The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and giving. Amid the hustle of decorating, shopping, and festive gatherings, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. But this year, why not make giving back the heart of your holiday celebration?
Volunteering as a family offers a unique opportunity to spend time together, strengthen bonds, teach children the importance of kindness, and make a meaningful impact on your community. It’s a chance to step away from the busyness of the season and focus on what truly matters—connection, compassion, and generosity.
Whether it’s serving meals at a shelter, creating care packages, or simply helping a neighbor, volunteering together allows your family to spread holiday cheer while creating lasting memories. And the best part? It’s a tradition that can continue long after the holiday lights come down.
Here are 10 ways to make volunteering a meaningful and magical part of your family’s holiday season this year.
Host or Participate in a Donation Drive
Involve your kids by having them make flyers, collect items, and deliver donations together. While you work, talk about how these donations can make a big difference for families who may not have access to essentials this holiday season. There are many organizations that have food and/or toy drives this holiday season. Find the cause/organization mission that resonates with your family the most and start there. And even if a non-profit/mission you love isn’t doing an official holiday drive, you can always collect things for those in need.
Volunteer Together at an Event
Sign up as a family to help at a food bank, holiday festival, community dinner, and/or cleanup event (there are endless options). Use the time to discuss how these small acts of service contribute to building a stronger, kinder community.
Create Care Packages
As you fill bags with toiletries, snacks, and clothing for the unhoused, children in foster care, or whatever group is most important to you, explain the challenges some people face and how simple items can provide comfort and hope. Encourage your children to include a thoughtful note or drawing to make it personal.
Bake and Share
Spend time baking holiday treats together, then deliver them to neighbors, first responders, or shelters. Talk about how this small act of kindness spreads joy and strengthens the bonds within your community.
Craft Holiday Cheer
Make cards or decorations as a family to deliver to nursing homes, hospitals, deployed military and/or our veterans. While crafting, explain how a simple gesture can brighten someone’s day and make them feel loved and remembered.
Visit and Connect
Take your family to visit seniors or isolated individuals. Use the time to teach your children about the value of companionship and listening, emphasizing that giving time is as meaningful as giving things.
Adopt-a-Family/Child
Involve your children in choosing and shopping for gifts for a family/child in need. Share with them how this effort ensures another family can celebrate the holidays with joy and dignity.
Go Digital
Inspire your family to get involved in virtual volunteering by raising money for a cause or using your skills to help nonprofits with social media, design, or administrative support. Show them how technology makes it easier than ever to contribute, creating positive change from anywhere.
Pay It Forward
Encourage your children to perform small acts of kindness, like paying for someone’s coffee/happy meal or leaving a generous tip. Explain how these gestures create a ripple effect of goodwill, brightening someone’s day in unexpected ways.
Small Acts of Kindness
Teach your family the power of thoughtful gestures, such as helping a neighbor with chores or leaving holiday treats on a doorstep. Share how even the smallest acts can make someone feel valued and appreciated.
By choosing opportunities that the whole family can do, you’re not just making a difference in your community—you’re also building a legacy of kindness and compassion that will be passed down through generations.
