The holidays are a busy time, with work deadlines to meet before vacations, gifts to source and parties to plan. But the season of giving isn’t just about presents, it’s about helping others.
Families in a position to help are in luck — many effective and diverse charities exist close to home. These local organizations need help all year long, and a volunteer stint during the holidays is a great place to start.
Showing your children how people step up when neighbors are in need is an incredible way to raise thoughtful, caring adults. Plus, it’s nice to spend time together as a family doing something for the community during a winter break.
This article was recently updated on Sept. 13, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on family volunteering opportunities in metro Detroit, aligning with Metro Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@metroparent.com.
Family Volunteering Opportunities in Metro Detroit
Donate directly to someone in need through Samaritas House
- Address: 8131 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit
- How to help: Donate money or items like kitchen supplies and cleaning products.
This statewide organization has many programs to help those in need. Notably, they offer educational, vocational and legal services for refugees. They ask for specific donations, so have the family put together a box for someone in your community.
Foster a puppy with Paws with a Cause
- Address: 3208 Crooks Road, Royal Oak
- How to help: Families in southeast Michigan and Ann Arbor (and other areas, too) are able to foster
Paws with a Cause is in need of families to raise a PAWS Puppy for 14-18 months, until it’s old enough to begin formal Assistance Dog training. It’s a serious commitment, but an incredible experience.
Help with an email campaign with the ACLU
- Address: 2966 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- How to help: Donate directly or participate in contacting legislators.
The American Civil Liberties Union is a national organization with a robust Michigan chapter. Lawyers and activists team up to fight for the civil rights afforded to every person at this nonpartisan organization. Families with older children can help with email campaigns and more.
Make a household DIY kit for United Way for Southeastern Michigan
- Address: The Fisher Building, 3011 W Grand Blvd., Suite 500, Detroit
- How to help: Create a DIY Box with common household items to donate.
United Way coordinates an enormous amount of support for families in need. This season, consider making a DIY kit for families. The organization asks for things like hand soap, menstrual hygiene products and paper towels.
Pack boxes at the Forgotten Harvest warehouse
- Address: 15000 Eight Mile, Oak Park, MI 48237
- How to help: Help organize and pack food boxes
For kids older than 12, Forgotten Harvest is a great spot to volunteer this season by packing food boxes and helping tidy the warehouse. Make sure to wear non-slip or wear shoes at this spot.
Participate in the Friendly Caller Program at MiGen
- Address: 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
- How to help: Donate directly or volunteer on a committee, deliver food or participate in the Friendly Caller program to combat social isolation.
MiGen is metro Detroit’s chapter of the national organization for LGBTQ+ elders. The organization advocates for senior needs and provides services like food delivery and the Friendly Caller Program, which helps combat social isolation.
Put together a reading kit for other families
- Address: The Fisher Building, 3011 W Grand Blvd., Suite 500, Detroit
- How to help: Pack up a box with your choice of reading supplies
For little ones learning to read, flash cards, books and pencils make a huge difference. Get the whole family involved in picking out which books to choose and get creative.
River Roundup with the Huron River Watershed Council
- Address: 1100 N. Main St., Suite 210, Ann Arbor
- How to help: Collect bugs at the Huron River
Kids ages 5 and up are invited to search through stones, leaves, and sediment to find samples of bugs. Each team will have an experienced volunteer to help with the collection. Perfect for kids that like to get dirty!
Shop for sporting equipment for Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan
- Address: 26777 Halsted Road, Suite 100, Farmington Hills
- How to help: Donate money, school supplies or sporting equipment, or volunteer.
The Boys and Girls club offers mental wellness resources, general mentorship, distance learning support, educational summer camps and more. The next time the family is out shopping for gifts, pick up an extra set of cleats or balls and donate them together.
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