What better way to celebrate the season of giving than by giving back to vulnerable communities and those in need?
Volunteers are a significant part of the manpower in the humanitarian and charity services sector, without which many activities can be carried out, members of the community told CNA 938 on Monday Dec 5. Volunteering will make a big difference to those who need it most, because they will be a key part of the season's spirit.
Here are seven places that need a helping hand, from migrant workers to underprivileged children to Singapore's most beloved animals.
Its Raining Raincoats IRR is an initiative that aims to improve Singapore's migrant workers' lives and to facilitate their integration with the local community.
The charity, which often hosts donation drives and other community programmes, is holding its fifth Christmas Giving Drive this year.
Singaporeans and residents from all walks of life can donate wrapped Christmas presents to migrant workers to show their appreciation for their hard work building the nation as well as forging strong community bonds, the charity said on its event website.
IRR is open to drop-offs from Nov 10 to Dec 31, 10 am to 5 pm daily at 470 Upper Paya Lebar Road.
Members of the public can also help with wrapping paper or wrapping gifts. There are countless ways in which one can make the workers' Christmas a jolly one.
Do you have two hours left to spare? Volunteer as a bell ringer with The Salvation Army to raise funds during its Christmas kettling activities at various shopping malls.
Christmas Kettling is the organization's signature event that aims to bring joy to the needy through donations.
Kettle pots will be available in various malls from Nov 26 to December 22 from Mondays to Saturdays, with two-hour shifts from 11 pm to 9 pm.
The goal is to raise $155,000 for The Salvation Army's various beneficiaries.
The donations will go toward a number of initiatives such as welfare services for the elderly, counselling and intervention programmes for vulnerable children, food rations for struggling families, as well as physiotherapy and meals for malnourished migrant workers.
More information about registering as a volunteer is available on The Salvation Army's website. If interested, they must be at least 16 years old, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.