Agency: The Salvation Army

Contact: Jim Evers at 785-843-4188 or at jim_evers@usc.salvationarmy.org

The Salvation Army needs volunteers to assist with the Share the Warmth coat distribution, running from 12:30-4 p.m. weekdays (excluding Wednesdays) Nov. 30 through Dec. 22. Distribution of coats takes place at 946 New Hampshire St. Four volunteers are needed each day, so sign up individually or as a group. Please contact Jim Evers for more information.

Build gingerbread houses

Take part in the fun of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Gingerbread House Festival and Auction on Dec. 2, 3, and 8. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate as house builders. Gingerbread builder applications are available at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office. You can also complete an application online at gingerbreadauction.

com. If design and construction are not your passion, volunteer at the viewing weekend and/or at the live auction. All proceeds raised from this event go to support the local BBBS organization. Volunteers are needed for various shifts and tasks. Volunteer sign-up can be completed at signup.com/go/UuOYZDe. Please contact Aubrey at ajacobs@kansasbigs.org for more information.

Help area agencies

Many agencies are looking for volunteers to participate in their holiday gifting/adoption programs. Following are some of the community agencies that count on volunteers to help make the holidays brighter for our neighbors:

• The Salvation Army Adopt a Family: 785-843-4188

• Lawrence Meals on Wheels Angel Tree: 785-830-8844

• Toys for Tots: 785-766-3023

• Senior Resource Center of Douglas County Adopt a Senior: 785-842-0543

• The Villages Adopt a Youth: 785-267-5900, ext. 101

• Family Promise Adopt a Family: 785-764-9506

• Penn House Adopt a Family: 785-842-0440

• Douglas County CASA Christmas Stockings for Kids: 785-832-5172

• ECKAN Adopt a Family: 785-841-3357

• TFI Family Services Adopt a Foster Child: swilhelm@tfifamily.org

• The Willow Holiday Store: 785-331-2034, ext. 105

Help with holiday dinner

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to assist with the community holiday dinner. Volunteers are needed for setup, prep, serving and cleanup of the holiday dinner for two shifts, 9 a.m.-noon or noon-4 p.m. on Dec. 6, at 946 New Hampshire St. For more information, contact Jim Evers at jim_evers@salvationarmy.org or call 785-764-0962.

Be a big

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County provides one-to-one relationships for children facing adversity. Are you looking to make a difference in the life of a young boy or girl in our community? For a few hours, a couple times a month, you can give a “Little” the invaluable gift of your friendship. Big Brothers Big Sisters is seeking a Big Sister for Ashanti. Ashanti has two older brothers so she would love to have a girl to hang out with and talk to. She loves helping people and hopes to spend time volunteering with her Big. If you have a few hours to be a volunteer, this is your opportunity to make a difference in the life of a youngster. For more information, please contact Mark Gordy at 785-843-7359.

For a comprehensive list of holiday-related volunteer opportunities, adopt programs and donations needed, please go to volunteerdouglascounty.org and click “How to Help for the Holidays.”

— For more volunteer opportunities, please contact Shelly Hornbaker at the United Way Roger Hill Volunteer Center at 785-865-5030, ext. 301, at volunteer@unitedwaydgco.org or visit volunteerdouglascounty.org.