The stores, malls, and streets become busier as the holiday season gets closer. People are ready to start shopping for those perfect gifts, planning holiday gatherings and meals. If you have friends and family nearby, you’re likely to have lots to do no matter the holiday you celebrate. Maybe in addition to all the hoopla, you’re looking for some way to give back, some way to give this season beyond traditional gifts and gatherings.

There are people in our communities who may not have the option of sharing merriment and cheer with those they love, and there are local organizations that are short staffed and in desperate need of extra hands at this time of year. While it would be great to donate gifts, both material and monetary, to organizations who distribute to those in need, there is a bigger gift that’s well worth giving: your time.

Volunteering provides much-needed assistance to non-profit organizations such as local churches, soup kitchens, shelters, and senior services, and it provides something that beautifully wrapped presents alone cannot: the gift of human contact and interaction.

The reasons for volunteering are as varied as the causes that benefit from the donation of time. For some volunteers, like Tom Gesner, of Buckfield, it was as simple as saying yes when a friend asked him to volunteer with her.

“I’ve served Thanksgiving dinner at Hope Haven Gospel Mission a few times,” said Gesner.

Gesner said that he “thoroughly enjoyed” his time volunteering, and added, “I had some nice conversations with some of the people I served.”

Feeling connected to another person, even if just for an hour, can often be the highlight of somebody’s day. When we give of our time, we show others that they have value. Time is, after all, our most precious commodity.

Kelly Green-Chartier, of Turner, lost her mother to brain cancer 16 years ago. That experience is what Green-Chartier credits for her start in volunteering five years ago. She didn’t think she was doing much at first, until she began to run into people she’d spent time with at The Dempsey Center in Lewiston.

“Giving back is so important,” said Green-Chartier, who gives foot scrubs and massages to cancer patients. “I have run into former patients; they hug and thank me, and tell me just how much I did for them when, honestly, all I did was be there to listen to their story.”

One of the benefits of volunteering isn’t always immediately considered, since it takes having given of yourself to fully appreciate the effect, but any volunteer is likely to admit how wonderful they feel freely doing something for others.

“Volunteering has changed me for the better. Giving of yourself fills your soul with love, and hope,” admitted Green-Chartier.

Marcy Kennison, wife and mother of two from Poland, has also found volunteering to have multiple benefits.

“Volunteering gives you the chance to be the light in someone’s day. You’ll just never know the connections, friendships, and unknown positives that someone can take away from just giving your time to a cause.”

Kenison said giving of her time not only helps her congregation raise the funds it needs, but provides people with opportunities to build friendships and fosters good will.

“I have been a member of the United Methodist Church of Auburn for 17 years, and giving my time to this loving church makes me feel so happy,” Kenison said. “The benefits to me involve being part of this wonderful community of people who are all there for one another, and the profits help keep our church going, so we can give our time and talents to God and our community.”

There really is no time-of-year requirement to donate your time to the service of your community. Gesner suggested contacting the charity or organization you are interested in to find out their needs.

“Also, consider volunteering during a non holiday when there may be less of an abundance of volunteers.”

No matter when you choose to volunteer, and regardless of where that time is spent, there is a definite need that only the gifts of time and compassion can fill.

“With so many people experiencing hard times, we are seeing people from children to elders giving their time to let others know that they are not alone, and that people with good hearts are there for them,” Kenison said.

Green-Chartier agreed, “Sadly, so many of us are affected by illness and loss, and it feels good to give back. Also, with the economic struggles we have all experienced, this is something you can do that costs nothing, but is so fulfilling for all of those involved.”

Looking to give the gift of your time to a worthy charitable organization? Here’s a short list of area charities that benefit from volunteers, as well as a couple of web sites that list many others.

Area churches, religious organizations, police departments, and hospitals

Advocates for Children, Lewiston — 207-783-3990

Auburn Public Library — 207-333-6640

Big Brothers and Sisters, Lewiston — 207- 795-4065

Good Shepherd Food Bank, Auburn — 207-782-3554

Hope Haven Gospel Mission, Lewiston — 207-783-6086

Lewiston Public Library — 207-513-3119

Safe Voices — 207-795-6744

Seniors Plus — 207-513-3710

Check out these listings for more volunteer opportunities:

http://www.lewistonauburn.com/volunteer.html

http://www.volunteermaine.org/