The holiday season is a time for sharing, caring, and spreading joy… not just for your family, but for others too. By giving back you offer hope to those who need it most. Our team has put together a list of holiday volunteer opportunities in Metro Denver, to help you do just that.
PRO Tips:
- Most of the opportunities require no prerequisites and are open to everyone. However, because volunteers are often in contact with vulnerable people, vaccinations, or recent COVID testing is required for most of the opportunities.
- Take a look at our Professionals Miracles Foundation for more ways to help.
Metro Denver Volunteer Opportunities this Holiday Season
A Little Help
A Little Help is there to help older adults age well in their homes by connecting them to good neighbors. Many tasks in the yard and around the house can become more difficult as we age… A Little Help, is here to help.
They coordinate volunteers that can help members with transportation, yard work, handiwork, home organization and more, which empowers older adults to thrive.
Get started now via this form.
A Precious Child
Located in Broomfield, A Precious Child allows volunteers to sponsor a child and buy items on their wish list.
To sponsor a child and get a specific wish list, email volunteer@apreciouschild.org or visit their website.
Denver Catholic Worker Soup Kitchen
The Denver Catholic Worker Soup Kitchen serves meals at Colorado’s largest day homeless shelter.
They have volunteers of all ages and religious backgrounds. Volunteers give their time for every phase of the operation: food donation pick-up, food purchase, cooking, transportation, serving meals, and clean up.
For more information, visit their website.
Denver Food Rescue
DFR currently partners with over 50 retailers to provide regular food rescue services focused on fresh edible produce and highly perishable items that would otherwise end up in landfills. Even backyard gardeners can donate their excess produce through Fresh Food Connect. These donations go to support our weekly No Cost Grocery Programs around the city.
Volunteers are at the heart of DFR’s work, picking up beautiful, edible whole fruits & veggies that would otherwise be discarded from food vendors across the city and delivering it to neighborhoods that have less access to fresh, healthy foods.
To volunteer, fill out this form.
Denver Rescue Mission
Denver Rescue Mission has been serving the most vulnerable in our community for 130 years. Their mission is rooted in a love of Christ and a commitment to share that love with others.
They help restore the lives of people experiencing homelessness and addiction through emergency services, rehabilitation, transitional programs, and community outreach.
There are a variety of ways to get involved. You can even do so as a group. Check out more info here.
PRO Tip: You can find long-term opportunities by becoming an Intern or Change Maker.
Food Bank of the Rockies
Food Bank of the Rockies provide food and necessities to people in need through signature programs and by teaming up with hundreds of Hunger Relief Partners to serve communities across Colorado and Wyoming, the largest food bank coverage area in the contiguous United States.
For a community to thrive, every member must have the resources they need to flourish.
There are so many ways to volunteer and every bit helps. They provide training, a safe environment, and communal fun. All you have to do is show up.
Go here for more info and to sign up as an individual.
PRO Tip: You can sign up as a group or even host a fundraiser too.
JEWISHColorado’s Christmas Mitzvah Project
For 26 years, Christmas Mitzvah Project (CMP) volunteers of all ages have provided relief and resources to nonprofit organizations across the city, so their staff, volunteers, and clients can celebrate the Christmas holiday with family and friends.
Volunteers get to select a shift and task such as preparing meals, sorting donations, or caring for animals. Get started now and sign up with this link.
PRO Tip: You can register for CMP@Home Kits and give back from the comfort and safety of your home too.
MaxFund
There is no publicly funded hospital to take care of injured animals with no known owners. They are sent to animal control and euthanized after no one comes forward. MaxFund is a “no-kill” shelter in Denver.
They are holding a Holiday Giving Tree event to support animals in the shelter. They have both in-person and virtual Giving Tree donation opportunities.
For more information, visit their website.
Project Angel Heart
Project Angel Heart was founded in 1991 to address a major challenge for Coloradans who are ill: getting the nutrition they need to get stronger, heal, and remain at home.
Each week, their professional chefs and registered dietitian prepare thousands of delicious meals and tailor them to meet the medical and dietary needs of those who are sick.
Volunteers help package and deliver each meal. Getting started is easy, sign up today.
PRO Tip: Volunteers are required to be at least 16 years old.
Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse needs volunteers for Operation Christmas Child, a program that sends shoeboxes full of toys and supplies to children.
Volunteers must be 13 years or older and will help examine the donated shoeboxes and prepare them for overseas shipping.
For more information, visit their website.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Every program they offer is rooted in their passion to serve God by serving the lost, the vulnerable, the needy, the poor, the hurting, the helpless, and the hopeless.
They need your help to ring in the Christmas season as a Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell ringer! This is a tradition which provides you the opportunity to meet the public and support The Salvation Army in a unique way. Man the kettle, ring the familiar bell, and wish shoppers a joyous holiday season.
The Salvation Army needs Bell Ringers, volunteers and donations for their largest campaign of the year, a spokesperson said.
Interested in volunteering? Visit denverredshield.salvationarmy.org.
Volunteers of America
The holidays are a special time at Volunteers of America Colorado. You can make a difference in the lives of neighbors who need you this holiday season!
There are a variety of options for volunteers to get involved, or to donate if you prefer.
We Don’t Waste
We Don’t Waste works to reduce hunger and food waste in the Denver area by recovering quality, unused food from the food industry and delivering it to nonprofit partners.
There are a variety of volunteer jobs, varying by date and can be selected from their calendar.