MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – As the holiday season begins, the Urban League of Greater Madison is helping people connect with seasonal job opportunities, to lighten the load of holiday spending.

Employment specialist Tina Martinez said she has been busy the last few months.

“There’s a lot of case management, trying to find people the right kind of job and working with them and their schedule,” said Martinez.

She said that this time of year is common for the Urban League to see an increase in employment services, because holiday spending is now underway.

“With the holidays being around, there is more of a push for that, people are trying to get into gear and find some good options that work for them, whether they are full time or part time,” Martinez said.

According to a recent report from The Lending Tree, the typical American is expected to spend $19 more on Thanksgiving this year, compared to 2023. The average spending for food, drinks and décor is anticipated to be $431 this year.

Urban League of Greater Madison CEO Dr. Ruben Anthony said the increased holiday spending is pushing people to search for multiple forms of income. He said seasonal jobs are one way that people are supporting their holiday spending.

“The part time jobs come in handy, especially during the holidays,” said Dr. Anthony. “Thanksgiving is an expensive holiday. You have to buy things. And Christmas is coming up, and Christmas is one of the most expensive holidays.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 1 in 20 employed Americans work multiple jobs.

“So even if people have a job, they are looking for a seasonal job or part time job, or they are looking to start a business. Something that can bring more money into their household, so this is probably one of the busier times of the year for people looking to bring in that extra income into their household,” said Dr. Anthony.

Martinez said she thinks that the holidays are responsible for the increased job hunting in the fall.

“I think that’s one of the main forces that brings a lot out of a person to really want more for themselves just to be able to provide for themselves and have an outlet to do that,” said Martinez.

She said that this year Kwik Trip and USPS have been popular seasonal occupations for her clients.

The Urban League of Greater Madison has two employment centers. One is located off of Park Street and the other can be found on McKenna Blvd.

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