Holiday Giving: 10 Places to Volunteer Your Time

A collection of volunteer opportunities throughout the area.

Looking for a way to give back to the community this holiday season?  From food pantries to local animal shelters, there are plenty of opportunities to lend a helping hand in the Naperville area. Below are 10 great organizations to donate the gift of time. If you or your organization is in need of volunteers for an upcoming event or project, please add them in the comments.   Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry How You Can Help: Loaves & Fishes distributes more than 60,000 pounds of groceries and serves approximately 600 families every week, according to the organization's website. Volunteers work in a variety of areas including distribution, sorting, shelving and office assistance. They must be at least 14 years old. The pantry also accepts …

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Adopt Me!

Pooches and Pals Seek Permanent Homes

Every week Naperville Patch shares some adoptable pets waiting for homes at the Naperville Area Humane Society and Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment.

Lucinda is a 3-year-old domestic shorthair female who was returned because her owners moved and could not take her with them.  She is a very loving and affectionate cat who likes to be petted and play with toys.  She can be shy around small children, but does get along with other cats and maybe a cat-friendly dog.  As Lucinda does not like a lot of loud noises or activity, a home on the quiet side might be the best fit for her. Riley is a 1-year-old Yorkshire terrier mix that was surrendered because his previous owner did not have enough time to properly take care of him.  He is a playful and loving dog that likes toys and sitting on laps.  Kids in his new home should be at least 8 years old as small children can overwhelm him.  He does …

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Adopt Me!

Adopt Me! Mika, Kensi, Nutmeg and Buddy

These are just a few of the dogs and cats available for adoption at local shelters.

Mika came to A.D.O.P.T. from another rescue group.  She is an 8-month-old pit-bull mix. Mika is an energetic and bouncy pup. She is good-natured and loves to play. Mika is also very sweet.  She will try to lie in your lap and cuddle or get as close as she can to get her neck rubbed. Since Mika is still a young dog, she will need to go to obedience school. Kensi is a feline who boasts more than just a pretty face and a pleasant demeanor. She is a very sweet cat who loves attention and would be very content sitting by her favorite person's side. She’ll make a top-notch companion and would be a perfect fit for a loving home. For more information contact A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter at 630-355-2299.  A.D.O.P.T. is a no-kill, nonprofit, animal …

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Giving Five to the Community

Patch encourages employees to volunteer five times throughout the year on the company's time.

When I moved away for graduate school and was far from my friends and family, one of the first things I did was to adopt a cat from the Humane Society in Boulder, Colo., the city where I was living. The cat was a real sweetie, her name was Cassidy—as in hop-a-long—since she had only three legs. Caring for a pet takes a lot of time, there is no doubt. But, coming home to my apartment was so much more inviting with that crazy cat waiting to happily greet me. Cassidy is chasing mice in a better place now. But, after her there have been other adoptions, which was the reason I decided to give some time on Thursday at Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment. At Patch we are encouraged to spend time five days out of the year giving back in the …

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Adopt Me!

Adopt Me! Sisko, Barney, Annie and Sadie

These are some of the adoptable pets available at the Naperville Area Humane Society.

Barney is a playful, affectionate 12-year-old cat available for adoption.  Don't let his age fool you--he's very chatty and has lots of spunk.  He was surrendered to the shelter when his previous family couldn't keep him when they moved.  Now he's ready to start the next chapter of his life.  He can live with other cats, a dog and children that are at least 8 years old. Sisko is an 8-year-old beagle who'd rather hang out with his family than play with toys anyday.  He was surrendered to the shelter after his previous family didn't have enough time for him.  He gets along well with cats, some dogs and can live with kids as young as 8 years old.  He's pretty vocal when left alone so he probably wouldn't do well in an apartment or condo.  He'…

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Adopt Me!

Adopt Me! Clancy and Charlotte

These are just two of the adoptable pets waiting for new homes at Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment.

Clancy is a great pup who came to Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment A.D.O.P.T.) as part of a rescue transfer from a shelter in Kentucky. He is a 1½ -year-old Terrier-Schipperke mix. Clancy is the happiest dog you'll ever meet. He has been at A.D.O.P.T. for a month and a half and he's still as happy and friendly as the day he arrived. He just loves everyone and demonstrates that with constant bouncing and wiggling. Clancy is an active dog and a great walker. Charlotte is a 2-year-old cat who's sweet as candy and twice as nice. She's a girl who's just plain good company for those who like to keep things on the quiet side. She is one of the sweetest cats you will ever meet  She is very laid-back and affectionate, perfect for someone who …

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Naperville Neighbors

One Local Volunteer Who Never Stops

Mary Ann Budzynski started volunteering after she retired. She's found that giving back to the community has its rewards.

Mary Ann Budzynski is one of those people who seems to never to slow down. Ever. She's been retired since 2008, but she isn't about to sit back and relax just because she no longer has a full-time job. Instead, she takes classes, travels and volunteers. Budzynski, like so many Naperville residents, gives back to the community. She worked for Taco Bell for 19 years, and in 2008 she learned she was going to be let go in 2009. Instead, she gave notice two months before she turned 65 and moved forward. "I was at a point in my life where I worked with people I liked," she said. "I knew I didn't want to get another full-time job." She enjoyed her job and the people she worked with. Leaving the friendships and camaraderie behind was a bit …

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