The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and giving. One of the most valuable gifts you can give is your time. Whether you are traveling near or far, volunteering is a great way to connect with your community and share the holiday spirit. Are you ready to travel with a purpose? Keep reading as we highlight some of the best places to volunteer this holiday season.
Chicago Southland
Just 30 minutes beyond the city limits of Chicago rests Chicago Southland. As the holiday season approaches, Chicago Southland comes alive with festivals, shopping, and opportunities to give back to local communities. The area, including greater Chicago, has countless organizations and events providing volunteer opportunities. Some of the organizations worth checking out include those discussed below.
Christmas in the Wards
Christmas in the Wards is dedicated to uplifting the lives of families and students throughout Chicagoland during the holiday season and beyond. For more than 20 years the organization and its volunteers have served 12,000 families from 25 wards across Chicago’s south, west, and north side communities. Volunteer opportunities include wrapping gifts, spreading cheer, or helping with events. Additional information can be found by visiting Christmas in the Wards.
Christmas Without Cancer
Christmas Without Cancer began 23 years ago as a way to assist one family during the holiday season. Now the organization has evolved into a year-round effort to help hundreds of families struggling with the devastating impacts of cancer. The organization provides gifts and necessities to Southland families. During the winter holidays volunteers can help collect and distribute gift cards, basic necessities, and holiday support. For more information visit Christmas Without Cancer.
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Greater Chicago Food Depository is Chicago’s food bank. The organization’s food pantry provides free food for people struggling with hunger. Food bank volunteers are invited to donate time to help at the facility or in the community. Greater Chicago Food Depository also has a network of community-based partners making it even easier to find additional ways and places to volunteer. Interested volunteers should visit The Food Depository.
Chicago Southland comes alive during the holiday season! Looking for more inspiration for your next adventure in Chicago Southland? Request your free print and downloadable Chicago Southland Visitors Guide today!
Maryland
Maryland is known for its stunning scenery and delicious seafood. During the holidays it is a great place to enjoy family friendly attractions and top notch dining. It is also a great place to volunteer. Maryland has countless organizations dedicated to serving the community including those discussed below.
Maryland Food Bank
Food banks and food pantries provide critical resources throughout the year and are vital during the holidays. The Maryland Food Bank is dedicated to feeding people, strengthening communities, and ending hunger for Marylanders. Volunteering is just one of many ways to give back to the Maryland Food Bank. During the holiday season volunteers may sign up for individual shifts or as a group. Visit Maryland Food Bank for more information.
United Way of Central Maryland
The United Way of Central Maryland strengthens lives and neighborhoods across Greater Baltimore by promoting equity and increasing access to basic needs. Volunteering is a great way to learn more about the issues faced by those living in Baltimore. The United Way of Central Maryland offers hands-on experiences for individuals, families, and groups. The organization typically has events and projects that occur at the same time every year. This makes it even easier to plan ahead and sign up! For more information visit United Way of Central Maryland.
The Light House
The Light House’s mission is to rebuild lives with compassion. The Light House does this by providing shelter and services to prevent homelessness and empower people as they transition toward employment, housing, and self-sufficiency. There are numerous ways to get involved if you are interested in supporting The Light House during your visit to Maryland. In addition to volunteer opportunities, you can start a fundraiser, attend an event, and eat at Light House Bistro. Interested in signing up to volunteer or attending a holiday event? Check out Annapolis Light House.
What are you waiting for? Request your free print and downloadable Maryland Travel Guide today!
New York State
New York State has so much to see and do! It is an exciting place to visit during the holidays thanks to its beautiful state parks, memorable historical sites, flavorful dining options, and legendary events. If you want a truly unique experience then be sure to include volunteering on your New York State holiday itinerary. Not sure where to start? Check out some of the amazing opportunities detailed below.
Holiday Express
During the holiday season Holiday Express delivers the magic of live music, festive celebrations, and essential gifts to those in vulnerable situations. Every year Holiday Express visits over 100 organizations across the metropolitan tri-state area, impacting more than 25,000 people in need. The program serves the following:
- Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Veterans and active-duty military personnel
- People in addiction recovery programs
- Children and adults facing serious illnesses
- The homeless and food insecure
- The isolated and elderly
There are countless ways to volunteer with Holiday Express including the following:
- Warehouse volunteer
- Event volunteer
- Musicians
- Fundraiser
- Donor relations
- Office volunteer
Are you ready to contribute to Holiday Express? Visit Holiday Express to sign up!
New York Cares
New York Cares is the largest volunteer organization in New York City. It provides a centralized way to organize efforts and access communities. New York Cares provides year-round volunteer opportunities across the city with an emphasis on the following areas:
- Educating children, teens, and adults
- Serving those impacted by hunger and homelessness
- Health and wellness for seniors and other vulnerable groups
- Caring for public parks, community gardens, and green spaces
Ready to make New York better? Visit New York Cares today!
Volunteer New York!
Volunteer New York! mobilizes the community to address its greatest challenges. It serves Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam in the Lower Hudson Valley. Last year Volunteer New York! inspired 35,000 volunteers, mobilized 457,000 hours of service, supported more than 300 nonprofits, and contributed nearly $17 million in value back to the community. If you are interested in volunteering during the holiday season, check out Volunteer New York!
New York State is a wonderful place to visit during the holidays. Ready for your next adventure? Request free print and downloadable New York Travel Guides today!
More Ways to Give
There are countless organizations throughout the country in need of volunteers, especially during the holidays. If you are traveling and are looking for additional ways to support local communities, check out some of the following initiatives.
Student/Community-Led Initiatives
You are not alone when it comes to wanting to volunteer during the holidays. Many local schools and community groups host events to benefit those in need. We recommend checking the social media pages of local groups before your visit. These pages may have links to upcoming volunteer events and additional information on how to give back.
Toy Drives and Youth Support
The holidays can be especially difficult for youth and families with children. Most areas have organizations that sponsor toy drives and other types of youth support. Check the social media pages of local groups before your visit or look for signs and donation events during your visit. In addition to donations, volunteers may be able to help wrap toys, distribute toys, and staff events during the holiday season.
Light Festivals
During the holidays many communities host elaborate light festivals. These festivals often offer volunteer opportunities or other ways to give back. If you will be traveling during the holidays, research light festivals at your destination. These events can be a fun and rewarding volunteer experience.
Sign Up Today!
There is no time like the present when it comes to volunteering. From spreading cheer to packing food and wrapping presents, there are countless ways to give back during the holidays.
If you want to travel with a purpose then now is the time to start thinking about the best places to volunteer this holiday season. Planning ahead is important as many volunteer spots fill up quickly. It is also a good idea to align your volunteer efforts to your interests and schedule.
Are you interested in even more destinations to explore and give back to during your visit? Check out all of our free print and downloadable travel guides today!