Giving Back in December

Giving back in a meaningful way in December is more than just giving gifts. That's one way, but there are others as well, some of which can be done individually or as a group or family. You can volunteer at your local food bank or shelter. You can help a family in need. Something as simple as wrapping gifts can make a difference.

Here are some great ways to give back in December. 

Canton Goodfellows: Sponsor a Child

Canton Goodfellows is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing gifts to children in the Canton area during the Christmas season. They also provide gift cards to parents so they can purchase food for the holidays.

One of their biggest impacts comes from their Sponsor a Child (or family) program. Most children are sponsored by the end of October, but they still require assistance at their Sponsor Bag Drop Off, as well as purchasing gifts during the Summit Gift Drive.

Visit their website for more information on other volunteer opportunities. 

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels delivers meals to Canton’s homebound seniors year-round. They’re always looking for drivers for regular routes or substitutes when needed. For more information, call 734-394-5191 to speak with a volunteer coordinator.

Friends of the Canton Public Library

The Friends of the Library are community members who support the library in various ways, most notably by managing the Secondhand Prose Used Bookstore.

If you’re looking to give back to the community through the library, consider volunteering as a book crew member. They’re seeking adults to work as on-call volunteers who will help sort through donations, shelve books and work in the bookstore. Find more information here.

Open Door Ministry

Serving the community since 2000, Open Door Ministry has helped over 8,500 families. Today, they serve around 400 families while distributing upwards of 20,000 pounds of food weekly. Aiding them are schools, churches, businesses and countless people.

Individuals or groups looking to help can do so in several ways, such as helping with the Job Bank, packing groceries, cleaning or distributing food. Visit Open Door Ministry's website to find out more. 

Salvation Army: Bell Ringing

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle started in 1890 and has changed countless lives since then. Volunteering as a bell ringer during the holidays is a great way to give back. It can be done as an individual or in a group, usually for two-hour shifts. The money collected helps those in need and supports the Salvation Army throughout the year. Find more information here.