With the end of December holidays and the start of the New Year, most 2017 resolutions are self-centered and particularly focused on diet and exercise for weight loss. It is an unpleasant context to realize that while some people try work off the result of over-eating, so many others do not have enough to eat. Or while closets are now too full with new clothing, some have little to wear against the rigid Milwaukee winter. Instead of ending the year with volunteerism, perhaps a resolution could be beginning the year by helping others. Volunteer Milwaukee, a service of the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee, features a calendar full of events for volunteers, both one-time and ongoing.

Here are a few of the opportunities in January to get the year started:

Toy Inventory

Help with inventory on donated toys at The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County Distribution Center, Jan. 9-12 from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Contact: Nancy Zompolas at nancy_zompolas@usc.salvationarmy.org or (414) 302-4300

“I Have A Dream” Blood Drive

Donate blood and save lives for BloodCenter of Wisconsin Friday, Jan. 13 at MLK Heritage Health Center or Saturday, Jan. 14 at Milwaukee College Preparatory School located within Northside YMCA, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Contact: Todd Coleman at Todd.Coleman@bcw.edu or (414) 937-6249

MLK Days of Service in Washington Park Neighborhood

Help with construction of homes at build sites for Milwaukee Habitat For Humanity. There are a variety of tasks to be completed. No experience needed. Instructions and guidance given on site. Jan. 14 and 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Contact: Catherine Brown at cbrown@milwaukeehabitat.org or (414) 316-5620

Sort and Shelve MLK Week

Sort donated food, clothing and hygiene supplies for Capuchin Community Services: House of Peace Jan. 17-20 and throughout the year. 9 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Contact: Brigid Rush at brush@thecapuchins.org or (414) 933-1300 ext. 1123

Food Sorting for the Hungry MLK Week

Help box products and sort fresh produce from local farmers for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin to provide our hungry neighbors with nutritious food. Jan. 17-20 and throughout the year. 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 4 p.m.

Contact: David Berka at dberka@feedinamericawi.org or (414) 831-6326

Prepare Supplies for Great American Cleanup MLK Week

Count, package and mark trash bags, posters, fliers for annual neighborhood spring cleanup for Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful. Jan. 17-20 and through spring. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., two- to five-hour shifts.

Contact: Betsy Bolte at betsy@kgmb.org or (414) 272-5462 ext. 301