We turned to a clearing house of information, Volunteer Jacksonville. Debbie Snyder, volunteer services director, responded. Although most of the holiday opportunities are pre-Christmas Eve and Day, the Salvation Army wants volunteers to serve meals on Christmas Day. I would be happy to fax or mail a list to anyone who calls. I am sure caroling can be arranged on Christmas Eve or Day with any of the agencies that have requested that service.
Arrangements just have to be made ahead of time.
We have someone assisting individuals in finding meaningful volunteer opportunities Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon by telephone. The course is presented by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Examples of illnesses covered are schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder. Class size is limited to 20 people. Pre-registration is required. In any given year, more than 5 million Americans suffer from an acute episode of mental illness.