The trees have been lit, wrapping paper is flying off the shelves, and the holiday favorites are taking over the speakers in the grocery store. One of the best parts of the season, though, is it inspires us to give back to our communities. If you and your loved ones would like to get involved, here are seven volunteer opportunities in Greater Boston that could use extra helping hands this winter. (Remember: Giving back isn’t a holiday exclusive. Searching your local community centers and websites like volunteermatch.org can help locate opportunities near you, all year round.)
Toy and clothing drives
WARM HANDS WARM HEARTS To combat the challenges of the winter months faced by the unsheltered community, Friends of Boston’s Homeless supports volunteer-organized drives for cold weather gear and other essentials. Prospective hosts can work within their local network — whether it’s their school, place of work, or social network — to collect winter hats, scarves, gloves, socks, and toiletries. Individual donors are also welcome. The organization provides drop-off options, including an in-person location at Woods Mullen Women’s Shelter in the South End. For more information visit fobh.org.
BUNDLE UP WITH CARE Since 2021, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s annual clothing drive has gathered winter attire, accessories, and goods (coats, boots, blankets, and the like) to support Action for Boston Community Development. Gently used and new items can be dropped off at their five locations — including City Feed & Supply in Jamaica Plain and REI in Fenway — through Dec. 2.Additional donation locations, hours, and more information can be found on their website, emeraldnecklace.org.
SPREAD THE WARMTH Longstanding women’s shelter Rosie’s Place is searching for extra support to help it through the season. The South End organization celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and continues to provide overnight and emergency housing and other services to individuals who identify as female. It is seeking holiday helpers for various tasks — from organizing drives to collecting gift cards, blankets, and self-care items for guests to help stock the food pantry through a virtual food drive.Interested parties can visit rosiesplace.org for more details on how to get involved.
WRAPPED IN HOPE For Boston nonprofit Christmas in the City, holiday spirit is in its name! The entirely volunteer-run organization hosts non-denominational winter events for families experiencing housing insecurity and poverty. This season, the organization is seeking gift donations for children — from dolls and Lego sets to gift cards for older children. It will also be hosting fund-raisers throughout the season, which fund the organization’s operations and programming, including the annual holiday party. For more details and drop-off locations, visit christmasinthecity.org.
Food drives/pantries
STOCK AND SERVE The Allston Brighton Food Pantry is recruiting volunteers to make and distribute food baskets and staff Wednesday community suppers. (Aspiring pastry chefs and “Bake Off” fans are also welcome to bake and donate desserts to be served during the Wednesday meals.) Interested parties can reach out to volunteer.abfoodpantry@gmail.com to be added to the volunteer distribution mailing list, which sends out opportunities at the start of each month or check out abfoodpantry.com.
FEED FORWARD Haley House believes in using food as a way to build community. This holiday season, the nonprofit organization is looking for help in the soup kitchen, food pantry, and other community programming throughout the holiday season and beyond. A full schedule of opportunities and more information can be found on the website: haleyhouse.org.
CANS AND CARE As the winter season gets underway, the Greater Boston Food Bank is seeking donations as part of its Hunger Free Holidays campaign. Those interested can organize a food drive — within their own or larger networks — or send individual donations. Stop & Shop is also matching all monetary donations up to $350,000 through Dec. 31. Details at gbfb.org/holidays.
