HandsOn Suburban Chicago connects volunteers to nonprofits in need

HandsOn Suburban Chicago, a nonprofit agency based in Arlington Heights, has a list of volunteer opportunities at a time of the year when there is a dramatic increase in needs identified by the more than 200 nonprofits the agency helps.

"We are a lot busier this year than in the past season," said Annette Sommer, program and regional community outreach manager. "The demand is coming at a time of year when people are in a giving mood. More people are volunteering, and that's good because we have more need," Sommer said.

Typical volunteer opportunities around the holiday include adopt-a-family programs, where people are encouraged to purchase gifts and basic needs for families facing financial challenges. Gift wrapping and the donation of supplies for holiday parties are also simple ways to lend without a large time commitment.

"There are still plenty of ways to still get involved," said Sommer, who indicated that, at the moment, there are 50 active holiday and another 400 other volunteer opportunities.

Assisting with holiday parties at senior homes or other organizations is a big need between now and Christmas. The donation of party supplies is also a common request and, of course, any nonprofit is happy to accept a tax-deductible donation around the holidays or at any time of the year.

To see the current list of Holiday Volunteering and Giving Opportunities, visit www.HandsOnSuburbanChicago.org or call (847) 228-1320 for information.

HandsOn Suburban Chicago's mission is to inspire, equip and mobilize people to volunteer and take action that builds vibrant and prosperous communities. It recruits and refers 10,000 volunteers annually to more than 200 nonprofits and schools in 44 communities in the North and Northwest suburbs.