Yes, the Stressmas countdown is on, and while it’s hard to juggle shopping for the office secret Santas, gifts for the kiddies, grandfolks, in-laws and significant others, there should always be time to give back to those truly in need this season. This week, donate to the Road Home shelter’s annual holiday donation drive to help Utah’s homeless, or drop off donations to help Volunteers of America Utah provide resources for homeless youth. This weekend, you can also join a holiday potluck and learn about a coalition helping Utahns who live and suffer in communities adjacent to toxic fossil-fuel refineries.

The Road Home Holiday Media-Thon
Through Dec. 25
The Road Home is Utah’s largest homeless shelter, giving relief from a cold life on the streets to thousands of Utah men, women, children and families every year. And every year during the holiday season, the Road Home depends upon the charity of good-hearted Utahns to help them help those in need with donations of cash and warm clothing. A little help can go a long way; a donation as small as $9 can mean the difference between a night inside the shelter versus a night on the streets. The Road Home, 211 S. Rio Grande St., 801-359-4142, through Dec. 25, TheRoadHome.org

Volunteers of America: Fill the Pack 2013
Ongoing
Every holiday season, the Volunteers of America collect backpacks, as well as donations to fill those backpacks to help homeless youth in Utah. The VOA is looking for donations of hand warmers, dark beanies and gloves, socks, fleece blankets, backpacks, reusable water bottles and more. VOA Homeless Youth Resource Center, 655 S. State, 801-364-0744, ongoing through winter, http://citywk.ly/1bLfD0i

Frontline Holiday Brunch
Sunday, Dec. 22
The Bridge the Gulf Project is a national grassroots network that raises awareness of the high cost paid by communities on the fossil-fuel front lines. Here in Utah, activists will gather to collect donations to help out communities, such as those who live near the pollution-spewing Holly Refinery in Woods Cross, which was recently approved for expansion. 572 N. 1300 West, Dec. 22, 11 a.m., BridgetheGulfProject.org/Node/801