Once Halloween is done, many people will start gearing up for the winter holiday season. And you know what that means. Holiday volunteering!

There are plenty of ways to brighten up this dreary, wet PNW winter. But the spots go fast. And trust us, calling a shelter the day before Thanksgiving to sign up to serve Thanksgiving dinner is too late.

So give yourself some planning time with our ultimate guide to you sharing your loving, giving self with people in need.

Holiday Volunteering For the Traditionalist:

Looking for adopt-a-family opportunities, Thanksgiving baskets and meal donations? Ta-daaaa! Here they are on our volunteer website. You can even create a profile so you can follow different nonprofits and get notified when they post new volunteer opportunities.

For the Time-Saver:

The holidays get cray-cray. One easy way to avoid more errands is to scope out your grocery store’s entrance. No, not those bags of pine cones that leave a cinnamon-scented tattoo in your sinuses. Don’t. Touch. Those.

In addition to the Salvation Army red kettles, there are usually donation bins for nonperishable items and lists of needed items. Shop for your own groceries and provide much-needed food for others at the same time. No extra errands. Families with enough to eat. Yes.

For the 20- or 30-Something:

United Way’s young professionals networking group is on fire lately. Emerging Leaders have volunteer projects all planned out around hunger relief, foster youth and more. Sign up as an Emerging Leader now for first access to their holiday volunteering projects. Plus you meet other super-nice people like yourself and learn ways to make your community better.

For the Social Justice Advocate:

This one works for procrastinators too. Jan. 15 is MLK Day of Service—join us to rally and volunteer in support of justice and equity for all. Signups open online Nov. 7. It’s part of a movement, and as we saw at last year’s event, uniting our voices does make a difference.

For the Introvert:

Giving trees are your friends, and online shopping wins the season. Find giving trees at your local mall, library or place of worship. Many organizations also post wish lists on their websites. It’s also easy to donate online too. Every dollar makes a difference for people facing homelessness and poverty right in our own communities.

Let’s make this winter season warmer and brighter for our neighbors in need. Cheers to your do-good-ing self!

See holiday volunteering opportunities and more ideas.