By: Advika Anand and Siyona Singhal

Graphics Editor and Humor Editor

As the holiday season approaches, the need for community support grows, and volunteering is an impactful way to contribute. Giving time or effort to local organizations can make a real difference, especially for families experiencing hardships this season. The following community-based organizations are offering upcoming volunteer opportunities and are a great way to spread holiday spirit.

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is one of the largest food banks in the Bay Area, providing meals to around 500,000 people each month. Their mission is to end hunger in our community, and volunteers play a direct role in helping achieve that goal. Volunteers can choose between sorting and boxing fresh produce and groceries or distributing food boxes to neighborhoods in Silicon Valley, including home-bound clients in Santa Clara and San Mateo.

During the holiday season, Shining Stars, a local program that supports children and young adults with special needs, hosts its annual Christmas event. This event takes place on Dec. 13 and consists of games, a craft station, Santa photos, and other festivities. Volunteers can assist with running the activities or by accompanying a family throughout the event.

Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley focuses on making homes safer and healthier for low-income residents in Santa Clara County. Since 1991, they have repaired thousands of houses and community facilities, mainly supporting elderly homeowners and people with disabilities who are unable to manage home services independently. Volunteering with Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley during the holiday season is especially impactful, as safe and comfortable homes allow families to come together in celebration.

Kids Against Hunger Bay Area is an organization focused on distributing nutritious meals worldwide, specifically to malnourished children in developing countries. Teens, children, and adults can volunteer to help assemble the packages, weigh the bags, seal them, and load them onto a pallet to be shipped. 

The Salvation Army provides many services for those in need, including food pantries, homeless shelters, domestic violence support, and more. If you want to give back to your community but don’t have time to volunteer, the Salvation Army partners with Walmart to put on the Angel Tree program. Children write a wishlist on a tag, which employees then hang on a Christmas tree at a Walmart or Salvation Army location, and shoppers pick up a tag to buy the gifts listed. 

House of Hope is a food pantry created by Calvary Church, which seeks to build relationships and connections. You can volunteer to restock the pantry, shop for items, or even deliver food to homes. 

This holiday season, we encourage you to give back to the community and to find time to bring joy into someone else’s life. There are so many opportunities to volunteer or donate. Even the smallest act can make the biggest difference.