’Tis the season to give, and there is no better way than to support local organizations in which you believe. Giving doesn’t necessarily mean a monetary gift. You can give the gift of time as well by volunteering. Here are several local organizations that could use your help this season.

713 Hartford Ave
White River Junction, VT
uppervalleyhaven.org
(802) 295-6500

This organization helps provide food, shelter, education, service coordination, and other kinds of support for people struggling with poverty. Development associate Ashley Wood offers these suggestions for helping the Upper Valley Haven, “Leading up to the holidays, one of our main focuses is supporting the 19 Days of Norwich and Beyond, a 19-day initiative spearheaded by Dan & Whit’s that encourages local businesses and individuals to give to the Haven with one percent of their sales or in any other way that works for them. There are many events for the public to attend, most of them free with donations benefiting the Haven, and there are various food-drive sites across the Upper Valley to help stock our food shelf. It’s a pretty incredible effort, and this year is the [19 Days] fifth anniversary. Plus, the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation will generously match 19 Days donations up to $125,000.”

Here’s a link to more information about the 19 Days event: https://uppervalleyhaven.org/events/19-days-of-norwich/.

In addition, UVH has a coat drive going on and has received support from other organizations that are contributing to the cause, like J.Crew in Hanover. Ashley adds, “Food drives are also helpful year-round as hunger is, unfortunately, a crisis no matter the season. There have been incredible donations by schools, groups, companies, and individuals—we try to highlight them on our Facebook page as often as we can. The Hanover Police Department and Senior Center were in recently with a large donation. And if someone doesn’t have the time to organize a drive, donations earmarked for the Food Shelf are also greatly appreciated, as we have the ability to purchase food at a lesser cost and stretch someone’s donated dollars even farther.”

The Barrette Center for the Arts
74–76 Gates Street
White River Junction, VT
(802) 296-7000
northernstage.org

If live theater is something you enjoy, consider supporting Northern Stage in White River Junction. This regional nonprofit produces unique, world-class performances.

Development associate Heidi Reynolds says, “We are very dedicated to our mission to change lives, one story at a time. Our whole focus is on building and nurturing community. In order to do that, we absolutely need community support in return. We are blessed with amazing donors, volunteers, and staff members who tell heartening stories about how our live theater organization makes their lives better. That is the biggest and best way someone can give back to Northern Stage—sing our praises! We are very appreciative of any and all support!”

Check out the website for ways to donate and volunteer.

149 Natures Way
Quechee, VT
(802) 359-5000
www.vinsweb.org

If nature is your passion, then perhaps giving to Vermont Institute of Natural Science will interest you. At this time of year, the community can support the center by: