As the air turns cold and stomachs begin to grumble for turkey and pie, many people see the approaching holidays not only as an opportunity to spend time with family and gorge on fabulous food, but also to give back to the community.
Local organizations often welcome the "holiday spirit" as an opportunity to have more helping hands to serve those in need. But many say they also hope that sentiment of giving will remain throughout the year and not fade away when the holidays are over.
This holds true for the Franciscan Center, which has more volunteers than paid staff on a daily basis. The organization on West 23rd Street in Baltimore offers services from emergency food and clothing assistance to providing job interview suits and computer access for people in need. Volunteer and In-Kind Donation Coordinator Angela Hall sees 12-25 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds each day, some who have volunteered for 26 years.
"I love our volunteers. Many of them are committed and dedicated and have been here for years," Hall said. "It's nice to be involved in the spirit of a holiday, but you have to understand that the need is all year round."
This year, the "Thanksgiving meal" will be served on Tuesday. Volunteers must be 16 years old to work on the food line, and family groups are welcome.
Though they are always grateful for volunteer work at any time, Hall said there is more need for help at the end of each month. This often happens because many clients rely on paychecks or government assistance that may not last them to the end of the month.