Just because the canned food drive is over, doesn’t mean the chance to volunteer is done. Aside from donating spare change into Salvation Army buckets, opportunities abound for community service.

“I did a canned food drive…it felt good to know that the recipients had food on their tables. I like knowing that I helped somebody out,” junior Alicia Schoonover said.

With the holidays quickly approaching, numerous volunteer opportunities are available.  Make a difference this winter in the lives of those in need by donating time to a local food pantry, donating gently used or new toys to the under served children of the community, or asking a “secret santa” to make a donation to a non-profit organization rather than give a gift.

Collecting donations among family and friends for non-profit organizations is a simple way to make a difference; in fact, fundraising is the most popular form of volunteerism in the United States.

The cheerleaders are currently leading a donations drive for the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery.

“Cheerleading wanted to be more involved in the community,” junior Nicki Soloman said.