Mt. Pleasant, SC - While many homeless shelters are booked with volunteers on Christmas, there are still ways to give the gift of giving this holiday.

Sally Burnett is the volunteer coordinator for Trident United Way. She gives us a few ideas and tips for last minute volunteer opportunities:

“If you want to gather your family together to think about creating cards or mementos that can be given to people confined to the hospital,” Burnett suggests. “Once you open all your presents, if your lucky enough to get presents for the holidays, is wander around your house and see if there are any items you no longer need that could be a real gift or treasure for someone else…Look around your community and see if there’s a park or something you could get out and get your neighbors together and clean that up.”

Burnett says many people have to work on Christmas like firefighters or emergency workers and that itself is an opportunity to help.

“Maybe bake some cookies and take it to them to say thank you for working on today,” Burnett said.

Volunteering though is something that is needed throughout the year.

“Let the holidays be the spark that motivates you through the year. One day of giving of yourself is great, imagine what giving all year round,” Burnett said.

Sandpiper’s Rehab and Nursing Center has more than 100 residents who would enjoy a friend or visitor all year.

“Give back our time our effort, to the resident, knowing you made a difference when you leave here,” Sandpiper’s Rehab and Nursing Activities Director, Marva Bland said. “They appreciate it and believe me they talk about it for a while.”

Whether it’s a game of Bingo, or sharing a story, a small gift of your time can go a long way.

For a list of more than 200 agencies taking volunteers year-round, click here.

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