The day after Halloween I noticed something both disturbing and thrilling: Christmas trees and multi-colored lights were everywhere, from restaurants to mall parking lots to gated community gates; the holiday season had officially arrived.

On that same day, all over the Internet and TV, retail storeowners throughout the country were lamenting a decrease in sales in October and forecasting a gloomy holiday (gloomy for them, at least). Advertisements shouting “Buy her a diamond she won’t forget!” sounded more urgent, even borderline frantic. “Celebrate Christmas with a new plasma TV!” hit my ears like a plea. But with all the twinkling lights and red and green ads it’s easy to forget that the holidays are not all about exchanging presents and over drafting your bank account. There could be, just maybe, a chance to do something worthwhile this winter.

Volunteering is a simple way to accomplish a two-fold goal: It makes you feel like a better person and also helps someone in need. From teaching English to petting puppies, there are countless ways to volunteer and tons of associations in Southwest Florida constantly looking for extra money and extra help. Depending on your personal skills and availability, everyone can find a way to lend a hand in time for the holidays.

Photo by CHIARA ASSI

Assembling a Christmas box is easy... and will make a child happy.

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THE LITERACY COUNCIL

27308 Old 41 Road

Bonita Springs

Phone: 239.495.0999

If you are broke and all you have to donate is your time, you might want to become a volunteer at the Literacy Council in Bonita Springs. Located in a quaint Florida-style cottage, the Council offers immigrants of all ages the opportunity to learn English for free. Assuming you already have a basic grasp on the English language becoming a teacher is easy. You don’t need any previous teaching experience and you don’t need to speak a foreign language. During a six-hour workshop, certified instructors will teach you everything you need to know about the Laubach method (one of the most effective approaches to teach language, according to the Council). Once you get started the rewards are incredible: By donating two hours of your time each week, you can help someone get a better job, speak to their neighbors and communicate effectively. Now that’s a priceless holiday present.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

1055 Pine Ridge Road

Naples

Phone: 800.409.0974

Not everyone has time to volunteer year round. Some prefer to dedicate time (and a little money) only every once in a while, without having to commit to a weekly or even monthly obligation. If that’s the case you can take advantage of the upcoming holiday season and brighten a child’s day by taking part in Operation Christmas Child. Participating is easy: Take a regular shoe box, make it look pretty by covering it with wrapping paper, and fill it with a few toys or items that will make a difference in a child’s daily life. (Examples of good donations include mittens, socks, a stuffed animal and a coloring book.) Last year 7.5 million boxes were delivered to children in more than 100 under-developed countries around the world. This year the folks at Operation Christmas Child are shooting for 8 million. Want to help? Follow the guidelines at http://samaritanspurse.org/ and deliver your boxes at one of the many drop-off locations around town. Because of your help a child will receive a gift for the first time in his/her life, and unlike your spoiled nephew who’s been demanding a Playstation 3, this kid will be delighted to finally own some crayons and a toothbrush.

Photo by CHIARA ASSI

Love pets? Help kittens like Ernie find a new home.

FRIENDS OF GUMMI

http://www.friendsofgummi.org

Want to be a friend of Gummi? “Friends of Gummi” is a Naples-based association that was founded in 1997 by Janice Rudolph with the goal of saving pets from shelters. If you’d like to donate money or time to help cats and dogs in need you can find different ways to help at http://www.friendsofgummi.org/volunteer.html. Whether you want to adopt, donate food or litter boxes or simply spend some time playing and cuddling with kittens and puppies, your help will be greatly appreciated, especially by the animals. Who knows, you might end up bringing home a new furry friend.