The holidays are a time for giving, and what better way to spread joy than by volunteering with your kids? Beyond the gifts and celebrations, it's the perfect season to teach your children the true spirit of kindness and community. However, finding opportunities where kids can actively participate can be tricky. That’s why we’ve gathered 12 family-friendly places where you can volunteer together this holiday season. From serving meals to helping animals, there’s a way for every family to get involved.
Here are multiple local opportunities where you can donate your time and/or money to help local programs, and below you'll find more ideas on how to get involved!
GLASA Great Lakes Adaptive Sport Associaton | This organization is near and dear to my heart! My family is involved in the swim programs, and they have 20 sports programs and events serving physical and visually impaired athletes throughout Chicago's North & Northwest Suburbs.
NWSRA Northwest Special Recreation Association | Recreation options for children and adults with disabilities in Chicago's Northwest Suburbs.
WDSRA Western DuPage Special Recreation Association | Recreation options for children and adults with disabilities in the Western DuPage Suburbs.
Gigi's Playhouse | Hoffman Estates based achievement center for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community.
Project Gratitude | Provides a Thanksgiving meal to a local family in Arlington Heights (60004 & 60005) - You shop, they deliver
Good Neighbors Network Sponsor a Family | Sign up by Nov. 25 to receive a family's wish list to purchase items for
Basket Brigade | Pack and/or deliver a Thanksgiving meal to a Local Family - Operates out of Harper College & there's still in person delivery opportunities! Deliveries to Streamwood, Hanover Park, Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Carpentersville, Elgin, and South Elgin
We Are Lasagna Love | Sign up online and they will match you with a local family in need. You make and deliver a Lasagna!
Bernie's Book Bank | Sources, processes and distributes free quality children’s books throughout Chicagoland.
City of Support | Community and events for families with children in therapies. DIY Card Making Kit Fundraisers - Order online or pick up at Coco & Blu in Arlington Heights.
Operation Christmas Child | Organized through Hobby Lobby or on your own, pack a shoebox with gifts and drop off between November 18-25 to be delivered.
Fill A Heart for Kids | Serves homeless and foster children. Volunteer events throughout the holidays, mostly in the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Areas - fundraising opportunities available.
Feed My Starving Children, Schaumburg | Kids and adults of all ages hand-pack meals specifically designed to assist in reversing and preventing undernutrition throughout the world.
Gratitude Generation | In person (North suburbs) and at-home service projects to support families dealing with low income and food insecurities. Focus on growing service and empathy in youth and teens.
Journeys the Road Home | Provides support to persons or families dealing with homelessness. Primarily requesting monetary donations or Wish List Purchases.
Hearts for Hope | Pack and deliver care packs filled with socks, seasonal items and hand-written notes to the homeless and those in need.
Phil's Friends | Cards of Hope - Download and forward to their center to be forwarded on to people going through cancer treatments
Toys for Tots | Multiple drop off locations throughout the community through Nov. 30. Roselle Village Hall, Fire Department and Police Department.
Gift Trees to help a local family in need you can find one at these locations:
- Egg Harbor - Arlington Heights | Organized by AH Junior Women's Club
- Driven Car Wash - Rolling Meadows & Arlington Heights | Organized by AH Junior Women's Club
- Hoffman Estates | Organized by the Hoffman Estates Health and Human Services Department
- Village Hall
- Roselle | Organized by the American Legion
- American Legion Post 1084
- CrossFit Roselle
- Doctor Dogs
- Mr. A's Restaurant
- Pollyanna Brewing
- Antony DeGrado State Farm
- Wickstrom Chevrolet
- Happy By Chocolate
- Lights Camera, Dancin'
- Lynfred Winery
1. Volunteer at a Food Bank
During the holiday season, food banks are busier than ever. Help sort, package, or distribute food to families in need. Many food banks welcome children as volunteers, allowing them to see the impact of their efforts firsthand. Find your local food bank.
