Big Group Hug (BGH) is actively seeking new volunteers to assist with a surge of donations expected during the holiday season. The organization’s volunteer manager, Francesca Ligabo, emphasized the urgent need for additional support to ensure that donations are processed efficiently.
As the Christmas season approaches, BGH typically experiences an increase in contributions, which can lead to backlogs. “We always get a lot of donations in the lead up to Christmas, and then they just wait there for the new year for volunteers to have the time to go through them,” Ms. Ligabo stated. Ensuring that the quality of donations remains high requires numerous volunteers to meticulously check each item for condition and suitability.
Flexible Volunteer Opportunities Available
BGH offers a variety of roles for potential volunteers, with flexible hours to accommodate different schedules. Duties include sorting, packing, and checking toys, as well as processing requests and welcoming caseworkers and donors at the organization’s facilities. “You’re welcome to just show up any day that we are open, any time for any amount of time,” Ms. Ligabo explained. This approach distinguishes BGH from other organizations that may impose strict schedules on their volunteers.
For those unable to commit to in-person roles, BGH also offers remote volunteer opportunities. One option involves becoming a drop-off point, where individuals can open their homes to donors, collect items, and transport them to the warehouse. “Having drop-off points in the community really helps us collect locally,” Ms. Ligabo noted.
Another flexible remote position includes managing BGH’s mailboxes by responding to emails, donor inquiries, and social media messages. This role is particularly suitable for students, as Ms. Ligabo mentioned the organization is willing to provide letters of recommendation for those seeking employment opportunities.
The Benefits of Volunteering
Many volunteers report significant personal satisfaction from their contributions. The primary benefit highlighted by Ms. Ligabo is the positive impact on the community, with volunteers expressing fulfillment from knowing their time is spent on a worthy cause. “The second aspect is the social connection; we have a great group of volunteers, and they always have morning tea together,” she added, emphasizing the camaraderie among volunteers.
Individuals interested in volunteering with Big Group Hug can apply by visiting https://biggrouphug.org/support-us/volunteer/join-our-volunteer-family/. The organization’s commitment to community service and flexible volunteer options make it an appealing choice for those looking to make a difference this holiday season.
