The holiday season draws us together like no other. Our togetherness brings to mind our blessings and that mindfulness often sparks a desire to help those less fortunate. Many agencies rely on that generosity to continue their good work for others all year long.

The Salvation Army’s largest fundraising initiative of the year is its Christmas Assistance Program. Last year the organization supported 476 families for the holidays, collecting toys for children twelve years and under, as well as clothing and food. It is anticipated that they will serve between four and five hundred families again this Christmas season.

Salvation Army’s Lt. Jason Brake says, “The holidays seem to be the time when people think of us the most. Companies bring in toys and people take tags from our Christmas tree at the Auburn Mall. Coordinating toys and the right sizes for 1100 to 1200 children – Christmas Assistance is a huge project. ” He adds that the familiar Red Kettles seen at various locations throughout the cities is critical to their fundraising during this time year as well. All the money raised through the kettles allows the Salvation Army to carry out its mission, not just at Christmas, but all year long.

With a Lewiston-Auburn office consisting of all volunteers, Lt. Brake always welcomes an additional pair of hands. “During the year, we operate a food pantry, provide clothing vouchers and utilities assistance, and we serve lunch from a mobile kitchen Monday, Wednesday, and Friday,” says Lt. Brake. “Our biggest need is for volunteers for bell ringing but there are other opportunities from answering phones to helping to clean and maintain the building.” When there aren’t enough volunteers, Lt. Brake and his wife undertake what needs doing.

Becoming a Salvation Army volunteer is easy. Visit their office at 67 Park Street, complete and application. “Let us know the days and times you’re available and how to contact you,” says Lt. Brake.

Across the river in Auburn, Hope Haven Mission provides shelter for homeless men and women in addition to running a food pantry and clothing giveaway. Their kitchen serves the community breakfast from 7:30 to 8:00 AM and supper between 4:30 and 5:30 PM.

The mission often has volunteers from the community to help with preparing, serving, and delivering holiday meals. For those able, holiday meals are shared in the mission dining room but, meals are also delivered to people who are homebound. According to a mission representative, they often have families come at the holidays to assist with delivery. “We provide them with ten meals, names and directions,” she says. “And they deliver the meals right to the people’s homes.”

To become a volunteer for Hope Haven, call their 209 Lincoln Street location, 207-783-6086, ext. 201. A representative will take names and provide details on where, when, and how to help. Other than the holidays, volunteer opportunities are limited to assisting with meal preparation and building upkeep as much of the work is done by the people who reside in the home.

Goodwill Industries of the Northern New England ‘s need for volunteers is driven specifically by the requests of the people who live in the homes the organization operates. Times of year present different needs according to Robin Hughes, Volunteer Program Coordinator. During the holidays, each home makes their requests for what support they need and volunteers are matched to the requests. For instance, a home might need volunteers to assist people in making a craft to give as a gift. Another might need people to help with holiday baking or decorating. Volunteers can also provide Goodwill with ideas of what they would like to do and Hughes can match them to her requests. An example would be a musician willing to provide some holiday music.

Michelle Smith, Communication Manger for Goodwill Industries of NNE says, “Your donation of time, talent and expertise helps Goodwill provide programs and services for individuals with barriers to independence. There are many opportunities to fit individual schedules and interests and we work with a volunteer to make a match that fits the needs.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for Goodwill may contact Hughes by phone at 207-774-6323, ext. 6316 or via e-mail at [email protected].

The reality is there are many organizations that rely on volunteer generosity and the holidays presents many opportunities to lend a hand. The human spirit can’t help but be touched by the good will that comes from sharing the blessings of a bountiful life and that is a gift worth giving the whole year through.