Locals are getting into the spirit of giving back as nonprofit organizations prepare for the holidays.
Charities are seeing an increase of people in need before the holidays this year as well as an increase in volunteers and donations. But they’re still urging for more help.
At St. Francis House’s soup kitchen and shelter, the number of homeless people who visit doubles during the holidays to about 400 a day, said Stephanie Breval, the volunteer coordinator.
The number of volunteers increases, too, said Lee Smith, director of operations.
“People get in that spirit of giving,” Smith said. “They want to be a part of it.”
He said the increase in foot traffic around Thanksgiving isn’t so much about the free food but about having people to share a meal with on those days.
Catholic Charities of Gainesville is also encouraging people to get in the spirit of giving.
The group has organized a number of different food drives in town in time for the holidays, including one at UF in Tigert Hall and one at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo.
John Barli, Catholic Charities regional director, said there is a 60 percent increase in donations during the holiday season.
The organization has seen a slight increase in food donations from years past. The number of people in need rose, too — by about 40 percent, he said.
Holiday food donations can be dropped off at Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, 325 NW 10th Ave., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Money and food donations can be dropped off at Catholic Charities, 1701 NE Ninth St., from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. St. Francis House is accepting food and clothes from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
Daniela Mejia, a volunteer at Bread of the Mighty, said charity is something she enjoys.
“I like to organize, and I like to give back,” the 19-year-old UF biochemistry freshman said. “The holidays are … a time to give back because some people don’t get to experience them like you do.”
A version of this story ran on page 8 on 11/25/2013 under the headline "As holidays approach, charities see more need, more volunteers"
