We’re all in a mad dash during the holidays. We’re rushing around to get our trees and lights up, finish last minute shopping and bake special treats for family and friends.

With all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to get caught up in the “merry and bright” and overlook those who truly need some holiday spirit. That’s why we’re sharing four easy ways to give back this holiday season:

Arkansas Foodbank

Volunteers at the Arkansas Foodbank

Nearly 20 percent of Arkansans are food insecure. Fight back against hunger during the holidays by volunteering at the Arkansas Foodbank for Family Night on Tuesday, Dec.13 from 6-8 p.m. Or, if the weekends work better for your family, consider volunteering for a Saturday Work Day on Dec. 10 or 17 from 9 a.m.-noon. Note that kids must be at least 8 to volunteer and must be accompanied by an adult until the age of 15. Sign up to volunteer here. 

 

Central Arkansas Rescue Efforts (C.A.R.E. for Animals)

Our furry friends need some holiday love, too! Sign up to volunteer for one of CARE’s Saturday showings from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., where you’ll help introduce some adorable animals to their potential adoptive families. While there, you’ll also have the opportunity to spread the word about CARE’s important mission. Details here.

 
Our House Shelter

Our House offers a welcoming atmosphere for kids of all ages. For three years, it charted its success in moving families from homelessness to a stabilized life. The project has attracted attention from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which hopes to spread the Our House model nationwide.

Since 1987, Our House Shelter has helped thousands of homeless and near-homeless individuals in central Arkansas succeed in the workforce, life and school. This holiday season, it’s teaming up with Chef Shuttle to collect donations for families in need. From now until Friday, Dec. 16, you can provide donations to your Chef Shuttle driver or drop off at participating restaurants. Our House currently needs warm clothing, laundry detergent, baby formula, Walmart gift cards, Rock Region Metro bus passes, twin sheet sets, VTech games, Playdough, craft kits, paint sets, watches, costume jewelry and baby wipes.

(NOTE: Participating restaurants include Bruno’s Italian Villa in Benton; The Mean Pig BBQ in Cabot; Stubby’s BBQ in Hot Springs; A.W. Lin’s, Banana Leaf, Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, Chuy’s, Kemuri and Thirst N’ Howl in Little Rock; Blue Coast Burrito and Chuy’s in North Little Rock; and Mama’s Gyros Grill in Sherwood.)

Salvation Army

Every year, the Salvation Army provides Christmas gifts to more than 1,100 families in central Arkansas through the Angel Tree program. Join the cause by adopting a family or manning one of the Angel Tree booths at McCain Mall in North Little Rock or Park Plaza Mall in Little Rock during the holidays. As a volunteer, you’ll be responsible for answering general questions, keeping gifts organized and helping donors pick their angels. You can also volunteer at the Salvation Army’s distribution center, where you’ll help unload, organize and fill trucks. Find out how to support the Angel Tree here.