Holiday Tab 2015:Holiday 11/25/15 10:29 AM Page 29 HOLIDAY TRADITIONS | HELPING OTHERS VOLUNTEERING We all know it’s better to give than to receive, and that saying doesn’t always have to pertain to presents. Your time can be a valuable commodity for community-based organizations this holiday season Children’s Hospitals Many children will be confined to hospital beds this Christmas season as they battle through sickness, treatments and pain. This can also be emotionally draining for children, especially those who have experienced the joy of Christmas morning at home. This is where you can help. Children’s hospitals are great at cre- ating special events for their patients around the holidays, espe- cially Christmas. They will likely conduct holiday dances, meals and even trips from Santa Claus. Contact your local hospital's customer service department to find out their needs and how you can meet them. Soup Kitchens Many organizations work hard every year to make sure the homeless and underprivileged receive a nice, hot meal for Christ- mas. You can help by volunteering your time to cook, serve food and clean up. Groups also offer food services for the homebound, requiring volunteers to deliver meals across town. It is easy to get on a de- livery schedule by simply contacting these organizations and offer- ing your time. Nursing Homes The elderly who are no longer fit to stay in their homes because of health concerns or rehabilitation processes is a group that can use holiday spirit this Christmas. And many nursing homes coordi- nate numerous events and trips based around the special season. Nursing homes may also need help with donations, meal serv- ing or other activities, so check in about a month before Christmas to see how you can help. A g ift from C h ristm as past A PIC T O RIA L H IST O RY O F A ST O RIA SU BST A N T IA L L Y RE V ISE D E D IT IO N O F T H IS PO PU L A R W O RK • 144 pa g es • M ore tha n 200 photos from the rich a rchive of the Cla tsop Cou n ty Historica l Society • Hig h-q u a lity pa per a n d photo reprod u ction A P icto ria l H isto r y o f Asto ria $3 9.95 a va ila b le a t: The Da ily Astoria n 949 Excha n ge St. • A storia Cla tsop Co. Herita g e M u seu m 618 Excha n ge St. • A storia w w w .d a ilya storia n .com /a storia books 503.385.4911 Com m ercia l Street ca . 1926. Home for the Holidays 2015 • www.dailyastorian.com • 29