The holiday season is often regarded as a time for giving – whether through gifts, acts of kindness or spending time with loved ones. Yet, beyond the traditional practices, there are countless meaningful ways to give back to our communities, especially when we look at the season as an opportunity to make a positive impact.

From volunteering and supporting local charities to fostering kindness in small, everyday moments, the spirit of giving extends far beyond material presents. Explore the various ways to give back during the holidays and find fresh ideas for spreading generosity, compassion and connection. Whether through time, resources or simple acts of goodwill, the holiday season offers unique opportunities to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Is there a pile or a bag of clothes lingering in the back of your car, just waiting to be donated? Now is the time to make a quick stop at your local thrift store, shelter or donation center. Many food banks also welcome donations of clothing and other items. For example, Loaves and Fishes, a nonprofit serving individuals experiencing homelessness, is currently hosting several winter initiatives to support the homeless community and give back during the colder months.

Essential items like bottled water, winter coats, rain jackets, travel-size toiletry items and backpacks can make a significant difference in the lives of unhoused individuals. You can find Loaves and Fishes various seasonal and year-round needs lists here.

World Relief Sacramento is a nonprofit that aids refugees and immigrants with resettlement, legal and employment support, and is currently accepting donations of new or like-new furniture and household items. Even smaller items such as cooking utensils, pots and pans, sheets and comforters will greatly contribute to furnishing apartments for newly arrived families and addressing the needs of other immigrants in vulnerable circumstances. You can find a list of acceptable items along with their drop-off locations and hours here. World Relief also offers pick-up donations within a 12-mile radius of their warehouse in East Sacramento.

Every child deserves the joy and wonder of receiving toys, regardless of their background or circumstances. Toys for Tots is a charitable organization that provides new toys to children in need, helping to brighten their lives year-round. Donating a toy, whether big or small, can make a meaningful difference by offering kids a sense of joy, hope and possibility. You can find Toys for Tots drop-off locations or donate online here.

The holidays can intensify feelings of loneliness for those separated from family, but volunteering offers a way to remind others they are not forgotten. Donating food and volunteering to serve it at shelters is a meaningful way to support those in need within our community. Many organizations need help this season, such as Meals on Wheels, which brings older adults nutritional meals five days a week.

Wellspring Women’s Center is a grassroots nonprofit organization that serves nearly 200 women and children daily while offering four different programs to assist them. From small food items, toiletries and menstrual products, you can provide vital resources to local women and children. A full list of acceptable donation items can be found here. Donations may be dropped off at Wellspring Women’s Center in Oak Park Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS) provides essential food, clothing and support services to individuals and families in need. Volunteers are vital for all of their eight different programs. To get involved, sign up at the SFBFS website.

Mutual Aid Sacramento is a grassroots initiative dedicated to building community resilience and supporting those facing hardship across the Sacramento area. On their Instagram, they share resources, organize food and supply drives,  while promoting volunteer opportunities. They manage and oversee multiple fridge and pantry locations across Sacramento, making it easy to drop off food donations. You can contribute both fresh or canned food items, along with special holiday treats, to spread some extra cheer this season. 

Looking to make a difference for a furry friend in need? There are many ways to volunteer and to provide care for pets going through tough times. You can donate blankets and toys to the Sacramento SPCA and the Front Street animal shelter, where they are increasingly needed to keep dogs and cats warm during the chilly months. Volunteering is a wonderful way to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals. You can assist with cleaning kennels, feeding, walking, and helping these pets find their forever homes. Signing up to be a volunteer is an easy and immensely impactful experience. You can become a volunteer at Front Street here, and a volunteer at the Sacramento SPCA here.

Front Street also accepts dog and cat food donations for the pet food pantry that helps feed thousands of homeless and abandoned animals in the community. You can drop off your donated food at 2127 Front Street in Sacramento seven days a week, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. To view a list of acceptable types of food and other needed items look at their website.

Every pet deserves a loving home, and the holiday season is an important time to open our hearts. Welcome a furry companion into your life and offer them the love they deserve, while bringing joy and compassion to your own family. The SPCA currently has reduced adoption rates and Front Street is doing free pet adoptions through Dec. 31.

Front Street is also desperately seeking foster homes for their dogs and cats. Even if you cannot adopt an animal long-term, providing a safe and warm home for them for even a short period of time makes a world of difference. To foster an animal at Front Street, check out their website for more information.

Holidays can be tough to navigate for many people. You can make a massive impact and support those struggling by volunteering for the Crisis Help Line. In helping people overcome challenges by offering empathy, guidance and understanding, you can provide tremendous hope and comfort.

There are many ways to give back and spread kindness within your community during the holidays and year-round. By contributing our time, resources and skills, we can help build stronger connections and bring joy to those in need. Even the smallest gestures—like offering kind words, holding the door open, or simply smiling at a stranger—can brighten someone’s day and create a ripple of positivity in the world. Acts of service bring people together and cultivate stronger, more empathetic communities, making the holiday season truly special for all.