Many times when the topic of giving back to our community comes up in conversation the initial thought is a financial donation. And sometimes the thought of a financial donation causes me stress and anxiety. After working in non-profit for nearly 10 years in the Casper Community, I cannot count on all fingers and toes all the organizations that I would give to; It is endless. Each organization serves a select group.
While we have quite a few more non-profit organizations in this community than many others of our size, I have yet to come across any that duplicate the services of any others. This thought alone solidifies that each one serves a purpose and that each one is worthy of a monetary donation. However, I must think a lot about this. A monetary donation could take away from my monthly budget and potentially take away from the grocery budget. This time of year, especially with the Holidays, the reality is that a financial donation to my favorite charity is just not reasonable. However, after my years of working in non-profit, I am very aware that giving opportunities present themselves in various forms that do not include a financial contribution.
This is, by nature, a season of thanksgiving and helping those that may be less fortunate than you are. In hopes to help spread the word about many of these giving opportunities we have highlighted a few that will be available in the Casper Community, and surrounding areas, over the next few Holiday weeks.
Nov. 27 – Dec. 1
Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions- Bake cookies for the Tree of Love (on December 2nd) Cookies need to be dropped off on Friday Nov. 30th.
Dec. 2 – 8
Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions- Bake cookies for the Tree of Love (on December 2nd)
Dec. 9 – 15
Wyoming Food for Thought- Volunteers for the 21st Annual Stuff the Van
Dec. 16 – 22
Casper Housing Authority needs volunteers to help with their annual Tenant Christmas Party on December 18th from 4-9pm at LifeSteps Campus.
Dec. 23 – 29
Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions- Bring a dish, help cook, serve or clean up Christmas Dinner! (12:30-2:00).
Dec. 30 – Jan 5
Other non-date specific ideas:
Meals on Wheels is always looking for substitute drivers during the winter season. Please call 307-265-8659.
Quilts of Valor - We make quilts for veterans who have been touched by war. Sewists are always needed. Call-
Converse Hope Center in Glenrock and Douglas can always use donated services of many varieties. Graphic designers, lawyers, groomers, animal fosters, crisis line volunteers (they provide the training), etc. Anything someone is skilled at they can probably use. Voices or muscle for awareness (events, materials etc), occasionally help moving people as well as gas cards, basic nonperishable food items and converse county store cards (groceries or Safeway). (307)358-6148 or (307)358-4800 (24 hour hope line)
Casper Community Greenhouse Project, building greenhouses at Elementary schools can always use other than monetary, a helping hand, plumbing, electrical, plants, watering, and volunteers. Call me for more details. 307 277 7303 or ccgreenhouseproject@gmail.com
Natrona County Library – adopt a shelf in the library and commit to keep it neat and tidy. Call 577-7323 for more info.
Casper Humane Society - Has an adult volunteer programs that runs year round and give volunteers opportunities to socialize with the animals.
Casper Family YMCA- Looking for volunteers to coach Indoor Soccer starting in January. Program runs 6 weeks. Please call 234-9187 for more information.
Special thanks go out to ServeWyoming for helping to collect this information and serve as a clearing house for those looking to volunteer this season. If nothing above peaks your interest and you are interested in volunteering, please take some time to check out ServeWyoming. ServeWyoming promotes collaborative efforts among private, non-profit and governmental organizations that advance community service, volunteer programs and activities in each Wyoming community.
