The gift of volunteer service during the holiday season

From October to December, people throughout the U.S. participate in what is commonly called the Season of Giving. According to the NIH National Library of Medicine, over one third (34%) of annual donations occur during the “giving season,” between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

While donations are often inkind items or monetary, there is perhaps nothing as meaningful as the gift of volunteer service. Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year, is one of the biggest days of the year for making donations and volunteering, giving people a chance to help transform communities with their heartfelt generosity.

Volunteers are goodwill in action, providing much needed support in strengthening communities and promoting social connection.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission Age Well Live Well campaign promotes social connection as one of many ways to stay healthy as you age. The campaign has three focus areas: Be Healthy, Be Connected and Be Informed.

Some Be Connected efforts incorporate connection and volunteerism:

Texas Talks connects people through conversations on aging topics during the holiday season.

Know Your Neighbor connects local neighborhood communities.

Texas Talks connects people through conversations on aging topics during the holiday season.

Know Your Neighbor connects local neighborhood communities.

Ages United creates intergenerational connections with resources for schools, long-term care facilities and other volunteer groups.

Consider what opportunities are available to share your passion and talents during this year’s Season of Giving.

Visit the Be Connected web page to learn more about social connection resources, and search for volunteer opportunities near you by visiting Volunteer Match, Create the Good or AmeriCorps Seniors.