Itap that time of year — time for Christmas music to take over the radio and preparation for the holidays to take over your schedule. But before the chaos of the season sets in, perhaps set aside some time to make sure everyone feels the holiday cheer by giving back to your community. Start by checking out these volunteer opportunities in Jefferson County.
Where: Arvada Community Food Bank, 8555 W. 57th St., Arvada
When: Thanksgiving meal distribution is Nov. 18
Contact: 303-424-6685, arvadacfb.org
The scoop: Donate money to support the Arvada Community Food Bank’s annual Thanksgiving meal distribution, through which the approximately 800 local households that rely on the food bank are provided a holiday meal. Volunteers are needed year round to sort food, pick up donations, work at the Client Choice Food Pantry and complete data entry. Find details about these opportunities at the food bank’s website.
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When: Snow season (late fall through early spring)
Contact: 303-658-2159,./25
The scoop: The city of Westminster requires that all snow is removed from public walkways in the city within 24 hours of snowfall. As cold weather rolls in, lend a hand to elderly or physically-challenged neighbors by signing up to be a Westminster Snowbuster and shoveling the walkways and driveways of those who can’t. Volunteers can sign up as individuals or as a group or organization (such as churches or Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts). Each snowbuster is matched with a resident in need for the season.
Where: Seniors’ Resource Center administrative office, 3227 Chase St., Wheat Ridge
When: Year round
Contact:303-235-6937,Բ.ǰ/DZܲԳٱ
The scoop: You can help your community by keeping a senior resident company throughout the holidays. Based in Wheat Ridge, but serving most of Jefferson County — including the mountain towns — the Seniors’ Resource Center welcomes volunteers year round to assist the local senior community. Volunteer opportunities include providing transportation, assisting and interacting with seniors through the respite and adult day programs and supporting adults with developmental disabilities at the Starr Center. Explore the vast list of opportunities at srcaging.org.
³:8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood
When: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday
Contact: 303-237-7704, theactioncenterco.org
The scoop: The Action Center aims to provide basic human needs to Jefferson County residents and homeless individuals. Its volunteer opportunities are endless, and you can volunteer once or commit to weekly and monthly shifts. One-time volunteers might help sort clothing, blankets and household items. You can also volunteer to work one four-hour shift a week sorting food and clothing, greeting donors or serving as a receptionist. For more information, visit theactioncenterco.org/volunteer.
Where: 501 Colorado 8, Morrison
When: Flexible
Contact: 303-697-1873, mnhm.org
The scoop: Have you always wanted to try your hand at paleontology? If fossils are your thing, Morrison Natural History Museum is looking for volunteers to help prepare staffers for research, as well as demonstrate the preparation process to museum visitors. No prior experience is necessary, but volunteers must attend an orientation. Volunteers may also be asked to help with other duties in the museum. A commitment of eight hours per month for six months is recommended, but museum staff members will work with your schedule.
Where: Varies
When: Year round
Contact: 303-674-6442, eapl.com
The scoop: If you love animals, you might want to volunteer with Evergreen Animal Protective League. Volunteers are needed to fill several roles, including caring for cats in the Cat Room, working in the downtown Evergreen Thrift Shop, answering phones and working adoption events. Volunteers are also needed to become foster parents and house animals waiting for their forever homes. For more information, check out the league’s website.