During the holiday season, we get to be around our friends and family and spread holiday cheer. It's also a great time to volunteer and give back to the Akron community! There are many ways to get involved and give back this season.

One way to volunteer is by joining up with the Akron Snow Angels. According to their website, you can get involved in many different ways. You can donate items or help in a more hands-on way by helping sorting and tagging clothing. This is a great way to help individuals who might not have the necessary items to stay warm this winter! You can visit their volunteer page or their Facebook to learn more about how to help. Even though I have not had the chance to personally volunteer with them, one of my sorority sister's families did. They said it was a very rewarding and humbling experience that everyone should try.

Every year, a lot of my sorority sisters volunteer for The Polar Express. You can dress up as an elf, read stories to the children, and serve hot chocolate. It's really fun to see how happy the kids are to see Santa and hear the Polar Express story! If you love kids then this is a really great volunteer opportunity for you. It is put on every year by the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Another way to give back is by donating toys, clothes, or other basic necessities. There are many places that have a Toys for Tots donation box. You can donate any toy that a child would love to receive on Christmas morning. You can also donate clothes, blankets, and other basic needs to any shelters in the area. There are individuals who don't have these basic things we take for granted that would love to receive a warm blanket for Christmas.

This holiday season, there are many ways you can volunteer and give back to the Akron community. Whether you want to volunteer hands on, with kids, or just make some donations, there is something for you! Volunteering is fun and rewarding, and is especially great around the holidays.