A volunteer tutor for SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) helps a child in Oregon become a more confident reader.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA. - December 11, 2008 - With a recession eating holes in everyone's pockets, this Christmas is a critical time to make volunteering a priority -- and VolunteerMatch is your resource for making change, helping others, and spreading good cheer.

Just enter your ZIP code at http://www.VolunteerMatch.org to start your search. Whether you're looking to donate toys, serve meals to the homeless, or spread good cheer to seniors, with opportunities from over 61,000 participating charities there’s something for everyone.

Here's a helpful tip for making your volunteer experience great: Imagine you're at a holiday dinner party. Your host may be harried and busy. The "menu" might contain some surprises. But if you're willing to lend a hand where you can and be appreciative of the impact of everyone's work, it will be a time to remember.

To inspire Americans to volunteer, we've put together a tongue-in-cheek survey of 12 fun, holiday-friendly ways to get out and do good this season -- without spending a dime:

• 12 Drummers Drumming "“ The Hetrick-Martin Institute in New York, NY, needs a drum instruction volunteer.
  
• 11 Pipers Piping "“ Senior Help in Omaha, NB, needs fix-it volunteers with piping experience.
  
• 10 Lords a Leaping "“ Literacy for Every Adult Project (LEAP) in Richmond, CA, needs volunteer tutors to help adults develop better math, reading and writing.
  
• 9 Ladies Dancing "“ Zenon Dance Company and School, Inc., in Minneapolis, MN, needs board members to help oversee the organization.
  
• 8 Maids a Milking "“ Hammer in Wayzata, MN, needs maid volunteers to assist those with developmental disabilities.
  
• 7 Swans a Swimming "“ The National Ability Center in Park City, UT, needs swim volunteers to help the disabled with recreational activities.
  
• 6 Geese a Laying "“ Diabetics/Disabled Anonymous needs a tile laying volunteer to help with wall and flooring jobs.
  
• 5 Golden Rings "“ Tabitha Health Care Services in Lincoln, NB, needs volunteers to help ring up sales in their gift shop.
  
• 4 Calling Birds "“ The Club for Boys in Rapid City, SD, needs a bird watching instruction volunteer.
  
• 3 French Hens "“ Salt Lake County RSVP in Salt Lake City, UT, needs French speakers to transport patients to medical appointments.
  
• 2 Turtle Doves "“ The Catawba Science Center in Hickory, NC, needs turtle care volunteers to help with diets, cleaning and record keeping.

To get involved with these and many other opportunities, visit www.VolunteerMatch.org.

About VolunteerMatch
VolunteerMatch is a national nonprofit that strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. Its award-winning online service, www.volunteermatch.org, helps visitors find local volunteer opportunities by location, interest area, and/or keyword. The VolunteerMatch network regularly welcomes more than 6 million visitors each year, including millions of participants in employee volunteer programs, and has become the preferred volunteer recruiting service for more than 61,000 nonprofits

VolunteerMatch

VolunteerMatch

VolunteerMatch believes everyone should have the chance to make a difference. As the Web's largest volunteer engagement network, serving over 122,000 participating nonprofits, 100 network partners, and 13 million annual visitors, VolunteerMatch offers unique, award-winning solutions for individuals, nonprofits and companies to make this vision a reality. Since its launch in 1998, VolunteerMatch has helped the social sector attract more than $13 billion worth of volunteer services. Learn more about VolunteerMatch at VolunteerMatch.org, and follow @VolunteerMatch.

 

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