As you prepare to celebrate the holiday season, put yourself in the right frame of mind by finding a way to give back that you’ve never tried before. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Morning Pointe Therapy Dog Program
Animal-lovers can take their (friendly) pets to The Lantern at Morning Pointe in Collegedale to interact with residents as therapy dogs. No certification is required; pet parents need only provide up-to-date vet records. You can even make it a full family affair. Children as young as a year old are welcome to accompany their parents, and kids age 12 and older may volunteer by themselves.
Get involved: 423-396-4700
Causeway’s One Table Thanksgiving Potluck
Now in its third year, One Table, Causeway’s citywide Thanksgiving potluck lunch, will take over M.L. King Boulevard between Miller Park and Miller Plaza the Monday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 21) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Want to support the organization’s effort to bring the people of the city together to give thanks as one big, unified and happy family? Volunteer to help with setup, serving or cleanup for this unique holiday event.
Get involved: causeway.org/onetable
Refugee Transportation Volunteer with Bridge Refugee Services
Having gratitude for the positive aspects of your own life is always easier when you encounter someone who hasn’t been so lucky. Being a refugee is among life’s most difficult situations, which you can help to ease a bit by providing a refugee right here in Chattanooga with rides to appointments or to get things he or she needs. And, you’ll get the bonus of having the opportunity to get to know someone from a different culture.
Get involved: 423-954-1911 or bridgerefugees.org
Cat or Cat Condo Caretaker with Pet Placement Center
Chattanooga’s no-kill animal shelter, the Pet Placement Center, is always in need of volunteers to help clean the cat areas and socialize the free-roaming feline residents. The center allows kids age 10 and older to volunteer, though those ages 10-14 have to bring an adult along. Pet Placement Center also needs volunteers to visit two cats at the Petco store in Hixson awaiting a forever home. Cat condo caretakers must be at least 15 years old, and are charged with playing with the cats, giving them water and food, and scooping out the litter box during their hour of service, which the Pet Placement Center asks that volunteers commit to doing on a particular day every week. You may just find a new member to add to your family before Thanksgiving.
Get involved: 423-877-0738 or petplacementcenter.com/volunteers.html