The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to give back than by volunteering? Los Angeles has a wide range of organizations in need of extra hands during the busy holiday months. Whether you want to help the homeless, protect the environment, or support families in need, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference. Below are some incredible places to volunteer during the 2024 holiday season.
#1 Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank works tirelessly to fight hunger in LA County by providing meals to families in need. Volunteers play a key role in sorting and packing food that gets distributed to community partners across the county.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Food sorting and packing
- Assisting at distribution centers
- Holiday food drive support
#2 Union Rescue Mission
Union Rescue Mission offers shelter, meals, and critical services to LA's homeless population. During the holidays, they ramp up efforts to make sure everyone feels supported, from serving Thanksgiving dinners to organizing holiday toy drives.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Serving meals at the shelter
- Assisting with holiday events
- Supporting the holiday toy drive
#3 Baby2Baby
Baby2Baby provides essential items like diapers, clothing, and other necessities to children living in poverty. This holiday season, volunteers can help sort donations, package gift bundles, and ensure that families receive the items they need.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Sorting and organizing donations
- Packing holiday bundles for families
- Supporting holiday events for children
#4 Project Angel Food
Project Angel Food prepares and delivers nutritious meals to those suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Volunteers are especially needed during the holidays to meet the increased demand for their meal services.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Meal preparation in the kitchen
- Holiday meal delivery to clients
- Packing and sorting holiday gift bags
#5 TreePeople
TreePeople focuses on restoring the urban environment through tree planting and nature conservation. For those looking to give back in an eco-friendly way, holiday tree-planting events are a fantastic opportunity to help create a greener Los Angeles.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Tree planting and care events
- Assisting with forest restoration
- Helping with community outreach and education
#6 The Midnight Mission
The Midnight Mission is one of LA's longest-running homeless shelters, offering meals, shelter, and recovery programs. The holiday season is especially busy, and volunteers can help serve meals or assist with special holiday events for individuals and families in need.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Serving meals at the mission
- Organizing and distributing holiday gifts
- Assisting with holiday events and parties
#7 Big Sunday
Big Sunday is known for connecting people with volunteer opportunities throughout the year, but their holiday events are some of the biggest. They offer various ways to give back during the season, from toy drives to community service events.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Participating in holiday toy drives
- Assisting with meal services
- Joining neighborhood cleanup efforts
#8 Meals on Wheels West
Meals on Wheels West delivers meals to homebound seniors and people with disabilities throughout Los Angeles. Volunteers can make a direct impact by helping with meal delivery during the busy holiday season.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Delivering meals to clients
- Packing meals at the kitchen
- Assisting with administrative support
#9 Covenant House California
Covenant House California serves homeless youth in Los Angeles, providing them with shelter, food, and other vital services. During the holidays, the organization seeks extra volunteers to support their programs and help bring joy to young people in need.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Preparing and serving meals
- Organizing holiday gift donations
- Assisting with youth mentorship programs
#10 St. Francis Center
St. Francis Center offers services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty in Los Angeles. Their holiday volunteer opportunities include helping with meal programs and holiday gift distributions.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Serving meals to low-income families
- Sorting and distributing holiday gifts
- Assisting with food pantry services
How You Can Make a Difference
Volunteering not only helps others but also brings a sense of fulfillment and connection. Whether you’re serving meals, planting trees, or sorting donations, every action can make a big impact during the holidays. Check out the websites for each organization to sign up and see how you can contribute your time this season.
Leave a Reply