BY HEIDI PRUITT

The Kokomo Post Staff

There are countless ways to give back and share joy during the holiday season in our community! Here are just a few suggestions to get you started:

Sending Christmas Cards to Nursing Home Residents

Local nursing homes that are accepting cards for residents:

Century Villa Health Care & Rehabilitation - drop off at 705 N. Meridian St., Greentown
Kokomo Healthcare Center - drop off 429 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo
Waterford Place Health Campus- Drop off to the life enrichment department at 800 Saint Joseph Drive, Kokomo
Jefferson Manor Drop off at the office located at 603 St. Joseph Dr., Kokomo

Donating Gently Used Winter Coats to Shelters

It’s that time of the year to dig out winter coats from years past and thin out your collection — here are some organizations currently accepting donations.

The Kokomo Rescue Mission: The Kokomo Rescue Mission is accepting men’s and women’s coats in new or gently used condition.
When: Drop-offs are accepted on Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Collection Site: 321 W. Mulberry St., Kokomo. Please ring the doorbell to the left of the door to be assisted.
CAM Hope: CAM Hope is collecting coats of all sizes, especially men’s coats.
Collection Site: 625 N. Union St., Kokomo
The Holiday Giving Tree: Bring your gently used coats as well as hats and gloves to the Holiday Giving Tree at two convenient locations in Kokomo! Place donations in the tote and they will be sorted, covered in plastic to protect them from the elements, and hung on the giving tree for those in need.
Collection Sites: 2100 or 2124 N. Market St., Kokomo
Hands of Grace Storehouse: Coat donations of all sizes as well as hats and gloves are appreciated.
Collection Site: 2012 S. Goyer Road, Kokomo
Up Programs at Kokomo Urban Outreach: The UP Program is accepting children and teens’ coats for kids that participate in their program!
When: Collections can be dropped off from Monday to Friday from 1 to 6 p.m.
Collection Site: 1701 S. Locke St., Kokomo (Enter through the door by the alley)

Volunteer at The Kokomo Humane Society

Dog Day Out Program - Spend a day out and about with a dog from the Humane Society to allow them to spend some time away from the shelter. Learn about other volunteer opportunities by clicking here.

Ring the Bell for The Salvation Army

Click here to learn more about being a Bell Ringer either as an individual or with a group!

Volunteer to be a Delivery Driver for the Kokomo Rescue Mission’s Red Ribbon Christmas

The Kokomo Rescue Mission needs you and your truck or SUV to help deliver Christmas boxes to Kokomo residents! Deliveries begin at 7:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16. Click here to register and to learn more about this volunteer opportunity.

Donate to the Very Early Childhood Education Center’s Christmas Wishlist

The Very Early Childhood Education Center is a non-profit organization that assists families and children with free and educational opportunities through Kindermusik, storytime, and hands-on play.

Here are some of the items on their wishlist:

Construction and copy paper
Colored pencils, crayons and colored chalk
Individually packaged snacks and water bottles
Baby wipes, tissues and paper towels
AA and AAA batteries
Playdough

Other Non-Specific Ways to Give Back:

Leave an extra tip for a service worker
Pay for someone’s gas or groceries
Check on your elderly neighbors
Adopt a family for Christmas
Donating toys to The Salvation Army
Pick up trash along the sidewalk or in your neighborhood
Send a caring message to a friend
Donating toys to Toys for Tots
Take new toys to Prodigy Burger Bar for The Kokomo Rescue Mission’s toy drive (and receive a free appetizer!)
Purchase gifts from local businesses, artists and makers

Spread love and Christmas cheer this season by giving back to our community! Do you have a favorite way to volunteer during the holidays? Tell us about it in the comments!

14 Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season