Tired of the ‘me, me, me’ at Christmas? Here are 12 ways to help others, Kansas City

This is the time of year for looking back to see if the balance of our actions tilted more toward the good or the bad. If you’ve been virtuous and want to continue along that path, we’ve got some ideas for you. Or if you’re feeling like a Scrooge and want to redeem yourself then read on, friend.

We’ve compiled a list of opportunities where you can be of service — whether it’s helping kids to read or spending an hour or two a week with a lonely senior. If you’re public service minded, we have ideas for how you can assist during events such as elections. If your heart is drawn to the more furry among us, we’ve got you covered there, too.

And if you’re all about self-improvement, give some thought to this old quote often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Boost literacy

Lead to Read is one of several local organizations dedicated to helping young people learn more and read better. The organization says it needs about 150 more volunteers who can help students.

“The need is real,” said Pauly Hart of Lead to Read. “The majority of third graders in Kansas City are not reading on grade level, and the pandemic exacerbated the problem.”

Volunteers are paired with a first, second or third grade student for a year. They spend an hour a week with the student at a local school — no weekends or evenings required. Person-to-person mentoring is the goal. Visit leadtoreadkc.org for more information.

The ability to read, and understand what you’ve read, is beyond essential. Helping a young person acquire the skill can have an impact across a lifetime.

Strengthen democracy

Election boards throughout the region have a critical, ongoing need for workers at the polls on Election Day.

Strictly speaking, this isn’t volunteering: Poll workers typically receive a small stipend. But it can be satisfying, important work. And, of course, it’s essential for our democracy to work.

Election officials especially need younger workers who are fluent in the latest technology. There are elections in 2023. Contact your local election board for more.

Keep broadcasting local

KCPT is Kansas City’s public television station, providing hours of essential programming each week: Frontline, NOVA, that show about antiques, plus valuable documentaries and local programs, too.

It’s a critical resource. Volunteers help communicate with donors, or can serve as ambassadors for the station at public events.

KCPT’s building is undergoing major renovations, so volunteer opportunities might be restricted right now. Eventually, the station can use your help connecting with the community, so visit kansascitypbs.org or give them a call at 816-756-3580.

Help feed seniors

One in 12 Kansas City area seniors, many of them homebound, don’t have enough food for a healthy lifestyle, according to KC Shepherd’s Center, a social service organization. The center, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, runs a Meals on Wheels program for more than 1,000 seniors each week. You can also be a senior companion for a few hours a week. For details, go to KC Shepherd’s Center website at kcshepherdscenter.org.

Show animals love

There are so many ways to show that love by fostering or volunteering at local agencies and nonprofits, such as the Pet Resource Center of Kansas City at prckc.org. Take a shift at the Pet Food Pantry or help clients arriving for vaccinations or other appointments. “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals,” said philosopher Immanuel Kant.

Find your volunteering match

In 2013, Brent Lager and Brent Lobdell went looking for ways to give back to Kansas City. Two months and many unreturned phone calls and emails later, they decided to create a better way to match volunteers with opportunities.

And so Undercover KC was born. Their mission has led to more than 20,000 volunteers and 50,000 service hours that have helped save area nonprofits more than $1.3 million.

Uncover KC is still growing and you can become a part of it by checking out its website at uncoverkc.org.

Be someone to look up to

Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City provides a variety of opportunities. The most popular is serving as a big brother or sister to one of many youths who need a mentor, a friend and someone to look up to.

Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and need to spend a few hours a month with a local child. Right now, BBBS has about 250 kids who need an adult friend in their lives. Donations, money and clothing are also accepted. Visit bbbskc.org for details.

Give new moms a hand

Mother’s Refuge supports expecting young mothers and mothers with newborns, helping them navigate motherhood, learn parenting skills and continuing their education. The nonprofit offers many opportunities for volunteers at mothersrefuge.org, including mentoring, tutoring and babysitting. Opportunities for groups are available, too.

Shape young men’s future

The Kansas City Public Schools mentoring program may be for you. Want to help develop a teen’s leadership skills? Try volunteering or donating to the Urban Ranger Corps of Kansas City. The program gives young men from the inner city summer jobs, while providing them with training that improves their skills and personal character. Learn more at urckc.org

Honor veterans and first responders

Our veterans and first responders need your help, too. Caregivers on the Homefront accepts year-round donations and seeks volunteers at caregivers-homefront.org to help with its National Family Caregiver Month and Veterans’ Day celebrations, and its Operation Honor KC event held at Arrowhead Stadium.

Support Black-owned businesses

Many Black-owned businesses in Kansas City operate in low income neighborhoods, which suffer from a lack of economic investment. With as little as a $10 pledge per month to the nonprofit Kansas City G.I.F.T., you can help entrepreneurs in economically-disadvantaged areas gain their footing as small business owners. Discover more at kansascitygift.org.

Feed the hungry

Communities Creating Opportunity, formerly known as the Church Community Organization, has been following its moral imperative to bring justice, equality and power to everyone throughout Kansas City. Sign up to receive updates at cco.org and consider lending a hand to load groceries into vehicles at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church’s next food bank. It takes place Jan. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at 2310 E. Linwood Blvd.