Volunteer opportunities during the holidays in Toronto

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Volunteer opportunities in Toronto over the holidays offer a way to give back to the less fortunate at a time of rampant consumption and commercialism. Whether you're looking to spread some holiday cheer with a short-term stint at an organization or something a little more permanent, these places are worth your attention.

Here's a round-up volunteer opportunities during the holidays in Toronto.

Yonge Street Mission
The Yonge Street Mission has a ton of holiday volunteering options available. You can apply to help with the toy market, holiday decorating, baking cookies and more - note that the spots for these positions fill up early so you may be wait-listed. If you're feeling particularly festive, you can take on the role of Santa Claus (provided you have your own suit) or join the choir.

Second Harvest
Second Harvest's goal is to feed the hungry, supplying meals to those in need with food donated by local retailers, manufacturers and restaurants. The organization has both long and short-term positions to fill. If you want to help out over the holidays, they're currently looking for volunteers to help out with their turkey drive.

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is on the hunt for volunteers in the GTA to lend a helping hand this December. There are still plenty of spots to fill for the organization's annual Gingerbread Build, where you can sign on to help with the set-up or as an assistant. If you don't have the time this month to commit to a few days of work, Habit for Humanity is sure to have more volunteer opportunities come 2016.

Daily Bread Food Bank
The Daily Bread Food Bank supplies food and support to nearly 200 programs in the city. With many food drives happening around Toronto in December, you can expect that they'll need all the help they can get sorting through donations. Online registration to become part of the holiday drive volunteer team begins on December 15.

Circle of Care
Circle of Care has over 350 volunteers that help keep the organization afloat. You can sign on to join the team temporarily for the holidays, or commit to a more permanent position. One of the easiest ways to help is by taking part in their Kosher Meals on Wheels initiative - you can apply to be a driver or organize the deliveries.

LONG-TERM VOLUNTEERING OPTIONS