Travel rewards for volunteers

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

What's the true meaning of the gift giving season? It's not all about toys, gadgets and fuzzy slippers, but making a difference in the lives of others.

You're invited to share of yourself this season and in turn you'll be rewarded not only for your contribution, but in another wonderful way!

Two programs offer volunteers special rewards during 2010.

For instance, Walt Disney World will reward one million volunteers with a free one-day Disney theme park pass when working throughout 2010 with the HandsOn Network.

Starting January 1, 2010, guests can search for volunteer opportunities made available through HandsOn Network and sign up for a day of volunteer service. The nation’s largest volunteer network has 250 on-the-ground volunteer action centers across the country and connects volunteers to more than 70,000 nonprofit agencies that need help. Many of the opportunities will be projects that entire families can participate in together (minimum age to volunteer is 6; maximum of 8 family members).

Volunteers must pre-register and sign up for eligible volunteer opportunity on the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" at: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_CA/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day

After completing a day of service, volunteers will be mailed a voucher to be redeemed at a Disney park.

Another volunteer promotion awards a free night hotel stay or a half-price hotel stay at one of the 53 participating Sage Hospitality hotels located across the U.S.

To qualify, guests must complete eight hours of volunteer service with a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit group by March 29. The free or discounted stays must be completed by March 31 (the free-night offer has limited availability).

Learn more about this "Give a Day, Get a Night" Sage Hospitality program: http://www.sagehospitality.com/specials/giveadaygetanight.htm