By Aimee Welch

There’s just something about the holiday season and the promise of a new year that brings out the best in people. The twinkly lights, family get-togethers, cheerful music and nostalgic movies seem to make the smallest of hearts grow three sizes—just ask the Grinch.

Community service opportunities are all around—from organized events to everyday life moments— and, with another new year upon us, making the world a better place through our selfless actions is a resolution for the top of the list. 

Ways to Give

Some people have money to donate, and others give their time. Some have valuable skills or contacts to contribute. Some run a race or plunge into freezing waters to raise awareness for a good cause, while others motivate their employees to get involved. Almost every day, everywhere, there are opportunities to do or say something that makes the world a better place.

Choosing a Cause  

Thousands of people come together in pink every October to walk or run in honor of loved ones who have been lost to, or are surviving, breast cancer. Volunteers spend holidays serving food in homeless shelters. Doors are opened to welcome abandoned dogs, cats and wildlife until they can find their forever homes. And some very warm-hearted people jump into very cold water in the middle of January to bring joy to others. “It’s simple…I do it because I can. And I do it for those who cannot,” says Denise Rentschler, founder of Team Asa, a non-profit organization that provides financial support for children and adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Rentschler founded Team Asa in honor and memory of her brother Asa, and has earned more than $15,000 through the organization’s annual Polar Bear Plunge at the Lakes of Tempe. “Just before the [inaugural] plunge, I took a minute to look around and it finally sank in—and I got crazy goose bumps! People were about to jump into a freezing cold pool in January. They really believed in Team Asa and wanted to help make a difference for our special needs community. That moment was exhilarating, intoxicating, and something I can’t wait to experience again!”

Create your own exhilarating moment this holiday season—finding a cause that is close to your heart is the first step.

A Few Good Causes

There are hundreds of amazing organizations doing wonderful things in Arizona—way too many to list in one article. Here are just a few good causes doing good during the holidays and all year round.

United Food Bank

Arizona is tied as the worst state in the U.S. for child hunger, and the 5th worst for overall food insecurity. United Food Bank provides meals for hungry people across the state every year. That wouldn’t be possible without the help of its 4,764 volunteers and their 51,700 hours of work each year. Through its many programs, including the Emergency Food Boxes, Backpack Program and Kids Café for at-risk kids, the agency and its partners distributed more than 51,000 meals every day throughout its 2012/2013 fiscal year (365 days)—that’s 18,665,081 meals! There are many ways to support United Food Bank, from hosting your own food drive to volunteering or monthly giving – at United Food Bank, each dollar provides 5 meals. unitedfoodbank.org

Make-a-Wish Foundation

Phoenix is home to the founding chapter of The Make-a-Wish Foundation, an organization dedicated to granting wishes for children suffering from life-threatening conditions. The wishes are meant to “enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy,” and range from being a video game designer or a Disney princess, to meeting Arizona Cardinals player Larry Fitzgerald, a wish that came true for 4-year-old Jordan, who is surviving cancer. Volunteer opportunities include Wish Kid Welcome Crew, Airport Greeter, Office Assistant – General/Fundraising/Wish Department, Wish Granter and Wish Ambassador. arizona.wish.org

Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA)

TCAA is a non-profit dedicated to alleviating hunger, homelessness and poverty for Tempe’s elderly and low-income residents. With fewer than 30 paid employees, the agency relies heavily on its volunteers to run its programs, all of which are designed to promote self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life for individuals and families in need. TCAA Executive Director Beth Fiorenza says each year the agency partners with IKEA to set up a Toy Shoppe in IKEA’s food court—stocked completely by donations— where qualified parents can “shop” for Christmas presents for their kids. “They really wouldn’t have a Christmas without this program,” says Fiorenza, of the more than 600 children served each year. Another great volunteer opportunity is through the Tempe Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (IHELP), a partnership with the TCAA and many faith congregations. Fiorenza describes IHELP as a rotating shelter, providing shelter (via different congregations), food (potluck-style community donations) and life skills (job center) to help people get back on their feet. Thanks to the help of staff and volunteers, the program runs 7 nights a week, 365 days a year. “It’s amazing, and it works,” Fiorenza says. “More than half of individuals in the program are working.” tempeaction.org

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation  (AFFCF)

Each day, approximately 30 children come into Arizona’s foster care system. They often come from a background of neglect and abuse, with little more than the clothes on their backs, and their futures are left in the hands of strangers with big hearts. Rick Rentschler dedicates about eight hours every month to community service projects. “Giving back provides me with the knowledge that I am trying to make a difference and, whether it is a small or big change, I know that without that effort there will be no change,” he says. Rentschler recently attended an AFFCF shower that was held for some of the foster children who were aging out of the system. They were given dishes, glasses, sheets, vacuum cleaners and other necessities to help them get on their feet. Most importantly, they were given friendship and support. One recipient said, “It’s so great to know that there are people out there that will support and care about you.”  Rentschler acknowledged that the young adults weren’t the only beneficiaries of the day.  “Knowing that we were helping this young adult who had experienced many challenges growing up gave all of us at the event a feeling of joy,” he said. affcf.org

Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW)

VSUW works with partners throughout Arizona to make positive changes for three vital community objectives: to ensure children and youth succeed, end hunger and homelessness, and increase financial stability of families and individuals. “The winter holiday season is an important time for many families struggling to get ahead in the New Year,” said Brian Spicker, Senior Vice President of Community Impact for VSUW. “Our donors, advocates and volunteers help community members achieve the aspirations we all share: a roof over their heads, food on the table and the security that comes with financial stability.” Join the Million Minutes Volunteer Reading Challenge, through which volunteers read to local children; work with the End Hunger Team; or help put an end to homelessness by signing up for Project Connect, a monthly effort that brings together a broad range of vital health and human services to one location.
vsuw.org/you-can-help/volunteer

Animals

If you’re passionate about animals, there are a lot of unique opportunities throughout Arizona for you to make a difference—give some love to animals at a shelter, support an organization dedicated to helping Arizona’s wildlife like the Audubon Society or The Oasis Sanctuary, or even volunteer at The Phoenix Zoo.

Getting Started

If your heart is in the right place but you’re just not sure how to give back, there are resources to help you find an organization that is a good fit for you. Websites volunteermatch.org and handsonphoenix.org let you type in specific criteria that are then used to determine fitting volunteer opportunities. Once you’ve made the commitment to give back, the only thing left to do is follow your heart.

Working Poor Tax Credit

Many non-profits are eligible for the Working Poor Tax Credit, a dollar-for-dollar tax credit that can be taken in addition to school tax credits. The deadline is Dec. 31. Go to azdor.gov for a list of eligible organizations.

Find a charity

Volunteer matching websites:

• handsonphoenix.org
• volunteermatch.org
• greatnonprofits.org

Outdoor Volunteer Opportunities:

• voaz.org

Active Events:

• active.com