Volunteer Opportunities in Washtenaw County this Holiday Season

These 6 local nonprofits need your help this holiday season.

It’s the season of giving, and these local charitable organizations are in need of volunteers to ensure everyone in our community is well-taken care of. This is a great opportunity to teach your children the importance of serving others, not just during the holiday season, but year-round. Committing to volunteering as a family can be a wonderful resolution for 2021! 

1. Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels 

This organization provides meals, household items, and handwritten cards to nearly 700 homebound participants every delivery day. They currently deliver on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and have their own vehicle to deliver meals. Kids are welcome to join! To learn more about the application and orientation process, visit the Meals on Wheels website. 

2. Community Action Network Washtenaw County

There are so many ways to share your time and talents with this organization. You can volunteer both virtually and in-person for their out-of-school program to ensure students have the tools, resources, and support they need. Your family can also volunteer to package and hand out food as part of their food programs. They offer one-time volunteering events throughout the year as well. Apply to volunteer by visiting their website. 

3. Food Gatherers

This community kitchen has a new Junior Rescue Ranger (JRR) program for kids and their families to learn about hunger and then take action to feed those in need in the community. They are also looking for a limited number of volunteers to work in their warehouse where they move an average of 9 tons of food a day! You can also volunteer to work in their kitchen where they serve hot meals seven days a week. Learn more at the Food Gatherers website. 

4. Hope Clinic

This organization has a wide range of volunteer opportunities, both short-term and long-term. Opportunities include grocery pick-up and delivery, stocking their warehouse, as well as volunteering any professional skills you have such as dentistry and carpentry. Learn more at the Hope Clinic’s website.

5. SafeHouse Center 

This center provides services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Youth and teens can volunteer to engage in recreational activities in their Children’s Playroom or join the Teen Voice: High School Peer Prevention Education program (this program is temporarily suspended due to COVID). You can sign up here to attend a virtual information session about volunteering. To learn more about the center, visit the SafeHouse Center’s website. 

6. Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels 

This organization currently has an increased need for help this holiday season providing meals, household items, and handwritten cards to homebound participants in the Ypsilanti area. Using their own vehicles, volunteers deliver meals to 10-12 homebound neighbors between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Apply to volunteer at the Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels website.

By volunteering, you will make this a memorable holiday season, not just for your family, but local families and community members in need.