With the holiday season fast approaching, many people are beginning to stress about finding the perfect gifts for their friends and families. Others may find themselves dodging constant questions from family members about what is on their list this holiday season. While it is the season of giving, it is important to not only give back to your loved ones, but also to your community. Luckily, there are lots of wonderful service opportunities available this holiday season in the Raleigh area.

  As we prepare for upcoming Christmas gifts, many of us find ourselves purging our closets and decluttering, getting rid of old things we no longer wear in order to make room for the new things we will receive this holiday season. Unfortunately, these old clothes end up sitting in a pile somewhere in our homes, forgotten until our next closet cleanout. Luckily, there are many charitable organizations around the Triangle that will gladly take your old clothes and put them to good use. Note in the Pocket is a great charity that takes your old clothes, regardless of how big or small your load is, and donates them to impoverished areas. Similarly, Project Green Chair is another nearby organization that takes old furniture, decor or houseware products, and uses these products to help furnish new housing for those who cannot afford to do so themselves.

  While it is important to try and do some service during your years in high school, students in the IB Diploma Programme are required to participate in service activities as a part of their Creativity, Activity and Service obligations. Fortunately, IB students frequently receive emails about upcoming service ventures in the area such as Habitat for Humanity or the We Help Two Campaign. However, as these opportunities are not always available, students often have to figure out their own service opportunities. Junior IB student Vy Chau said, “I was one of the teen volunteers for the Learning With Legos program here in Wake County. I helped plan and organize the event and assisted kids with building their LEGO creations. This experience was very interesting, as I was able to see the imagination of kids in action along with learning the efficiency of teamwork with other teen volunteers. Altogether the service was very enjoyable.” 

  Many of us may be very interested in serving our community somehow, but we are at a loss for where to begin. Fortunately, there are lots of organizations around Millbrook such as Key Club, MEB, Best Buddies, and the various class councils that participate in many service activities throughout the school year. If you are not a member of these organizations, reach out to your teachers and see if there are any upcoming events around school you could help out with. There are many service opportunities available in the area, throughout the holiday season and beyond. With so many possibilities out there, there is certain to be a service opportunity fit for any Wildcat this holiday season.