The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for local nonprofits and many rely on volunteers to help meet rising demand for meals, winter gear, gifts and support services. Organizations across the Blue Water Area say sign-ups often increase in November and December as residents look for ways to give back.

Karynn Carrell, director of the McLaren Port Huron Foundation, said the impact of giving reaches further than many people realize.

“I think everybody's neighbor is going through something that they probably aren't always sharing,” Carrell said. “That service is affecting more people than you probably will ever know.”

Here are ways to help across St. Clair and Sanilac counties — from serving meals to writing letters, reading to seniors or aiding local environmental groups.

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