20 Holiday Ideas to Help Those in Need

Today, I have 20 holiday ideas to help those in need this year. The holidays are a time for joy, love, and giving, but they can also be a time of struggle for many families, older neighbors, and individuals.

Mark and I went to our yearly doctor’s visit last week, and we started discussing with our doctor various ways people can make a real difference in the lives of others and the joy it brings to their community. So, if you have the time or the energy, I hope these few ideas inspire you to help someone who is struggling, a family in need, or some worthwhile organization.

This year, you can make a real difference in your community by helping others in need. The news and media in general are discussing the challenges individuals and families are experiencing this year, and many of their struggles are things and situations over which they have little or no control. Whether you give your time, donate items, or share a smile, every act of kindness counts. Here are 20 heartfelt ideas to inspire you to give back this holiday season.

Items That Are Needed the Most

• Socks
• Winter Gloves
• Winter Beanie Hats
• Hand Warmers
• Blankets
• Jackets
• Personal Hygiene Items, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Deodorant, Shampoo, etc.

20 Holiday Ideas to Help Those in Need

1. Donate to a Local Food Bank

Food insecurity rises during the holidays. Donate nonperishable items like canned goods, rice, and pasta, but also baby formula, to your local food pantry or community center. Many food banks also accept monetary donations to help buy fresh produce and proteins.

2. Host a Coat or Blanket Drive

Winter can be harsh for families in need. Organize a drive to collect new or gently used coats, gloves, scarves, and blankets, and partner with schools, churches, or workplaces to reach more people in your community.

3. Adopt a Family for Christmas

Through organizations like the Salvation Army, United Way, or local shelters, you can “adopt” a family and provide gifts, clothing, and even a Christmas meal. It’s an excellent way to bring hope and happiness to someone’s holiday. This is often referred to as Sub for Santa efforts.

4. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen

Give your time by serving warm meals to those in need. Soup kitchens often need extra volunteers around the holidays, and a friendly face can mean as much as the food itself.

5. Donate Toys to Children’s Hospitals

Children spending the holidays in the hospital could use a little extra cheer. Donate new, unwrapped toys, books, or games to your local children’s hospital or Ronald McDonald House.

6. Support an Animal Shelter

Animals need love, too! Many shelters are overwhelmed during the holidays. Donate food, bedding, and cleaning supplies, or volunteer to walk dogs and socialize with pets waiting for homes.

7. Send Cards to Older Friends or Veterans

A simple holiday card can brighten someone’s entire season. Write heartfelt notes to nursing home residents or veterans who might not have family nearby.

8. Organize a Toy Drive

Work with your school, workplace, or neighborhood to collect toys for children in need. Partner with Toys for Tots or a local charity that distributes gifts to families in your area.

9. Create Care Packages for the Homeless

Fill bags with essentials like socks, snacks, travel-sized hygiene items, gloves, and hand warmers. Keep a few in your car to hand out to someone in need.

10. Help Out at a Homeless Shelter

Shelters often need volunteers for meal service, laundry, or organizing donated clothing. Donations of towels, hygiene kits, and blankets are always appreciated.

11. Bake Treats for Neighbors or First Responders

Spread sweetness around your community by baking cookies or holiday goodies for firefighters, police officers, nurses, or anyone working through the holidays.

12. Donate to Local Charities

Even with limited time, financial support can still make a powerful impact. Choose trusted organizations that align with your values, such as local food banks, family resource centers, or children’s charities.

13. Sponsor a Child Through a Charity Program

Organizations like Compassion International or Save the Children offer opportunities to sponsor a child, providing food, education, and care that lasts far beyond the holiday season.

14. Support Local Farmers or Food Co-ops

Buying local produce and handmade goods helps sustain small farms and businesses — and strengthens your community’s food system.

15. Be a Secret Santa for a Single Parent

Single parents often carry heavy financial burdens during the holidays. Consider leaving an anonymous gift card, groceries, or small surprises to help them out and lift their spirits.

16. Donate Blood or Plasma

Blood donations tend to drop during the holidays. By donating, you can help hospitals maintain life-saving supplies for patients in need. I’m proud to say that my husband, Mark, just made his 120th donation of a pint of blood. That’s 15 gallons of life-saving blood for others in need!

17. Visit or Sing Carols at Nursing Homes

Music brings joy to everyone! Gather friends or family to sing carols or deliver small treats to older neighbors who might otherwise spend the holidays alone.

18. Pay It Forward

Simple acts of generosity go a long way, pay for someone’s coffee, groceries, or gas. It’s an easy way to spread cheer and kindness to strangers.

19. Check on Neighbors Living Alone

Sometimes the greatest gift is friendship. Take time to check in on older or isolated neighbors, bring them a meal, or invite them to a holiday gathering.

20. Reduce Waste & Donate What You Don’t Use

Before the new year, go through your home and donate gently used clothing, toys, and household items. Giving items a second life helps families and keeps waste out of landfills. You can donate through Goodwill, Savers, Deseret Industries, Catholic Charities, and other worthwhile groups.

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Where Can We Look for Places to Help During the Holidays?

The holiday season brings out the best in people, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or spread kindness, many trusted places connect you with families and organizations in need.

1. Local Churches and Faith Organizations

Churches, synagogues, and community ministries often organize food drives, toy collections, and “Adopt-a-Family” programs during the holidays. Even if you’re not a member, they welcome volunteers and public donations. You can also check online with Just Serve to see a list of service opportunities near where you live.

2. Food Banks and Pantries

Your local food bank is one of the best places to start. They need help sorting, packing, and distributing food boxes. Look up nearby locations through Feeding America or your local United Way.

3. Homeless Shelters and Outreach Centers

Shelters and community outreach programs always need volunteers, especially in the cold winter months. They often need donations of coats, blankets, socks, and hygiene kits.

4. Children’s Charities

Organizations like Toys for Tots, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Salvation Army Angel Tree bring joy to children who might not otherwise receive gifts. Check their websites to find drop-off locations or ways to sponsor a child.

5. Care Centers and Nursing Homes

Older individuals can feel lonely during the holidays. Many facilities welcome volunteers to deliver cards, sing carols, or spend time with residents.

6. Hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses

These organizations welcome donations of toys, books, blankets, and toiletries for families staying with hospitalized loved ones.

7. Animal Shelters and Rescues

Animal shelters often need help walking dogs, cleaning kennels, or simply cuddling lonely pets. Donations of pet food, treats, and bedding are always appreciated.

8. Community Centers and Nonprofits

Check your city or county’s community website for local nonprofits hosting coat drives, gift programs, or meal deliveries. These organizations often post volunteer sign-ups online.

9. Schools and Youth Programs

Teachers and counselors often know of families struggling during the holidays. Contact your local school district to see if they have a giving tree, food drive, clothing closet for students, or gift donation program.

10. Online Volunteer Platforms

Websites like:

• VolunteerMatch.org
• AllForGood.org
• JustServe.org

These let you search for local volunteer opportunities by zip code, whether you want to serve meals, wrap gifts, or deliver care packages.

Final Word

The holidays shine brightest when we share our light with others. Whether you volunteer, donate, or show compassion, your kindness can change someone’s season, and maybe even their life. This year, let’s make the holidays about giving more than getting. May God bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Gifts Wrapped With Vintage Paper Depositphotos_507352404_S Photo by Sonyachny, Green Ribbon on Gift Boxes Depositphotos_434530460_S