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[Holiday Survival Guide]

Got everything you need? Consider giving your time to a charity

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People stroll through Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012.
Photo: Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun
Molly O'Donnell

Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth With a dedicated staff almost all under age 40, NPHY provides food, shelter, hygiene and laundry facilities, along with life-skills classes for homeless teens. NPHY identifies kids in need and helps get them the services and education to become self-sustaining adults. Get involved by teaching classes and canvassing or making sandwiches and stuffing bags with everything from food and water to soap and shampoo. nevadahomelessyouth.org, 383-1332.

All Fur Love Animal Society Coming to the rescue for hundreds of pets every year, All Fur Love rehabilitates abandoned pets and finds them homes. All Fur sets up shop every weekend at pet-supply stores around the Valley and gives people the chance to fall in love with cats and dogs up for adoption. In addition to donations and foster parents, the organization needs hosts to explain what a good deal getting a pet that’s already vaccinated, “fixed” and micro-chipped can be. allfurloveanimalsociety.org, 362-5617.

Catholic Charities Meals-on-Wheels and other long-running programs in aid of seniors are familiar Catholic Charities initiatives, but the organization offers lots of ways to reach out to older community members. Make holiday cards and care packages for homebound seniors or become a senior companion. Volunteer in the Catholic Charities kitchen or dining room over the holidays, or sign up to dish out and clean up all winter long. catholiccharities.com/donate/volunteerbooklet.pdf, 382-0721.

Opportunity Village It’s time to play elf. Opportunity Village needs elves to help out at their annual Magical Forest fundraiser benefitting those with intellectual disabilities. Volunteers assist with rides, mini-golf, food and, of course, visits with Santa. Sounds like a pretty good reason to put on a funny hat. opportunityvillage.org, 259-3700.

White Horse Youth Ranch White Horse’s Helping Ranch Hands program trains underprivileged youth in the unique skills of horsemanship. Volunteers get the chance to give back and get outside in our great winter weather by participating in team-building activities and helping to run outreach and training events. whyranch.org, 644-9177.

Check out the United Way (volunteercentersn.org) to find out about more ways to volunteer this winter.

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