Holiday Giving: Volunteer and Gift Ideas for Seniors To Spread Joy
The holidays can be a challenging or lonely time for some but participating in senior volunteer programs helps older adults find joy, purpose and connection during the season of giving by giving back to the community.
Volunteering is a meaningful way to stay active and engaged while adding a sense of accomplishment to each day. Plus, giving back is a gift in itself, offering many benefits. It can lift your mood, enhance your well-being and ease feelings of loneliness. For older adults, volunteering also strengthens social connections and fosters meaningful relationships.
Throughout Red Raider Nation, there are countless ways for seniors to volunteer in Lubbock and spread cheer. Ring bells for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign or adopt a family through Catholic Charities of Lubbock. Lend a hand at the Lubbock Animal Services Adoption Center or welcome visitors and patients at University Medical Center.
Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Lubbock
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program through Texas Tech University’s Garrison Institute on Aging, allows seniors to make a meaningful impact across Lubbock through volunteer roles that align with their skills, interests and passions. This is especially helpful when many organizations need extra support during the holiday season.
If you love connecting with people and brightening someone’s day, consider volunteering with Lubbock Meals on Wheels, where you can deliver meals and share a friendly conversation with homebound residents. Animal lovers can lend a hand at South Plains Wildlife Rehab, helping to care for injured wildlife, while those passionate about food security can prepare and distribute meals at South Plains Food Bank, ensuring local families have a hearty holiday meal.
For those who enjoy sewing, Hospice of Lubbock offers the chance to create memory bears and lap quilts, comforting patients and their families. You can also support literacy and holiday events by volunteering with Friends of the Lubbock Library. And for seniors who want to give back to those who’ve served our country, the Lubbock VA Clinic offers meaningful ways to make a difference. Other opportunities to share your talents include volunteering with Lubbock Independent School District by helping at holiday events, reading to children or participating in toy drives.
Gifts With Purpose: Holiday Ideas That Give Back
Show your love for Lubbock this holiday season with gifts that give back to the community. These gifts won’t just brighten someone’s holiday, they’ll provide lasting value by supporting programs, businesses and organizations that enrich the Lubbock community.
- Gift Lubbock’s history and culture. Treat history and art enthusiasts to a membership at the American Windmill Museum, the largest of its kind, for an educational journey through wind energy innovation. Support the Buddy Holly Center with a membership gift that brings performances and arts education to life. For those interested in farming history, a membership to the FiberMax Center for Discovery helps preserve Lubbock’s agricultural heritage.
- Support local businesses. Gift certificates from local spots like J&B Coffee Co., Orlando’s Italian Restaurant, Llano Estacado Winery, Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe and Kingdom Preparatory Academy Thrift Store are an easy way to support small businesses. These gifts let friends and family enjoy a great meal, treat or shopping experience while contributing to Lubbock’s local economy.
- Share Red Raider Pride. Give back to Texas Tech by sharing your legacy and traditions with future generations. Join the Legacy Club to pass on your Red Raider pride to children and grandchildren, nurturing a love for Texas Tech that can last a lifetime. Additionally, you can volunteer to support and promote the university, creating lasting memories and contributing to Texas Tech’s vibrant community.
Discover how Carillon supports a retirement lifestyle filled with purpose, joy and meaningful connection—not just during the season of giving but all year round. Contact us to learn more about the fulfilling opportunities that await.
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