Volunteer for the Holidays!

The holidays are upon us and in the spirit of the season many people want to give back. To help you connect, United Way of King County includes holiday volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits, as well as in-kind donation requests. Holiday volunteer opportunities fill up fast, so contact organizations early and be flexible!

See all In-Kind Requests and Holiday Volunteer Opportunities

 

More Holiday Volunteering Ideas and Resources:

Shelters and soup kitchens are the first place many people think to volunteer during the holidays, and as a result, they tend to fill up early. For a list of local shelters, soup kitchens, and meal programs, visit the Seattle Crisis Resource Directory website or click here check out the list of organization that United Way is partnered with.

Below are a some additional ideas for supporting the increased needs of nonprofits and the community this holiday season. Please contact organizations directly before you begin a drive or a volunteer project on their behalf, as their needs may change.

1. Holiday Entertainment - Provide holiday entertainment to residents of assisted living homes, group homes, or food centers. 

2. Make Treats – Contact your favorite non-profit and thank them for providing services all year by providing treats, snacks or a lunchtime meal for employees. 

3. Fulfill a Wish List – Ask your favorite nonprofit organization for a wish list and purchase or solicit items that will support the services they provide year-round.

4. Give an Alternative Gift – Give family and friends a gift by donating money or supplies to a local nonprofit in their honor. Or ask family and friends to donate to a local organization as their gift to you – or to join you in volunteering on a date after the holidays.

5. Organize a Giving Circle - Invite friends and family to join a giving circle for the holidays. Host a giving circle meal, select an agency or cause you'd like to support and set your giving goal.

6. Hold a Drive such as a Coat and Shoe Drive – Locate an organization in your community that needs coats and shoes this winter and start collecting new or gently used items. Don't forget hats, gloves and warm socks. To find organizations accepting donations call 2-1-1 or reach out to some of your local nonprofits.

7. Volunteer All Year – While it's great to volunteer during the holidays, your help is needed all year. Commit to volunteer at least four more times in the New Year. The agency you support will be grateful and you will know you truly made an impact. 

If you have any questions, would like more information, or have a holiday volunteer idea you'd like to share, contact us at volunteers@uwkc.org.