Photo credit: StockCake
The holiday season is a time of joy, gratitude, and giving. One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate this season is through volunteering. By dedicating time and effort to help others, we not only uplift those in need but also create lasting connections and build stronger communities.
Volunteering during the holidays allows us to reflect on our own blessings while giving back to others. It’s an opportunity to spread warmth, hope, and kindness—a ripple effect that extends far beyond the immediate moment.
Creating an impact doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by identifying causes that resonate with you or your family. Whether it’s combating hunger, supporting the homeless, or bringing joy to children, there are countless ways to get involved. Here are some ideas to inspire your holiday giving:
Soup Kitchens and Food Banks – Help prepare and distribute meals to those facing food insecurity. Donate food or time to volunteer at your local food bank. Find one near you through Feeding America or these local options: Feeding America or these local ones: Porch, Interfaith Food Shuttle, Food Bank of Eastern and Central NC, and the Holly Springs Food Cupboard.
Senior Centers: Spend time with elderly individuals who may feel lonely during the holidays. Contact local senior centers to see how you can help.
Homeless Shelters: Assist with serving meals, organizing donations, or providing companionship. Look up shelters in your area or use resources like the Homeless Shelter Directory.
Run in a 5K: Many holiday-themed runs, like Jingle Bell Runs, support great causes. Search for events in your area on platforms like Active.com.
Acts of Kindness: Simple gestures like shoveling snow for neighbors, participating in a community clean-up, or bringing baked goods, meals, or gift cards to local fire stations, police stations, and first responders can make a significant impact. You can also surprise your grocery store clerk by asking what their favorite treat is, then add it to your cart and give it to them on your way out. Another way to spread holiday cheer is by showing appreciation for those who do work that often goes unnoticed. Tape a sign, candy bar, or gift card to your garbage can for the sanitation workers or bring treats to your local SPCA or animal rescue to brighten the day for our furry friends. You can also contribute to meaningful causes like Project Linus, which provides blankets for children in need, or Knots of Love, which delivers hand-knit beanies to chemo patients and NICU blankets to babies. If you’re looking to support families in need, consider donating to or cooking a meal for your local Ronald McDonald House.
Shop for Gifts That Give Back: Support businesses that contribute to the community, such as Better Made Easy, where your purchases can create a ripple of positive change.
Toy Donation Drives: Bringing Joy to Children in Need
The holiday season is especially magical for children, and donating toys is a wonderful way to bring smiles to young faces. Many organizations make it easy to contribute, whether through local drives or more specific initiatives. Creating a Toy Drive on Benevolist.org using their new Toy Drive Template makes it easy. Here are some great ways to help:
Toys for Tots (Raleigh Area)
- What They Need: New, unwrapped toys for children.
- Drop off at designated locations or donate online between October 1 – December 15, 2024.
Operation Christmas Child
- What They Need: Pack shoeboxes with small gifts and essentials for children around the world.
- November 18–25, 2024 is National Collection Week. Even though the collection week has passed, you can still volunteer as they process the shoeboxes year-round Samaritan’s Purse Volunteer Opportunities
Durham Rescue Mission
- What They Need: New toys for children aged 12 and under.
- Drop off at the Center for Hope, 1201 E Main St, Durham, NC or Use AmazonSmile to shop and have toys shipped directly by December 14, 2024.
Carolina Christmas Angels
- What They Need: Toys and clothing for underprivileged families.
- Drop off at various locations or sponsor a child by their Annual Christmas Party on December 7, 2024, where gifts are distributed.
WakeMed Children’s Hospital
- What They Need: New toys and books for hospitalized children.
- Drop off donations on December 14 at specified hospital locations in Raleigh and Cary.
The Salvation Army
- What They Need: New toys for children experiencing poverty.
- Check out the Salvation Army link for where to donate or financially donate until December 13, 2024.
Orange County Toy Chest
- What They Need: New toys for children in Orange County.
- Donations can be made directly to the Toy Chest.
Carolina Christmas Angels
- Donations can be made through their website or by sponsoring a child/family
- What They Need: Toys and clothing for underprivileged families during Christmas.
Give the Gift of Giving: Make a Holiday Donation
If you’re unable to volunteer in person, consider supporting organizations financially
- Christmas House, Inc. – provides assistance to families during the holiday season.
- Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM) – Manages the Empty Stocking Fund and Toy Closet to assist struggling families during the holidays.
Volunteering is not just about giving; it’s also about growing as an individual and connecting with others in your community. This December, consider dedicating some time to one of these organizations and experience the joy that comes from giving back during the holiday season.
At Givefinity, we believe that volunteering is about creating lasting impact, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. By engaging with your friends, family, or workplace, you can amplify your efforts and build a culture of generosity that extends beyond December. Tools like Givefinity help you track and celebrate your contributions, so you can see the ongoing difference you’re making in your community.
This holiday season, take a moment to reflect on how you can give back and create meaningful change. Whether through small acts of kindness or larger, organized efforts, every contribution matters. Together, we can spread joy, strengthen communities, and make the world a brighter place.
Ready to make a difference? Start your journey today with Givefinity and experience the true spirit of the holidays through volunteering.
