This is the season when more of us look for ways to help other people out. We give food and presents to organizations, hoping to make someone’s Christmas holiday a bit brighter. We donate money to special causes. And often, even though there’s so much to do in our own lives, we volunteer our time.

But it doesn’t matter what the calendar says – volunteers are always in demand.

Much of that important work is done year-round by employees at Greater Des Moines businesses. Whether through their companies or on their own, people with full-time jobs find a chance – perhaps right in the middle of the workday, a block or two away – to give something to others and make the community a little better.

Pictured here are just a few of the many people who put forth that extra effort. We wanted to acknowledge them and thank them on behalf of the community.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, too, find out if your company has connections with organizations needing help. The Principal Volunteer Network, for example, has been actively serving the communities of Principal Financial Group Inc. employees since 1972. Each employee gets 8 hours of volunteer time off per year.

Or go straight to United Way of Central Iowa’s website, www.unitedwaydm.org, and click on the “volunteer” tab. You’ll find all kinds of opportunities. Make the most of them.