Each week, Dedham Patch highlights editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more in our feature called Patch Picks.

To help, a number of local non-profit groups do all they can to help those in need all year round. The winter, though, can be increasingly difficult as temperatures decrease. But there are things residents can do to lend hand. 

• Bring food into the Dedham Food Pantry or volunteer to dole out birds at the Turkey Give Away from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20, at First Church. Contact Nancy Samya if you're interested.


• Have fun and enjoy two Toys for Tots events. The first will be from 8:30 to 11 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, at Kings Dedham with plenty of bowling Skee Ball and karaoke. The second is from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Paradise Café in Dedham Square. Bring an unwrapped toy, gift card or donation to either event and spend time ringing in the holiday season with friends.


• Follow the lead of Pirate Lemonade, and donate to the PinkRose Foundation, which helps fund scholarships for high school seniors who have had a parent battle breast cancer.


• Deliver hot meals to the elderly this winter. HESSCO Elder Services is in great need of Meals on Wheels drivers. 

Where will you volunteer this winter? Tell us in the comments.