Holiday Volunteering: How to Give Back in Your Community

Robust communities are built on individuals sharing their time and resources for a larger purpose. The holiday season is a perfect time to assist organizations as they are busier and have a greater need for volunteers. If you are looking for a way to spend your time giving back, let these ideas guide you to find a holiday volunteer opportunity in your community.

Provide Food Support During the Holiday Season

One of the greatest needs during the holiday season is the need for food. Food pantries and community kitchens work very hard to provide holiday dinners throughout the month. Volunteers are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to sort donated food and pack holiday family meal kits to be distributed. Volunteers are also needed to prepare, serve, and/or clean up at a community kitchen. Look for local mission centers and shelters in your area. If you have a vehicle, consider delivering hot meals to elderly or homebound individuals who cannot come out to a community meal.

Help Families Through Holiday Gift Programs

The other largest need during the holidays is helping to provide gifts and essentials. Many organizations focus on helping children and families experiencing financial hardship have the opportunity to provide gifts and basic necessities during the holidays. Some non-profits in our community offer programs like “Adopt-a-Family” or a Holiday Christmas Store. They need help organizing donations or assisting clients shopping for gifts, toys, food, and winter clothing.

Start a Community Collection Drive for a Cause

The most flexible opportunity is to organize a collection drive in the community for an organization. Some ideas included a collection for coats & gloves, food, gifts for children, or blankets. Assist a local shelter by gathering and packing care packages filled with hygiene items, lip balm, hats, and gloves for those experiencing homelessness.

How to Find Local Holiday Volunteer Opportunities

Finding an organization that needs volunteers during the holidays can be done with a quick online search. Look for ‘holiday volunteering near me.’ Check with your neighbors or co-workers if they know of local non-profits that might need an extra hand during the holidays. Your local Department of Social Services or Department of Health and Human Services may also be another resource.

Act Quickly: Holiday Volunteer Spots Fill Fast

Many organizations see a large number of requests to volunteer on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. These shifts are filled sometimes months in advance of the day. Sign up for an organization’s orientation or shift as soon as possible, even weeks in advance. Be sure to follow through with your shift as those leading the volunteers will depend on you being there to ensure everything runs smoothly. Be flexible in helping where there is the greatest need in the program.

Volunteer After the Holidays to Support Year-Round Needs

If you don’t find a shift that matches your availability or interests during the holidays, consider volunteering in January after the holiday rush has faded. Share your skills and explain how you could support their mission. These organizations would be grateful to have your help to sustain their work year-round.

by Tracy Hemsath, Volunteer Leadership and Development Agent, 2025