Patch Guide: 12 Ways to Give Back to Your Community

Why not give a little back to your community this holiday season by volunteering or donating to some worthy causes? You'll feel good about your contribution in addition to helping those in need.

Local Fire Departments

Three separate fire districts run through Malverne and West Hempstead. The volunteers who serve in the ,  and  risk their lives to save others. The departments are always accepting new applications for membership and welcome donations. In 2011, the Malverne Fire Department is also celebrating its 100th Anniversary and has already begun selling memorabilia to commemorate the event. All the proceeds will go toward supporting the department. Contact chiefs@malvernefd.com to learn how you can purchase these items.

Malverne Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

The  is another all-volunteer organization that is always accepting donations and looking for volunteers. The group has been raffling off baskets and holding fundraisers to collect money to furnish their new headquarters, adjacent to the 

Public Libraries

Be a friend to your local library The Friends of the  and the Friends of the are  volunteer groups that helps raise money to support the efforts of these local libraries. They are always accepting donations and new members. Ask your local librarian how you can get involved.

Civic Associations

Become a member of your local civic association. Your membership will help support the organizations' work. These are volunteers that devote their time to improving the communities of Malverne and West Hempstead.  Contact the West Hempstead Community Support and Civic Association or the Malverne Civic Association to learn how you can help. One way to support the Malverne Civic is to purchase tickets ($25) to the holiday house tour they will be hosting on Satuday, Dec. 11.

West Hempstead Lions Club

The international Lions Club has a chapter in West Hempstead that active in support the community and is always seeking new members. The group meets Wednesday nights at Pompei restaurant. Contact 516-489-0926 for more information.

National Amputation Foundation

The which provides equipment and services to veterans who have lost limbs. The foundation is headquartered in Malverne and is in need of donations to support its efforts. You can become an Honorary Member of the Foundation. A yearly membership fee is $25. For more information, contact the foundation at 516-887-3600.

Malverne Historical and Preservation Society

The relies on the work of volunteers and the support of generous donors to keep Malverne's history alive and well in its beautiful restoration house. You can support the society by making a donation, volunteering your time or purchasing tickets to any of the events it hosts throughout the year.

American Red Cross (Nassau County Chapter)

The American Red Cross in Nassau County offers emergency assistance, crisis preparedness, health and safety services, training courses and youth services to millions of Long Islanders. Make a donation online or become a volunteer.

Toys for Tots (Nassau County)

Nassau County has joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in collecting toys for needy children for the Toys for Tots program. Drop-off boxes for new, unwrapped toys will be located at 17 Nassau County locations, including the lobby of the West Hempstead Post Office, which will accept donations until Dec. 17. for a list of drop-off locations available throughout Nassau County.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has a variety of programs that put food on tables, helps the mentally and physically disabled, as well as seniors, children and formerly middle-class people who have fallen on hard times. The easiest way to give is to toss your spare change into a red kettle, usually found outside a grocery store. All money raised at red kettle sites stays in the community in which it is given.

Island Harvest

Island Harvest is the largest hunger relief organization on Long Island. Their volunteers and staff collect, good surplus food from over 600 local restaurants, caterers, farms and other food-related businesses and distribute it to a network of close to 500 soup kitchens, food pantries, and other places where those in need can access it. They devote 97 cents of ever dollar donated to their programs. Monetary contributions are accepted, as well as food donations.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island provides volunteer mentors to children in need of an additional positive and caring adult in their lives. Contact the Nassau County office located in Levittown at 731-7880 to volunteer or for more information. Online donations are also accepted. To schedule a pick up for clothing, vehicle or furniture donations, call 631-234-0000.

If you know of an organization that should be included in this list, e-mail Tara.Conry@Patch.com.