The holidays are a time for giving, and what better way to spread joy than by volunteering with your kids? Beyond the gifts and celebrations, it's the perfect season to teach your children the true spirit of kindness and community. However, finding opportunities where kids can actively participate can be tricky. That’s why we’ve gathered 11 family-friendly places where you can volunteer together this holiday season. From serving meals to helping animals, there’s a way for every family to get involved.
1. Volunteer at a Food Bank
During the holiday season, food banks are busier than ever. Help sort, package, or distribute food to families in need. Many food banks welcome children as volunteers, allowing them to see the impact of their efforts firsthand. Go to Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana for more information.
2. Christmas at Kiroli Park
Talk about a magical place to volunteer! At least 3 volunteers are needed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm to assist with guest relations and traffic direction. Call the Kiroli Park office at (318) 396-4016 for more information.
3. Write Letters or Make Care Packages for Service Members
The holidays can be a tough time for those serving away from home. Writing cards and letters to active-duty military personnel is a simple way for kids to share holiday cheer and show gratitude, and it's something you can do from home. Operation Gratitude is one organization that collects letters, care packages, and homemade items for soldiers.
4. Ring that Bell for the Salvation Army
Many families find themselves in shelters and are facing challenging circumstances. Volunteering to help with a little bell ringing is a great way to give back and you can make it fun by inviting friends and family to join you. Salvation Army Monroe
 Antoni Shkraba | Canva via Pexels |
5. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
The holidays are also a time when animal shelters need extra help. Whether it’s reading to dogs, playing with cats, or donating items on the shelter wish list, your family can make a difference for animals in need of love and care. Head to Humane Society Adoption Center of Monroe, Inc. to get more information.
6. Participate in a Community Trash Pickup
The spirit of giving extends to caring for your community and the environment. Join a local litter cleanup event or organize your own! You can also make it a family habit to bring a trash bag along on your walks or hikes. Not only will you beautify your surroundings, but you’ll also spend meaningful time together outside as a family during the holiday season. Ouachita Green has lots of volunteer opportunities!
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7. Donate Toys or Clothes to Kids in Need
The holiday season is the perfect time to teach children about giving by going through their wardrobes and toy boxes to find gently used items they no longer need. Encourage your kids to select toys and clothes they’ve outgrown to donate to local shelters, community centers, or organizations that support children in need. Many charities run special drives during the holidays, making it easy for families to give back and make a difference in the lives of other children. Head to:
Stuff-A-Bus Toy Drive
Live Like Hayes Foundation: Toy Drive & Christmas Celebration
First West Thrift Store
Rolling Hills Ministry
8. Biedenharn Museum and Gardens
The Biedenharn has volunteer opportunities inside and out! You could be the perfect fit to make a difference at this local treasure, let them know a little more about you. Sign-Up Now!
 Krzstof Chrostowski | Canva via Pexels |
9. Donate Hair to Help Kids in Need
If your child is due for a haircut this holiday season, consider donating their hair to an organization that creates wigs for children who have lost their hair due to medical conditions. Several nonprofits, such as Locks of Love, accept hair donations to make wigs for kids experiencing hair loss from treatments like chemotherapy or conditions like alopecia. It's a simple yet meaningful way for your family to make a difference during the holiday season.
10. Neighborhood Clean-Up
Did you know that the Ouachita Parish Public Library has clean-up kits that can be checked out? The kid includes a collection bag, a safety vest, and a trash grabber.
11. Shop Local
This isn't really volunteering but it is so important to shop locally this Holiday season. November 30th is Shop Small Saturday, please participate at your favorite local stores. If you haven't shopped at The Back Alley Market in Downtown West Monroe, please do! They are located at 201 Commerce St., West Monroe, LA, or call to see if they have your favorite local products (318)570-2194!
Make Giving Back a Holiday Tradition
Volunteering with your family is one of the best ways to embrace the true spirit of the holidays. Whether you’re helping at a local event or taking on a project at home, you’ll be making a meaningful impact on your community. So this holiday season, don’t just give gifts — give back.