2. Deliver Meals to Those in Need
Helping to deliver meals to those in need is especially meaningful during the holidays when many people face isolation. Your family can volunteer with programs that bring food to homebound individuals, such as Meals on Wheels, or connect with local community centers or shelters that offer meal delivery services. By delivering meals, your family can provide both nourishment and a sense of connection to those who may otherwise feel alone during the holiday season.
3. Write Letters or Make Care Packages for Service Members
The holidays can be a tough time for those serving away from home. Writing cards and letters to active-duty military personnel is a simple way for kids to share holiday cheer and show gratitude, and it's something you can do from home. Operation Gratitude is one organization that collects letters, care packages, and homemade items for soldiers.
4. Cook for Families at Shelters or Community Facilities
Many families find themselves in shelters, transitional housing, or community facilities during the holidays, often facing challenging circumstances. Volunteering to cook a meal for those staying in women’s shelters, family shelters, or facilities like Ronald McDonald Houses provides a comforting and nourishing experience during a difficult time. Your family can help bring warmth and care to those who need it most.
 Antoni Shkraba | Canva via Pexels |
5. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
The holidays are also a time when animal shelters need extra help. Whether it’s reading to dogs, playing with cats, or donating items on the shelter wish list, your family can make a difference for animals in need of love and care. Find your local animal shelters.
6. Participate in a Community Trash Pickup
The spirit of giving extends to caring for your community and the environment. Join a local litter cleanup event or organize your own! You can also make it a family habit to bring a trash bag along on your walks or hikes. Not only will you beautify your surroundings, but you’ll also spend meaningful time together outside as a family during the holiday season.
7. Donate Toys or Clothes to Kids in Need
The holiday season is the perfect time to teach children about giving by going through their wardrobes and toy boxes to find gently used items they no longer need. Encourage your kids to select toys and clothes they’ve outgrown to donate to local shelters, community centers, or organizations that support children in need. Many charities run special drives during the holidays, making it easy for families to give back and make a difference in the lives of other children.
8. Visit Elderly Residents at Nursing Homes
Many seniors feel lonely during the holiday season. Brighten their days by visiting a local senior center or nursing home. Whether it’s reading holiday stories, singing carols, or simply chatting, your visit will bring joy and warmth.
 Krzstof Chrostowski | Canva via Pexels |
9. Donate Hair to Help Kids in Need
If your child is due for a haircut this holiday season, consider donating their hair to an organization that creates wigs for children who have lost their hair due to medical conditions. Several nonprofits, such as Locks of Love, accept hair donations to make wigs for kids experiencing hair loss from treatments like chemotherapy or conditions like alopecia. You can also plan to donate at many of the St. Baldrick's events coming up in March. It's a simple yet meaningful way for your family to make a difference during the holiday season.
10. Help Build or Support Community Projects
Many organizations, like Habitat for Humanity, host family-friendly holiday builds and special events to support those in need. Whether you’re helping to construct homes, repairing community spaces, or providing meals for volunteers, your family can make a lasting impact. These opportunities are a great way to get hands-on and contribute to meaningful projects this holiday season.
11. Promote Reading in Your Community
There are many ways to spread the gift of reading this holiday season. Your family could organize a book drive for local schools, shelters, or community centers, or even host a neighborhood book swap. Another fun option is creating literacy kits with books and reading-related activities to donate to children in need. Programs like Little Free Library are also a great way to share books by building and stocking a community library. Kids can help select books and decorate the space, making it a fun and creative way to give back.
12. Make Blankets for Those in Need
As the weather gets colder, many organizations — including hospitals, shelters, and community centers — welcome donations of handmade blankets to provide comfort and warmth to those in need. Creating no-sew fleece blankets is an easy, hands-on project that your family can do from home. Programs like Project Linus distribute these blankets to children in need, offering a simple yet heartfelt way to give back during the holiday season. Check the Library, there have been Make, Take, and Return programs to donate items like these.
Make Giving Back a Holiday Tradition
Volunteering with your family is one of the best ways to embrace the true spirit of the holidays. Whether you’re helping at a local event or taking on a project at home, you’ll be making a meaningful impact on your community. So this holiday season, don’t just give gifts — give back.
