It's the time of year for giving (back)

With the holidays quickly approaching, more and more people begin to think about giving. Not just the giving of gifts to loved ones, but giving back to our communities. There are many opportunities for individuals, families and businesses to volunteer this holiday season. Here are a few ways you can give back.

Volunteers needed at the Coeur d'Alene Homes Thrift Store

The Coeur d'Alene Homes Auxiliary Thrift Store, located on Fifth and Lakeside in Coeur d'Alene, is in need of volunteers to provide customer service in the store and help sort through donated items. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The proceeds from the store go directly to help provide care at Coeur d'Alene Homes Assisted Living, which is a nonprofit organization that serves up to 69 elderly residents, half of which have dementia or Alzheimer's. To volunteer, contact Coki at (208) 664-8001.

An opportunity to help homeless families get back on their feet

Family Promise of Northern Idaho empowers homeless families to achieve sustainable housing. Family Promise is in need of van drivers to help provide transportation to homeless families at 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily during the fall and winter months. A 14 passenger van is provided to transport families.

If you can give 1 hour per day - 1 time per week, you can make a difference in the lives of local homeless families. You must be 25 years of age and have a valid regular driver's license. A background check will be provided at no cost to you. There is an orientation session before your first drive.

"Van drivers are the reason our guests can go through the Family Promise program," said Cindy Wood, executive director. "This is a time-specific, rewarding, volunteer position." Mike Irwin, a current van driver shared, "There is a sense of accomplishment and a blessing in giving people a helping hand. I never forget that I could be in the same situation, was it not for the help of people in my life. How would you want to be treated if you were without a home?"

Family Promise is located in the basement of St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 501 E. Wallace in Coeur d'Alene. To set up a volunteer orientation, call (208) 777-4190.

Help fight hunger by volunteering at the Community Action Partnership Food Bank

Dedicated volunteers are needed Monday through Friday to assist with the many daily operations at the Community Action Partnership (CAP) Food Bank.

Opportunities include:

- Distributing food to food bank guests

- Data entry and office assistant duties

- Team leaders

- Qualified drivers to pick up food from donating organizations

- Stocking shelves and coolers

- Sorting food and making up food boxes

- Cleaning

- Gardening

Volunteers should have a desire to serve others with respect, dignity, and a friendly smile. You must be 18 years old, in good health (able to lift 35 lbs), with a clean appearance. Training is provided to all new volunteers. The CAP Food Bank serves more than 11,000 people per month and distributes over 130,000 pounds of food!

If you would like to volunteer contact the volunteer coordinator at (208) 770-3017 or [email protected].

Connecting people

The United Way of Kootenai County's Volunteer Center is CONNECTING PEOPLE. The center plays a vital role as a "One Stop Volunteer Resource Center" that continually links individuals and groups to a wide variety of ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities. For more information about volunteer opportunities visit the United Way's Volunteer Center website www.kootenaiunitedway.org