Christmas volunteering opportunities (Raleigh, Durham: how much, homes, living in)

[miamian in nc]

Does anyone know of what organizations are in need of volunteers on Christmas Day? I'm a middle-aged female living in Southwest Durham, and the holidays are always hard for me since I have no family. This Christmas is even lonelier this year because I lost my beautiful dog of 12 years a few months ago, and a little Mexican girl I used to take to the library and different places on the weekends while her parents worked. Her parents just up and left for California without even letting me know so that the little girl and I could say bye. I'm open to anything from helping serve meals to the community, or doing something to help children, the aged, or animals.

[Chocheesmo]

I'm sorry that the holidays are rough for you. Check out the APS of Durham, animals always have a way of making things better
Animal Protection Society of Durham
I would think that they would need as many volunteers as they can get or they might be able to help you find someplace that does.

[thorpe]

I volunteer with Big Brother/Big Sister. This is something you might enjoy. They have several children who need a good mentor and you only volunteer a minimum of 6-8 hours a month. Also, I know the Durham Rescue Mission needs volunteers for Christmas day to serve dinner to the homeless.

[bradfordpair]

God Bless You for wanting to help.
Raleigh rescue Mission
The Healing Place (recovering drug addicts)
Interact (women and children recovering from abuse
Interfaith Food Shuttle
NC Food Bank

Please also find time to try to enjoy time with friends or neighbors. Even if you feel like you don't have firnds, this is how you meet people. You sound like a loverly person. If you were my colleague or co-worker I would love to have you over for Christmas lunch or dinner. I know it's hard toi ask but try it. I think many of us would like to open our homes to a new friend.

Please also consoder a place of worship and a place for you to find comforta and fellowship that we all need. But, paces of worship often come together in wonderful ways, especially during the holidays to help others. Your willingbess to help could be very important to someone.

If you would like to help the elderly you could be such a blessing to so many. I don't know exactly where to tell you to start but that is something you can google. I'm not sure what kind of training people who work with Hospice go through but these people really are angels on earth.
I'm so sorry for yourr losses. I know it might seem soon but this might be the time to think about a new dog. You could rescue one if you find someone who suits you.

Please keep is posted on what you end of doing. I know we don't really know you but we really do care about you and we want you know how your search goes.
Your giving spirit is what the holidays are all about.

[miamian in nc]

Thank you all so much for your kindness and wonderful suggestions. Several people have suggested being a Big Sister and I've thought about it but didn't know how much time was needed to commit to it. For Christmas, I probably will contact the Durham or Raleigh Rescue Mission to help out on that day. This Friday I'm supposed to help out an SPCA event, but for Christmas I think it will feel good helping people in some way. Blessings to all of you this holiday season too.