The holiday season is typically high tide for giving back through volunteering. But as the COVID-19 pandemic persists and cases surge, organizations are seeing volunteer numbers dwindle even as demand for their services increases.
“At Christmas time, we always see a surge in individuals seeking us out for our assistance,” said Lt. Col. Lonneal Richardson, metropolitan division commander for the Salvation Army, who is responsible for all operations in Chicago and the metro area.
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Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a fivefold increase in individuals seeking assistance from the Salvation Army for basic needs, such as food and rent, Richardson said.
In previous years, there have been so many volunteers around Thanksgiving that the Salvation Army doubles up on its locations to accommodate the help, Richardson said. But this year, volunteer sites have seen a decrease in volunteer inquiries.
“Many of our volunteers previously were senior citizens and other individuals who may not have worked, or this year are experiencing health concerns of their own,” Richardson said. “So that has dramatically decreased the number of volunteers we normally would have this time of year.”
Salvation Army volunteer locations that are preparing and passing out food boxes will operate with smaller, staggered groups this year, Richardson said. The organization will provide personal protective equipment for volunteers and enforce social distancing. Staff will sanitize between groups and volunteer shifts as well. To minimize contact, clients won’t come into the facilities; they will drive through the locations, and volunteers will place their toys or food in their car.
“People are depending on us for assistance and we have to be available to accommodate that,” said Richardson.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository has seen a decrease in volunteers as well, said Kelsey Kyle, senior manager of volunteer engagement for the organization.
The food depository is emphasizing social distancing and mask or face coverings for volunteers, who help pack and distribute food to the organization’s 700 partners throughout the county. “They’re really essential to our operation and to the functioning of our network as well,” Kyle said of the volunteers.
Like most of life during this pandemic, volunteering your time will look a lot different this year, but there are still ways to get it done. Below are a few opportunities for both in-person and virtual volunteering. This list will be updated, and organizations can email [email protected] with their submissions.
In-person volunteer opportunities
Light Up Lawndale: Join lead organizer Princess Shaw, My Block My Hood My City, Stone Temple Church, UCAN and Ald. Michael Scott Jr. in decorating more than 300 trees on Douglas Boulevard, from Sacramento Avenue to Independence Boulevard. Teams of two or three people will string trees with lights. As a COVID-19 safety precaution, Light up Lawndale recommends forming teams with people from the same household. Volunteers can bring white, battery-powered lights and staple guns. Volunteers are needed 4 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Register here.
Hanul Family Alliance Meal Delivery: Hanul Family Alliance is in need of volunteers who can regularly assist with packing and delivering hot Korean meals one to two times a week for homebound seniors on the North Side of Chicago and in north suburban Cook County. All volunteers must have a valid driver’s license, access to a car, practice social distancing and pass a list of screening questions. Volunteers who deliver are eligible for mileage reimbursement. Volunteers are needed 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. For more information, contact Charlene Choi at [email protected].
Humble Design: This nonprofit provides full furnishings, like donated housewares and furniture items, for the new homes of people who have recently emerged from homelessness. Volunteers can help at the organization’s large Bridgeport warehouse with sorting and packing items to be delivered to families, craft custom signs for kids, build and repair donated furniture and more. Volunteers will be matched with a task based on desire and skill set. Volunteers are limited, and all recommended COVID-19 safety precautions are in place, like required mask wearing. Sign up at humbledesign.org/chicago.
Salvation Army Bell Ringers: These volunteers and their red kettles are an iconic part of the holiday season. There are safety protocols at each kettle station for ringers, like mandatory mask wearing, social distancing from donors and regularly sanitizing all kettle equipment. There is also video training for volunteers on COVID-19 precautions. Sign up at registertoring.com.
Salvation Army Angel Tree Toy Delivery: The Salvation Army needs volunteers to help hand out holiday dinner boxes and Angel Tree toy bags in LaVillita on Dec. 21 and 22, and in Blue Island and Chicago Lawn on Dec. 22. Items go to families who have already signed up for food and toys.
Greater Chicago Food Depository: Volunteers can pack food in morning and afternoon sessions, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Gloves are given to all volunteers, and there is increased cleaning and sanitizing of regularly touched surfaces, as well as social distancing measures put into place. Learn more at chicagosfoodbank.org/volunteer
Lakeview Pantry: Volunteers at the Lakeview Pantry help pack and sort groceries for families. Masks must be worn at all times, and anyone traveling from a state on the city’s quarantine list can’t volunteer for 14 days after arrival in Chicago. The organization will also health screen volunteers prior to shifts. Health and safety precautions are also in abundance, with ample sanitizing and cleaning, as well as gloves, hand sanitizer, social distancing and virtual trainings. lakeviewpantry.org/volunteer
My Block, My Hood, My City: This Chicago-based nonprofit will be decorating 12 miles of homes and lampposts along Martin Luther King Drive during the first three Saturdays in December. Volunteers can sign up to help decorate here. Companies hoping to help can volunteer
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to decorate during the week. Masks and gloves are required. formyblock.orgI Grow Chicago: Put together a care package to help those in the West Englewood neighborhood, the community I Grow Chicago primarily serves. Antibacterial hand soap, nonperishable foods, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and more should be in the package. Items can be dropped off at 818 E. 63rd St., Suite 818, #274.. There is also an Amazon wishlist if you can’t get out to buy and drop off items.
Catholic Charities, The Archdiocese of Chicago: Volunteer opportunities include helping out at the food pantry. Volunteers can also choose to serve in a specific impact area — ranging from children and youths to homelessness or hunger. Participants must not be at high-risk for COVID-19 or older than 60, and need to schedule a volunteer appointment with the organization before service. ccofchicagovolunteer.com
HandsOn Suburban Chicago: From care kits for teens to helping with gift tags or helping at a bakery that employs people with disabilities, HandsOn Suburban Chicago has an ongoing list of holiday opportunities throughout Chicagoland, allowing people to choose where to give back. handsonsuburbanchicago.org/holiday
Virtual volunteer opportunities
Greeting cards for Salvation Army: Write a note of encouragement or draw a picture of cheer to send to senior citizens and people who are homeless this holiday season. Check the direction guide from the Salvation Army, then mail or hand deliver your cards to the given addresses. Anyone can participate.
Hephzibah Children’s Association: You can buy a holiday gift for an abused or neglected child living in one of Hephzibah’s two group homes for kids ages 3-12, donate to the birthday present fund or help out by purchasing an item on the nonprofit’s wish list, such as a bike helmet, a set of headphones or a kids movie DVD.
HandsOn Suburban Chicago: In addition to the in-person holiday list of volunteer opportunities, HandsOn Suburban Chicago also has virtual options, like adopting a family to give gift cards to instead of tangible gifts to help with social distancing. Non-holiday options to volunteer are also available. handsonsuburbanchicago.org/virtual