Drop the drumstick; lend a helping hand

If your Thanksgiving dinner leaves you full but not fulfilled, here are some organizations that are looking for volunteers during the holiday season.

Kansas City

Healthy Families Counseling & Support

Purpose: Child abuse and neglect prevention

Volunteers needed for: A Dec. 18 holiday party, where volunteers can lead craft stations and play with children while their parents enjoy a holiday meal; sorting and stacking brand-new clothing donated by Stein Mart; two open positions on the organization’s board of directors are open and the group is looking for applicants.

Contact: Carolyn Rockhold, 816-508-1619

Della Lamb Community Services

Purpose: Adult/childhood education, child care, emergency social services for low-income residents

Volunteers needed for: Operation Santa Claus, a four-day event – Dec. 11-15 -where low-income families can stop by for groceries and gifts. Volunteers especially needed for Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Contact: Phyllis Stevens, 816-842-8040

St. Louis

Northside Community Center

Purpose: Education, counseling, health services and Meals-on-Wheels for needy North Side residents

Volunteers needed for: Meals-on-Wheels, which delivers 450 meals each day; a monthly food bank event on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Contact: Jeri Kibby-Williams, 314-652-9946

Springfield

Salvation Army of Springfield

Purpose: Provide for physical/spiritual needs of individuals

Volunteers needed for: Bell-ringing; distribution of food baskets on Wednesday, Dec. 23. Three shifts available: 8:30 a.m. to noon; 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; 3:30 p.m. to 6 pm. Lunch will be served to volunteers.

Contact: Shirley McDonald, 417-862-5509

The Kitchen

Purpose: Housing, food, counseling, clothing, education for the poor and homeless

Volunteers needed for: Serving free lunches and dinners during the work week. Five volunteers needed for each shift. Lunch shift: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dinner shift: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Contact: Sarah McCullem, 417-837-1590