In the midst of the holiday season this year, opportunities to lend a hand and give back are everywhere in the Florence community. Whether it’s monetary or just a few hours of your time, this town has many ways students can dive their willing hands into volunteering.

Major Patty Price, a pastor for the Salvation Army, said they always need help with bell ringing. She encourages people to find friends and form a small group, and ring bells in two-hour shifts to help raise money.

“Our angel tree at Wal-Mart and the mall is one of the biggest things we do every year,” Price said.

Even though all gifts for the angels had to be turned in this past Monday, the Salvation Army still needs volunteers to assist with the distribution.

“Families come in and pick up their gifts Dec. 15-17, so we could use help with that,” she said. “The parents are always so appreciative when they receive gifts to give to their children on Christmas.”

Price said it’s their mission to make sure everyone in the Shoals area has something to open Christmas morning.

“Maybe you can’t give much. Maybe as a college student you’re strapped for cash. That’s alright. We could always use extra hands,” said Price. “[Florence] is a very caring community, and it’s important to care for others less fortunate.”

Among those who need help, several nursing homes in the area need assistance all year round, but especially around the holidays.

Mitchell Hollingsworth Annex, located on Flagg Circle in Florence, is in great need for extra hands this Christmas season.

“We always need volunteers. No matter what time of day or day of the week it is, we always need volunteers in our facility,” said Jerolyn Herron, director of resident services.

Their Christmas tree lighting is Monday, and Herron said extra bodies to help with that is always needed. But their big event is their annual shopping spree. This year, 196 long-term residents of the nursing home will get to participate in it.

“Each resident will get to look through hundreds of donated gifts, and will get to choose three presents to give to family members,” Herron said.

The shopping spree, which will take place Friday, Dec. 10, needs close to 600 gifts for the residents to choose from. Herron said they still need items to be donated, and it’s also a good volunteering opportunity for whoever wants to help out on that day.

“The elderly dearly love young people of all ages. They find them so encouraging,” said Herron. “You definitely see smiles on their faces and they actually want to get up and go around.”

She went on to stress the difference many volunteers make in the lives of the residents.

“Many become enthusiastic and ask, ‘when are they going to visit me again?’” she said. “Some wait for phone calls from volunteers, and they anticipate it all day.”

Although the holidays bring out the best in a lot of people, and many donate money and time, Herron said they encourage people to volunteer all year long.

“Volunteers can do anything from helping with craft time, to taking a resident to church services on Sundays, to just visiting them in their rooms,” she said. “Every hour you donate of your time goes a long way.”

To volunteer with the Salvation Army in Florence, contact Jana Lawson at 764-4432. People who want to volunteer at Mitchell Hollingsworth Annex can contact Jerolyn Herron at 740-5461 or Debra Williamson at 740-5462.