DU PAGE COUNTY – Struggling to find the perfect gift this holiday season? How about giving time in the name of a loved one this year?

With unemployment at its highest rate since the 1980’s, many have more time than money. Consider sharing time and talent to help a local non-profit. Unlike traditional gifts that only benefit a single recipient, the gift of time will have a ripple effect that positively impacts the giver, the agency and those who are served by the agency. Wrap up a list of the hours served (or will serve) for someone on the Christmas list and they will be gratified knowing that good work was or is being done in his/her name. It sure beats receiving an unneeded scarf or yet another candle as a gift.

Consult the Giving DuPage website (www.GivingDupage.org) or the 2009-2010 Annual Giving Guide for ideas about agencies that need help. The Guide features 92 agencies in DuPage County and lists holiday and ongoing opportunities. Keep in mind that most volunteer opportunities on December 25 have already been filled. There are many opportunities on days other than the holiday or consider making your gift of time a commitment to volunteer twice a month throughout 2010. (Volunteering is tied to positive emotional, physical and mental health so a commitment to regular volunteering could be a cost-free replacement for health club membership.) The needs of area agencies exist year-round and generosity does tend to dip when the New Year gets underway.

The 2009-2010 Annual Giving Guide is available online at www.GivingDuPage.org or hard copies are available at the following sites:

• DuPage County, Main Entrance at 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton
• Cantigny Park, Visitor’s Center at 1S 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
• Whole Food Market, 151 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton
• Community Bank of Wheaton and Glen Ellyn
• Oxford Bank locations:
  • 1520 West Lake St., Addison
  • 205 North Addison Rd., Addison
  • 1260 Book Rd,  Naperville
  • Route 59 & 83rd St., Naperville
  • Route 59 & 135th St., Plainfield
  • 6495 South Cass Ave, Westmont
• 28 Public Libraries of the DuPage Library System
• College of DuPage, Philanthropy Center

The Giving DuPage website includes a volunteer match to connect volunteers with local agencies.  The website has more than 240 agencies registered; however, not all of the agencies currently have volunteer opportunities posted.

Giving DuPage is a 501c(3) organization that exists to promote giving and volunteerism in DuPage County.  Please contact Kathy Blair at 630-407-6458 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.