As we wrap up 2016 and look forward to the New Year, what better way to share the holiday spirit than sharing your time, skills and good fortune with local nonprofits? The following are a handful of worthwhile Marin nonprofits that would greatly appreciate your help this season and in 2017.

  • CVNL: CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR KIDS
    Volunteer with Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) and Salvation Army to help pack Christmas toy packages that will be distributed to families in need. This project will take place on December 12, 13 and 15, at 351 Mission Avenue, San Rafael from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and volunteers are welcome to drop in for any shift. This project is great for families, and volunteers as young as 10 years old (with an adult) are welcome. To sign up, go to the CVNL website.

  • SF-MARIN FOOD BANK
    In addition to donating food at the Marin warehouse, or at your local Safeway or Whole Foods, SF-Marin Food Bank greatly appreciates cash donations. Every $1 donated provides 3 meals. You can also volunteer at the Marin warehouse at 75 Digital Drive, Novato for 2 or 3-hour shifts. Projects typically involve sorting fresh produce, packaging bulk foods, assembling grocery boxes for seniors, and sorting donations from food drives. Children welcome, too! To donate or volunteer, visit sfmarinfoodbank.org

  • LEGAL AID OF MARIN
    Your community needs your legal skills! Volunteer at monthly Marin Community Court, serve on LAM’s Pro Bono panel, or donate to help fund LAM’s important work. $50 helps a low-income tenant negotiate return of a security deposit, $150 can protect a senior citizen’s rights to make her own financial decisions, $500 empowers families to break the cycle of violence with Legal Aid of Marin representation. Get involved today at legalaidmarin.org.

  • CANAL ALLIANCE
    Help local immigrant families develop the skills needed to thrive in our community by volunteering (Spanish language skills are a plus). Your donations are also greatly appreciated and go a long way towards funding programs providing tutoring, academic support, immigration legal services, and adult education. Learn more at canalalliance.org

  • TRIPS FOR KIDS MARIN
    Whether leading a trail ride, tuning up donated bikes, or teaching kids basic bike mechanics, Trips for Kids would love your help! $100 can buy 5 helmets, $500 funds one Earn-a Bike participant for one semester, and $1,000 will fund one week of trail rides. Is junior getting a new bike this Christmas? Maybe the bike and helmet he’s outgrown can be donated. TFK accepts children, teen and adult bikes in good condition (missing parts are okay), and any clean, rust-free bike-related items: clothing, helmets, lights, bike racks, tires, tubes, wheels, rims, etc. Find out how you can help here.