As the holiday season approaches, many Michigan students and staff are thinking about gifts to give family and friends. During this time of year, however, it is also the perfect time to give back to the Ann Arbor community through donations and service opportunities.
If you are looking for a chance to give back this holiday season, check out Connect 2 Connect, a network offered through the Ginsberg Center for students looking to volunteer in Ann Arbor. Simply create a free account using your U-M uniqname and start searching! Connect to 2 Connect offers service experiences geared toward the holiday season, like shopping for gifts for Ann Arbor kids through the “Adopt a Family!” program. Adopt a Family runs through the Community Action Network, which provides a helping hand to underserved families in the Washtenaw community. The Salvation Army holds bell-ringing volunteer positions throughout December, and it offers toy shopping opportunities for the Angel Tree program. Further details about local service opportunities can be found through Connect 2 Connect.
Aside from Connect 2 Connect, you can easily give back through donations. Mott Children’s Hospital welcomes both monetary and in-kind donations, especially during the holiday season. Some specific items that Mott appreciates include legos, musical toys for toddlers, character toys (i.e. superheroes, Paw Patrol, Mickey Mouse), Crayola crayons, markers and colored pencils. To view an extended wish-list and more information about student engagement opportunities, visit their website.
Enjoy the holiday season and remember to give back this year!
Contributed by Emily Lustbader, –Neighborhood Ambassador