The holiday season is a time of joy and quality time spent with loved ones. During this time of the year, spirits are high and people are awaiting the Christmas and New Year celebrations. However, not everyone is privileged enough to lavishly spend on presents or happily spend time with the family. Take the opportunity to help out local organizations and rack up community service hours at the same time. So this season give the gift of your time to the community and in return earn your spot on Santa’s nice list. 

Abode Services/ Homeless Shelter 

Fremont

Winter Season

This season, more families than ever have been affected by the economic downturn, and can no longer afford food or shelter during the winter season. Adobe Services houses low income families and provides them with support through these tough times. This year they plan to serve 120 meals a day and over 350 meals on Christmas day. The shelter is in need of volunteers throughout the year but especially during the holiday season. Volunteers help the shelter with children activities, tech support, and holiday events. Receive a student volunteer application at www.tricityhomeless.org/volunteer.

Save the Bay at Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline

Oakland

Saturday, January 9

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

If you enjoy gardening and getting your hands dirty, Save the Bay’s New Years Restoration project is perfect for you. The organization is aiming to plant 25,000 native seedlings in the marshes and help clean up the Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline. No experience is necessary and tools and instruction will be presented. Visit www.savesfbay.org/bayevents to reserve your spot and look for further details regarding this event.

Christmas Day Block Party

San Francisco

Friday, December 25 

8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

After opening your Christmas presents, head on over to the Christmas Day Block Party in San Francisco to help serve meals and hand out presents to the less fortunate. A variety of jobs are available such as preparing meals, passing out toys, and meal delivery. The goal is to serve 5,000 meals and pass out 1,000 toys to the homeless. Help the organization reach their goal and join in on a noble cause. Visit www.sf911.com to register and review specifics on the event. 

Family Giving Tree Warehouse Help

San Jose

December 18-30

Time Varies

Everyone has always wanted be Santa’s helper at one time or another, and now you have the chance to be a Holiday Warehouse Elf. The Family Giving Tree is in need of elves that will help them receive, sort, wrap, and distribute gifts to low income families. If you would rather work behind the scenes, you can also help out at the office by organizing the distribution of presents. Sign up for two hour shifts at www.familygivingtree.org/volunteers.

Union City’s New Year Bash 

Union City

Thursday, December 31

6:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Join Union City in celebrating its 50th anniversary bash on New Year’s Eve, and ring in the year while serving the community at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The party will include Ballroom Dance Exhibitions and music by the band, Synthesis. Organizers of the event are in need of volunteers who are willing to help with decorations and the overall organization of the event. Sign up today at www.unioncity50.com.