Beyond the Bubble
Giving Back this Holiday Season
By Olivia Ford
December 2008/January 2009
It's finally the holiday season once again, and the spirit of giving is upon us. But between the last few midterms, papers and preparations, it can be difficult to find time to give back to the community. Whether you're interested in wrapping toys, visiting the elderly or raising money for the less fortunate, here are some ways to break out of the Harvard bubble and get involved in our community this season:
The Salvation Army – believe it or not, donating to the Angel Tree isn't the only way you can get involved. The Salvation Army needs toy sorters, food for needy families, volunteers to help set up for charitable events, translators and more! To contact, call 617-542-5420. The Boston branch of the Salvation Army is located at 147 Berkeley St. To get there, hop on the Red Line to Broadway Station, and then transfer to the number 9 bus.
The Brookline Arts Center – good with crafts? The Brookline Arts Center needs volunteers to help set up a gallery-style crafts show and holiday sale in early December. The show will benefit the BAC, which is a non-degree visual arts learning center. Contact 617-566-5715 to sign up. You can get to 86 Monmouth St via the Red Line to Kendall/MIT and the Ct2 bus from there.
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless – this organization offers a couple ways to help out the homeless. Volunteers are needed for both bake sales and gift wrapping. See http://www.mahomeless.org for more information. To get to 15 Bubier St take the Red Line to Park St, transfer to the Green Line to Haymarket, and then catch the 442 bus.
Hebrew SeniorLife – have a car? Volunteers are needed to deliver Chanukah Celebration packages to seniors who cannot leave their homes or are alone for the holidays. Call 617-363-8537 if you're interested. Hebrew SeniorLife is located at 1200 Centre St in Roslindale, MA.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts – help out children by donating your time to the Make-A-Wish Foundation! Staffers are needed to run the Wish-A-Thon booth at the Prudential Mall. Contact kbishop@mass.wish.org to lend them a hand. Locations may vary, but the main office is located at One Bullfinch Place on the 2nd floor. To make a wish come true, take the Red Line to Park Street.
Of course, there's no reason to limit yourself to only holiday giving; these great organizations need volunteers throughout the year! Nevertheless, sharing the holiday spirit with the less fortunate is a wonderful way to give back to our community.
For more volunteer opportunities, visit www.volunteermatch.org, or walk over to PBHA, located in the Yard between Mower and Stoughton.
