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City  Volunteer

Here’s how you can give a helping hand this holiday season in Madison

Get in the holiday spirit by volunteering with these local organizations. Whether you’re looking to volunteer solo, with a group, or even just help out online, there are plenty of options to choose from.

November 7, 2023 • 
Ally Geiger
Goodman Community Center Thanksgiving volunteer pushing cart of frozen turkeys

Get a workout in while holiday volunteering this year. | Photo via Goodman Community Center

Looking to give a helping hand this holiday season? Check out these local organizations that can help you help others.

Get movin’

Neighborhood House Community Center, 29 S. Mills St.
Sign up to make reminder calls to Thanksgiving basket recipients, or to hand out baskets on Monday, Nov. 20.

Second Harvest Foodbank, 2802 Dairy Dr.
Choose your own adventure by opting to volunteer solo, with a group, for service hours, or even for an internship.

St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, 2033 Fish Hatchery Rd.
There’s currently a high priority for traffic controllers, outdoor food loading, and general Saturday help.

Goodman Community Center, 214 Waubesa St.
Drop off food from the grocery list Nov. 13-17 at the gym, or Nov. 18-19 at the main Ironworks building on Waubesa Street.

Youth opportunities

Habitat for Humanity, 6201 Odana Rd.
Join your teenagers during this year’s Rake-a-Thon. Participants will meet at the Memorial Union and carpool to local neighborhoods for a 4-hour raking shift.

Santas Without Chimneys, 201 S. Stoughton Rd.
Toy experts wanted. Your kids can help select gifts that will go to other littles in the Madison area who are experiencing homelessness. Other volunteer opportunities include organizing and wrapping gifts.

608 Santas without chimneys

Sometimes, even Santa needs help wrapping presents. | Photo by Santas Without Chimneys

River Food Pantry, 2201 Darwin Rd.
Teens ages 16+ are welcome to help out with online ordering, pantry stocking, to-go meal packaging, and washing dishes.

Help from home

The Road Home, 890 W. Wingra Dr.
Make a $75 contribution to ensure that each family member in the housing program receives a gift card to a location of their choosing.

Lussier Community Education Center, 55 S. Gammon Rd.
More than 800 young people are signed up for the annual holiday gift program, sign up today to sponsor a family (or multiple).

Friends of the State Street Family
This organization offers resources and support to homeless Madisonians on their journey to permanent housing. Check out the Amazon wishlist to help people stay warm and fed this holiday season.