Spreading Joy: The Benefits of Volunteering Around Christmas in Kent

As the festive season approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on the spirit of giving, compassion, and community. Volunteering at Christmas can be a heartwarming and rewarding experience, offering numerous benefits to both individuals and the communities they serve. In this blog, we will explore the advantages of volunteering during the festive season and highlight some fantastic places to volunteer in Kent.

The Benefits of Volunteering Around Christmas

1) Fostering a Sense of Community. Christmas is a time when people come together to celebrate and share love and joy. Volunteering during this season allows you to connect with your community, fostering a sense of togetherness that can last well into the New Year.

2) Spreading Happiness. The act of giving and helping others can be incredibly fulfilling. When you volunteer, you contribute to making someone else's holiday season brighter, which in turn can fill your heart with a deep sense of happiness and satisfaction.

3) Gaining Perspective. Volunteering often exposes individuals to different life experiences and challenges. It can be eye-opening to see the struggles some people face during the holidays, which can help you appreciate your own blessings and privileges.

4) Building Relationships. Volunteering can help you build new friendships and strengthen existing ones. You'll meet like-minded people who share your commitment to making a positive impact in the community. 

5) Developing Skills. Volunteering provides an excellent opportunity to develop and enhance various skills, including communication, leadership, problem-solving, and organisational skills. These skills can be valuable in both your personal and professional life. Voluntary work is an excellent addition to include on your job applications made via Kent-Teach - in fact voluntary work experience is so valuable we have a separate section for additional skills, interests and voluntary roles which can enhance your application, especially when the experience is related to the role you are applying for.

Places to Volunteer in Kent

1) Shoe Box Appeals. Many schools and organisations across the county run Christmas shoe box appeals where individuals can donate a shoe box filled with small gifts, hygiene products and toys to provide to children in need around the world.

2) Salvation Army. The Salvation Army operates various programs and services in Kent, including food banks, shelter, and Christmas assistance. They welcome volunteers to help with their Christmas fundraising campaigns and distributing gifts to those in need.

3) Crisis at Christmas. Crisis is a national charity that supports homeless individuals during the holidays. They often set up temporary centres in Kent and welcome volunteers to help with various activities, from serving meals to offering support and companionship.

4) Local Soup Kitchens and Food Banks. Kent has numerous local soup kitchens and food banks that rely on volunteers to help prepare and serve meals to the homeless and provide food to struggling families.

Volunteering around Christmas in Kent is not only a beautiful way to celebrate the holiday season but also a powerful means of giving back to your community and those in need. The benefits of volunteering extend beyond the immediate joy it brings, allowing you to grow as an individual, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to making the world a better place. This year, consider giving the gift of your time and compassion by volunteering in Kent, and witness the positive impact it can have on both you and the community you serve.

Volunteering is extremely significant both on a personal and a professional level. It is an ideal way to enhance your CV as well as supporting valuable causes and giving back to the community. Read our article on "How Volunteering Can Make You More Employable".