioner, napkins and bed sheets.
Community Action Services & Food Bank
This Provo nonprofit agency serves hungry and needy families throughout Utah County and collects food, money and other items all year. The Food Bank is always in need of daytime volunteers to help sort food donations, and families can sign up to come in the evenings to work on hygiene kits and other projects.
Additionally, anyone can set up and facilitate their own food drive to benefit the Food Bank, and directions can be found on its website.
During the holidays, the Food Bank asks volunteers to make and donate special items such as scarves, beanies, cloth dolls, stuffed animals, beanbags and stockings to distribute to families.
Sub for SantaThe United Way of Utah County serves families in the community each holiday season through its Sub for Santa program. Families and individuals can sponsor a child by providing two to three new items of clothing, two new toys and three to five books. Sponsors are also given the opportunity to deliver the gifts to the families during the week of Christmas.
Sub for Santa also extends to the Giving Tree program at University Mall, where starting Nov. 26, volunteers can pick the name of a child, teenager, disabled or elderly person from the tree and provide them with gifts for the holiday.
If you don't have time to shop, consider giving a cash donation through the United Way website. According to the United Way, over 5,100 children in 1,400 families received gifts last Christmas through the programs.
Salt Lake County:
Every year, the Salvation Army of Salt Lake sponsors the Turkey Dinner Delivery program that provides 700 hot Thanksgiving meals to families and seniors in need. Volunteers are asked to deliver seven meals across the county on Thanksgiving morning.
Cleanup help is needed as well. Those interested may contact Cyndy Miller at 801-323-5809.
Each year, the Salt Lake City Mission hosts a Thanksgiving Food Basket drive to provide a meal to families who might not otherwise receive one. The organization hopes to compile 1,500 baskets stuffed with items such as frozen turkeys, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, rolls, pies, warm clothing and wrapped Christmas gifts.
Volunteers can donate necessary items, or make a cash donation to help the cause.
If you have a soft spot in your heart for Utah's furry population, consider helping out Utah's homeless pets through the Humane Society of Utah. The organization is collecting cat litter, cat and dog food, dog leashes and collars and other items for pets.
Volunteers can spend time working directly with the animals of the Humane Society. There's always a need for people to help socialize, exercise and train the dogs. Those who have more of an affinity for cats can volunteer in "Kitty City," attending to the needs of the friendly felines.
For a full list of requested items and volunteer opportunities, visit the Humane Society website.
This Salt Lake holiday store gives families and individuals who are receiving services from the YWCA Utah, the Road Home, or Volunteers of America, Utah, the opportunity to select Christmas gifts in a shopping-like environment.
Volunteers help organize, lift and carry items, sort donations and wrap presents for the families in need.
This year, volunteers are needed for regular store hours from Nov. 30 through Dec. 23, and those arriving with five people or more need to make an appointment.
Davis County:
Bountiful Community Food Pantry
This year, the Bountiful Community Food Pantry is looking to provide meals and gifts to an estimated 400 struggling families. Those interested in helping are asked to drop frozen turkeys at the pantry (480 E. 150 North in Bountiful) Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon, as well as Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8.
Additionally, the Food Pantry is hosting a Sub-for-Santa program that will benefit an estimate 300 children in Davis County. Those looking to purchase holiday gifts for a child in need can find more information on the website.
Meals on Wheels is a great way to serve the elderly this holiday season, and the service can continue all year long.
Volunteers are asked to take one hour out of their week to deliver meals to homebound individuals over the age of 60 who are unable to shop, cook or feed themselves. Each meal meets the nutritional needs for senior citizens.
The Layton-based organization serves underprivileged families throughout Davis County, and need extra assistance throughout the holidays. There are many ways to get involved, particularly throughout the Connection Center's Sub-for-Santa program, which helps provide a Christmas to children from birth to age 17.
The 2015 Wish List includes items such as baby dolls, gift cards, skateboards, computer games and action figures. Find a complete list on the Family Connection Center's Facebook page.
Donors can drop unwrapped toys and gifts at both the Layton and Clearfield centers.
Weber County:
The Ogden Rescue Mission has various needs the week of Thanksgiving, providing plenty of opportunities for volunteers looking to serve. The Mission serves needy men, women and children of Weber County by providing meals, church services, rehabilitation services, free medical and dental care and employment.
The mission is looking for warm winter coats, hats and gloves for adults and children, as well as blankets, toiletries and paper goods. Volunteers can also participate in the Thanksgiving turkey drive.
For more information, visit the Rescue Mission's Facebook page.
Habitat for Humanity of Weber and Davis counties
Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing to families in need with the help of volunteer builders. Anyone can wield a hammer to help, but to help this holiday season, Habitat is asking people to give a "Gift from the Heart" in the form of a cash donation.
These donations provide building materials, supplies and support for families who are in need of a safe, comfortable place to live. Every dollar counts, especially when it comes to constructing a home — $10 buys a box of nails, $35 covers roof shingles, $75 will buy a window and $150 takes care of a front door.
