DeKalb offers many opportunities for students and residents alike to give back to the community.

The holiday spirit can be shared at the following locations:

Barnes & Noble

Description: From Thanksgiving to Christmas, the DeKalb Barnes & Noble is hosting a holiday gift-wrapping event. Groups or organizations can sign up and volunteer to gift wrap at Barnes & Noble for tips. All tips earned will go to the service organization or toward donating books to underprivileged children. To sign up or for more information contact Mary McGinn, community relations coordinator for Barnes & Noble.

Where: 2439 Sycamore Road

Contact: 815-787-3234

Big Brothers and Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nationwide charity designed to provide guidance for kids from volunteers. The big brother or sister spends time with their little brother or sister doing whatever they want, whenever they want. To get started on the volunteering process or to volunteer a child, applicants can visit the Family Service Agency Building in DeKalb. Applicants are interviewed and given background checks in order to match them up with a little brother or sister.

Where: 14 Health Services Drive

Contact: 815-758-8616

Hope Haven

Description: Hope Haven, DeKalb’s homeless shelter, is looking for all the basics including paper products, cleaning supplies and nonperishable food. The shelter is also beginning its holiday “Adopt a Family” program. Individual students or organizations may adopt a family to bring presents to during the holidays. If students are interested in adopting a family they should contact Hope Haven and ask for Amanda. Donations may be brought directly to the shelter.

Where: 1145 Rushmoore Drive

Contact: 815-758-5765

Kishwaukee United Way

Description: The Kishwaukee United Way is a local organization that offers support for 31 partner groups while also being a resource for volunteer opportunities in the area. It is also a source for people in need of making a connection with a service provider and encourages donations. Volunteer allocation panels distribute money raised after assessing program and service needs in DeKalb County with 98 cents of every dollar going into community programs.

Where: 115 North First Street

Contact: (815)756-7522

Safe Passage

Description: Safe Passage’s mission is to help victims of domestic and sexual violence while trying to decrease the number of cases. This holiday season, Safe Passage is taking donations such as hair care products for different ethnicities, cleaning supplies, children’s winter coats, toys, gift cards, and other miscellaneous gift items for both adults and children. Contact the shelter for donation drop off sites.

Contact: (815)-756-5228

Salvation Army

Due to recent toy recalls, Salvation Army thrift stores across the nation have stopped selling donated toys. However, toys can still be donated through the Salvation Army Church. Those interested in donating can stop at Wal-Mart and pick a child’s wish list off the Christmas tree or buy any new toy and drop it off in the Salvation Army box located in Wal-Mart. Toys for teens and infants are the most needed. The Salvation Army Church also needs more volunteers from Dec. 10 through Dec. 20 to check for recalled toys and to give gifts to families. For more information contact the Salvation Army Church.

Where: 830 Grove St.

Contact: 815-756-4308

Tails Humane Society

Tails of Hope Charity is wishing for a list of various items for the animals in their care.

Their Wish list: Postage stamps (first class and postcard), cat litter (unscented, non-scoopable), paper towels, towels and blankets, dog/cat carriers (new or used), humane traps (all sizes, new or used), cat beds (new or used), dog/cat toys (washable), rawhides, dog/cat treats, and Kuranda dog beds.

Another way to donate is to visit www.christmasforest.com and buy a Christmas wreath of choice. Enter TAILS in the club code field at check out and the humane society will earn a portion of each sale.

Where: 2250 Barber Greene Road

Contact: 815-758-2457