How to Serve during the Holidays

Don’t wait for other people to be loving, giving, compassionate, grateful, forgiving, generous, or friendly — Lead the way!

Steve Maraboli

December, 2019

Find a Project

It can be a challenge to find a formal volunteer project during the holidays. Volunteer opportunities fill up fast, and it is a challenge for organizations to plan one-time volunteer activities. You can search for opportunities on JustServe.org.

If you cannot find a formal volunteer opportunity, don’t worry! You can create your own project!

Host a Donation Drive

A great way to get coworkers, family, friends and neighbors involved is to host a donation drive! Start by finding an organization and their list of needs. We have listed a few below to get you started, but our list is not comprehensive. Be sure to check with local organizations to see if they have donation “wish-lists.” Once you’ve found an organization to help, send out the call for donations! You can send out emails, post on social media, and reach out to neighbors to collect donated goods.

Cache CountyWeber/Davis Salt Lake
Cache Food PantryA New Beginning Animal RescueCatholic Community Services
Little Lambs Foundation for KidsBicycle CollectiveFamily Promise Salt Lake
The Family PlaceOgden Nature Center The Family Support Center
Cache Humane SocietyFamily Promise of OgdenGuadalupe School
Cache Pride CenterHomeless Veterans FellowshipRape Recovery Center
Habitat for Humanity ReStoreBountiful Food PantryRonald McDonald House Charities
The Logan Family CenterThe Road Home
Utah CountyGrand CountyIron/Washington Counties
Community Action Services & Food BankHumane Society of Moab ValleyCanyon Creek Services
The Center for Women and Children in CrisisMoab Valley Multicultural CenterFamily Support Center of Southwestern Utah
Southern Utah Valley Animal ShelterWabiSabi MoabIron County Care & Share
Tabitha’s Way Food PantryDove Center
House of HopeRSQ Dogs
Neighborhood Connection

Become a Long-Term Volunteer

It can be hard to find one-time projects during the holidays, but it is a great time to become a long-term volunteer. Explore organizations in your area on JustServe.org and find a way to get involved all year long!

Spread Cheer!

Stop by your local hospice, senior center, or assisted living facility to spread cheer with a friendly visit or some holiday songs! Be sure to reach out beforehand to schedule your visit. You could also inquire about dropping off holiday cards to those that may not have family nearby.

Go out of your way to help a neighbor! You could shovel snow, help with lights, or deliver a meal. Every act of kindness counts!


We would love to hear about how you serve during the holidays! Please share your story or tag us @UServeUtah on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.