Feeling Inspired? There’s plenty you can do to give back to the community. Here are just a few organizations that need your help this holiday season and throughout the year.
Boca Helping Hands Since 1998, Boca Helping Hands has been providing hot meals and bags of groceries five days a week to families in need. The program also helps individuals gain employment. What you can do: Throughout the year, Boca Helping Hands needs help preparing food, and serving and delivering meals, as well as administrative and career counseling assistance. Donate items at the Remillard Family Resource Center (1500 N.W. 1st Court, Boca Raton). Find out more: 561/417-0913, bocahelpinghands.org
Twin Palms Center for the Disabled The Center offers a day program for people diagnosed with developmental disorders, with an emphasis on social, academic and life skills. What you can do: Volunteers can assist the developmentally challenged with everything from art and music activities to special events and off-site activities. Find out more: 561/391-4874,twinpalmscenter.com
Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League The League coordinates volunteer activities and raises funds for Boca Raton Regional Hospital. What you can do: Volunteers always have played a crucial role at the hospital, whether through helping patients and/or staff, delivering flowers, raising funds or any number of other important activities. Find out more: 561/955-4098, brch.com
Habitat for Humanity Throughout the year, Habitat for Humanity organizes construction projects to build affordable housing for families in need. What you can do: You don’t need to know anything about home construction – the staff will train you onsite. Construction dates and shift times are listed on the website – just show up five minutes before your shift and you’re good to go. You can also donate used (but working) home appliances to Habitat ReStore (272 S. Dixie Highway, Boca Raton, 561/362-7284), where they are sold at a discounted rate to raise money for the organization. Find out more: 561/819-6070, habitatsouthpalmbeach.org
Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center Located on the campus of Florida Atlantic University, the Memory and Wellness Center provides services to those suffering from memory disorders. What you can do: The day center relies on volunteers for everything from organizing daily events to spearheading group activities to simple socializing with program participants.Find out more: 561/297-0503, http://nursing.fau.edu/index.php?main=6&nav=156
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of the Palm Beaches Peggy Adams provides shelter, food and medical treatment for homeless dogs and cats. What you can do: The shelter needs help keeping facilities clean and safe for the animals, as well as feeding, bathing and teaching them good behaviors and commands to prepare them for their future homes. Find out more: 561/472-8867, hspb.org
Other local charities that may be looking for volunteers:
Hospice by the Sea: hospicebytheseafl.org
The Haven: haven4kids.org
Florence Fuller Child Development Centers: florencefullercenters.org
