Give Back
Perhaps more than any other time of year, during the holidays we turn our attention to others less fortunate and look for ways to give back. In the listings on this page, you’ll find ways to help in your community, whether it be a donation of money or time. There are also links that you can bookmark, should you feel like volunteering year round.
Salvation Army Bell Ringing
Ring bells at Red Kettle locations through November & December.
- Who it Benefits
- The Salvation Army helps community members meet basic human needs of food shelter, clothing and spiritual guidance.
- Where
- Throughout Central Wisconsin
- How to Help
- Volunteers are needed.
- Contact
- Sign up online For more information on volunteering opportunities contact Colleen Hilber at (715)845-4272 ext. 106 or email [email protected]
Salvation Army Angel Tree
The Angel Tree is set up for children from low income families to receive Christmas gifts that they otherwise would not receive.
- Who it Benefits
- The Angel Tree, located in the Wausau Center Mall, holds tags with the child’s age and the gift(s) they have requested. Sponsors of this program choose a tag off the tree and purchase the gift(s) for the child. Because the gifts are then given to the parents, this is a completely anonymous program.
- Where
- Wausau Center Mall
- How to Help
- Fulfill a wish list from the Angel Tree.
- Contact
- Salvation Army Angel Tree
For more information on volunteering opportunities contact Colleen Hilber at (715)845-4272 ext. 106 or email [email protected]
Salvation Army Toy Shop
Come help Sort donated toys and set up the shop in preparation for families in need to come and choose toys for their children.
- Who it Benefits
- The $20.00 donation will give a homeless person one night’s stay, a shower, laundry services, educational training, three meals, and more.
- Where
- Wausau Center Mall
- How to Help
- The Shelter Booth consists of small tags which a sponsor takes. The sponsor can choose as many nights as they would like, at $20.00 a night, to ensure that a homeless person has a place to stay and food to eat. The sponsor can also have the donation put in someone elses name.
- Contact
- Toy Shop Assistance
For more information on volunteering opportunities contact Colleen Hilber at (715)845-4272 ext. 106 or email [email protected]
Bundles of Joy Gift Wrapping
Wrap gifts at Wausau Center Mall from December 1st - 24th during mall business hours.
- Who it Benefits
- Bundles of Joy, a United Way project, distributes diapers and formula through area organizations serving struggling families in Marathon County. The public face of the project is the gift wrap center in the Wausau Center Mall whose donations fund the project.
- Where
- Wausau Center Mall
- How to Help
- Volunteers are needed.
- Contact
- Sign up online
6th Annual Gift of Hope Holiday Care Drive
Delivered care packages on December 1st to area seniors in need, many of whom are homebound, containing food and personal care items to brighten their holidays.
- Who it Benefits:
- Seniors and Homebound individuals
- Where
- Immanuel Lutheran Church, 630 Adams Street, Wausau
- How to Help:
- Volunteer to assemble packages or deliver to area residents.
- Contact
- Call Faith in Action at (715)848-8783 or email Colleen Motley at [email protected]
Adopt a Resident of North Central Health Care
Please consider adopting one or more residents, clients or patients. Together with your help we can spread a little holiday cheer.
- Who it Benefits:
- Those served by North Central Health Care who would not be receiving a gift for the holidays.
- Where:
- North Central Health Care, Wausau
- How to Help:
- Donate Gift Items
- Contact:
- Please contact Laural or Kathy at (715)848-4450 or [email protected]
Homme Home Holiday Helpers
Happy Holiday Helpers needed to wrap Christmas presents and decorate halls!
- Who it Benefits
- Residents of Homme Home for the Aging.
- Where
- Homme Home, 604 S Webb St, Wittenberg
- How to Help
- Choose a time that works best for you to come in either to wrap Christmas presents or to decorate!
- Contact
- Contact the Activity Director at (715)253-2125 ext. 142
South Wood County Humane Society Holiday Helpers
Our pets enjoy receiving extra attention from loving volunteers especially on the holidays!
- Who it Benefits
- Dogs, Cats and Small Animals in need of a home.
- Where
- South Wood County Humane Society, 3621 64th St N, Wisconsin Rapids
- How to Help
- Volunteers must be 16 years old. Oportunities include cleaning cat kennels, walking dogs, dishes, laundry and light housekeeping.
- Contact
- Volunteers must be 16 years old AND complete a Volunteer Application prior to beginning service.