Places to volunteer during the holiday season

While volunteering is important all year-round, the holiday season is a great time to volunteer or donate to local organizations. 

Edwardsville Public Library

The Edwardsville Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board is hosting a winter wear drive until Jan. 1. Donation baskets will be placed at the adult and youth circulation desks where people can donate items including hats, coats, gloves, socks, boots and other winter essentials. 

The library is located at 112 South Kansas St. in Edwardsville. For more information, you can call 618-692-7556, email info@edwardsvillelibrary.org or visit their website. 

Edwardsville Neighbors

Edwardsville Neighbors is a charity organization dedicated to helping ease the financial burden for families dealing with medical emergencies within the Edwardsville school district. 

For more information on ways to donate or volunteer, you can email info@edwardsvilleneighborsinneed or visit their website. 

Neighbors Bakeshop 

Run by Edwardsville Neighbors, Neighbors Bakeshop is a nonprofit bakery that donates its proceeds to families in need. 

Neighbors Bakeshop is looking for volunteers during the holiday season to participate in assisting customers with their orders, working the cash register, stocking shelves, washing dishes, cleaning, putting together packaging and other tasks. 

Neighbors Bakeshop is located at 1010 Enclave, Suite B in Edwardsville. For more information on volunteering, you can find them on Facebook or visit their website. 

Glen-Ed Pantry

The Glen-Ed Pantry is creating Christmas meal boxes for families in need. On Monday, Dec. 19, they will host a drive-thru pickup event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Ideal donations include hams, scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, canned pineapple and cake mixes, as well as any other food donations to the pantry. Monetary donations are also accepted. 

During the month of December, the Glen-Ed Pantry is looking for volunteers to help sort and stock canned goods, as well as assist with upcoming events. 

The Glen-Ed Pantry is located at 125 5th Ave. in Edwardsville. For more information on how to volunteer or donate, you can call 618-656-7506, email info@glenedpantry.org or visit their website. 

Collinsville Food Pantry

The Collinsville Food Pantry is looking for volunteers for a variety of different positions for the holiday season. 

The Collinsville Food Pantry is located at 2009 Mall St. in Collinsville. For more information on volunteering, you can call 618-346-1861, email director@collinsvillefp.org or visit their website.

Partners for Pets Humane Society

Partners for Pets is dedicated to finding loving homes for dogs and cats. They are looking for items including paper towels, dishwashing soap, non-retractable leashes, collars, scoopable litter, pet toys and more. 

For more information, you can visit their website. 

Hope Animal Rescue

Hope Animal Rescue is a dog rescue located in Godfrey, Illinois, and is dedicated to saving dogs from animal control. They are looking for items including canned dog food, puppy pads, trash bags, disinfectant wipes, dryer sheets and new or gently used dog beds. 

Hope Animal Rescues is located at 231 N. Main St. in Edwardsville. For more information on donating, you can call 618 979-1908, email admin@hoperescues.com or visit the Hope Animal Rescue website. 

Four Muddy Paws

Four Muddy Paws is hosting a holiday toy drive until Dec. 12 where people can donate a new or gently used dog toy and receive 20 percent off of a toy for themselves.

The location is 2127 South State Route 157 in Edwardsville. For more information on donating, you can call 618-692-4729, email infoedw@fourmuddypaws.com or visit their website.