Giving back to your community is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. In Utah County, there are many service opportunities available for those looking to help out, whether you have the time for volunteer work, or the ability to donate money and goods.

The Food & Care Coalition is a nonprofit organization located in Provo that opened in 1986 with the mission of providing services to homeless and low-income individuals. It offers meals, housing, dental care and more to those in need. Volunteer opportunities with this organization include serving hot meals, conducting drives for food and supplies, providing janitorial services and more. For more information on volunteer opportunities, visit foodandcare.org.

The coalition accepts financial donations, as well as food and necessities. Some of its current needs include fresh fruit and salad ingredients, shredded cheese, ground ginger, individual oatmeal packets, disinfecting spray, 55-gallon trash bags, quart-sized zip-close bags, water-softening tablets, backpacks, foot powder, men’s and women’s razors, blankets and women’s deodorant. A complete list of currently needed items can be found at foodandcare.org/current-needs.

Community Action Services and Food Bank of Provo is a nonprofit organization that provides food and housing to those in need, with the goal of helping them to ultimately get out of poverty. It is currently raising money to provide Thanksgiving dinners for those in need and accepts food and monetary donations year-round.

Volunteer opportunities with this organization include sorting food items, hosting a food drive and more. For more information on Community Action Services and Food Bank, visit their website at communityactionprovo.org.

The United Way of Utah County is hosting its annual Sub for Santa event, through which the agency accepts donations for families in need. There are multiple ways to get involved this year, from volunteering to donating money, food, medical supplies and more. Sub for Santa sponsors purchase Christmas toys and other items for those they are sponsoring, with opportunities to sponsor an entire family, an individual or an elderly adult. To learn more about the Sub for Santa program, visit unitedwayuc.org.

There are many opportunities for animal lovers to lend a helping hand this holiday season.

Friends in Need is a nonprofit located in Eagle Mountain that rescues and provides a safe home for all types of animals. It accepts volunteers to provide animal and garden care, conduct service projects, fundraise and more. You can find more information on this organization at friends-in-need.org.

The South Utah Valley Animal Shelter located in Spanish Fork accepts donations of money and pet necessities. Additionally, it accepts volunteers over the age of 18, or under 18 when accompanied by an adult. The shelter also is looking for individuals to foster primarily kittens and special-needs cats. More information on volunteering and fostering with the South Utah Valley Animal Shelter can be found at suvas.org.

The North Utah Valley Animal Shelter is not currently accepting new volunteers; however, it is accepting cash donations at northutahvalleyanimalshelter.org.

Newsletter