5 holiday volunteer opportunities for those in the giving spirit

As Christmas fast approaches, you may find yourself wanting to do some good around Huntsville. Luckily, there are still so many holiday volunteer opportunities for you to show your gratitude throughout Huntsville.

While many of these organizations provide service year-round, the holiday season is one of the most crucial in providing support to the communities that need it.

If you’re looking for ways to give back this holiday season, check out these five volunteer opportunities:

Greater Huntsville Humane Society

The Greater Huntsville Humane Society is not only a great shelter to adopt new furry friends but is also a rewarding volunteer destination for animal lovers.

The shelter depends almost entirely on volunteers to clean, walk dogs, socialize cats, organize the thrift store and more.

Where: 2812 Johnson Rd SW B, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10AM-4PM
More info

House of the Harvest

Volunteering, food drives and monetary donations help House of the Harvest fulfill its mission to keep local families and individuals fed. (House of the Harvest / Facebook)

House of the Harvest, as a local nonprofit food bank, needs volunteers every Saturday morning to distribute food to families and individuals in need.

If you’re feeling charitable on a Saturday morning this holiday season, be sure to stop by and help out as a station worker or a runner.

You can also organize your own food drive to help this local organization maintain a healthy stock of food for its visitors to enjoy.

Where: 9144 Wall Triana Hwy, Harvest, AL 35749
Hours: Saturday, 7-9AM
More info

Huntsville Botanical Garden

If you want to experience some holiday magic while you give back this winter, you can help out at the Galaxy of Lights’ Walking and Driving Nights. (Huntsville Botanical Garden / Facebook)

You can find one of the premier holiday volunteering opportunities at the Botanical Garden’s Galaxy of Lights. Whether you choose to help install lights or assisting guests during nightly events.

While you have to apply to be a volunteer for the Garden, it’s worth the trouble for those who are serious about upholding one of Huntsville’s top attractions.

Where: 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
More info

The Salvation Army

If you’ve ever wanted to be a bellringer for the Salvation Army, now is your chance! (The Salvation Army Huntsville, AL / Facebook)

While many volunteer at the Salvation Army as bellringers, there are other ways to contribute, such as greeting people who visit the Angel Tree at Parkway Place.

The Salvation Army also offers one-off, group and ongoing volunteering opportunities.

More info

United Way of Madison County

The United Way of Madison County’s volunteer directory includes a few of the opportunities listed above and many others aimed at education. (United Way of Madison County in Huntsville Alabama / Facebook)

The United Way of Madison County rounds out our list and rounds up volunteer opportunities from many vetted nonprofits. This organization takes the work out of searching and does it for you!

For their full list of upcoming volunteer opportunities, check out their event calendar.

You’ll find listed opportunities for helping the Botanical Garden and the Salvation Army, as well as youth reading groups, monthly youth programs and even some office work.

Where: 701 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM
More info

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