Community service: contrary to recent pop culture, it’s more than just a sentence given to celebrities for committing crimes that most normal people would probably be locked up for. It’s something we all intend to do more of but when it comes down to it, our hectic schedules get in the way and we swear “next year will be the year” we get involved.

However, it is officially that time when our bellies are full of mom’s stuffing and we leave our Christmas lights up until our neighbors leave threatening notes on our porches… But remember! There IS more to the season than the latest hot gadget on everyone’s gift list; don’t forget about embracing the true holiday spirit by giving back to your community! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of making someone’s day brighter and there are so many ways that you can contribute here in the Valley this season.

The Salvation Army here in Phoenix offers several opportunities to contribute. Opportunities range from donating toys to the Adopt an Angel Program to simply checking in to a JCPenney’s Foursquare on Black Friday. So if you’re one of those ambitious 4 a.m. shoppers who isn’t scared of a little crowd, make good use of your time waiting in the mile long lines by checking in on Foursquare because JCPenney will donate $25 for each check-in on the day. Doesn’t get much easier than that!

If you’re looking to provide more help, consider working at one of the Christmas Angel Booths across the Valley. Responsibilities for working at these booths include taking in toy donations, helping sign-out Christmas Angel Tags and answering questions from those making donations. For more information on locations and who to contact to get involved visit http://phoenixsa.volunteerfirst.org/public/default.asp.

You can also join forces and encourage those around you to get involved by creating a group online for Angel adoption on behalf of your company, family, or church. To do this simply visit http://angel.jcpenney.com/angeltree/ and create a group to select your angel(s) and figure out what gifts to provide. Want to fly solo and adopt an angel on your own by joining an existing group? No problem, there is an option for that as well.

If you find yourself in a mess of holiday shopping, baking the perfect holiday meal, entertaining the in-laws and juggling everyday tasks, remember this quote to silence the excuses: “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” –Elizabeth Andrew

Have you heard of any other fun ways to give back? What other Foursquare check-ins have you seen? Share with us below!