Holiday volunteer opportunities in South Florida

If you don’t have money to spend this year, you can give your time, food or a new toy. Here are some ideas that don’t require a fat wallet:

In Palm Beach County, the most complete list of opportunities is assembled by United Way of Palm Beach County. Go to www.unitedwaypbc.org and click on ‘holiday volunteer opportunities.’

The Palm Beach County Health Department is accepting food and clothing at its health centers in Belle Glade, Delray Beach, Lantana and West Palm Beach to distribute to people who attend the clinics. Go to www.pbchd.com or call (561) 840-4500.

The Lord’s Place is in need of backpacks, blankets, watches, wallets for men and women, adult socks, and toys for children up to age 12 to give to the homeless. To donate, call (561) 494-0125 or visit www.thelordsplace.org.

First Baptist Church of Lantana weekly food pantry. Donate nonperishable food year-round by calling FBC Lantana at (561) 588-3341 for information about drop off times.

CROS Ministries also needs donations of nonperishable food. Contact CROS at (561) 233-9009, Ext. 105 or Ext. 106. or donate online at www.crosministries.org.

Boca Helping Hands needs nonperishable food. Call (561) 447-9275 for information about the organization and a list of its needs over the holidays.

House of Hope in Martin County is in need of nonperishable food, with locations in Hobe Sound, Stuart, Jensen Beach and Indiantown. For more information about House of Hope, call (772) 286-HOPE (4673), or visit www.hohmartin.org.

Mustard Seed Ministries needs nonperishable food and toys for Christmas. They can be dropped off at 3130 S. U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce, right next door to Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q. For more information, call (772) 465-6021.

Other things you can give

Blood: Anyone who donates blood in any Florida Blood Center location or on any big red bus before Dec. 31 will receive a $10 Publix gift card as an incentive. Call (888) 9DONATE (936-6283) for locations, and check eligibility questions at www.floridasbloodcenters.org.

Hair: If you are cutting at least 10 inches of hair, Locks of Love can use your ponytail to make wigs for children with cancer and other medical conditions. Read about the requirements at www.locksoflove.org.

Hotel soaps: Organizations that help the homeless, like The Lord’s Place in West Palm Beach, can use any soaps or shampoos in travel sizes. Call (561) 494-0125 or visit www.thelordsplace.org.

Baby items: Give baby items to agencies that help abused and neglected children, such as the Foster & Adoptive Parents Association of Palm Beach County. Call (561) 616-1578.

To submit your own group’s needs for holiday volunteers or donated items, email us at seasontoshare@pbpost.com.