Life moves fast — between work, school and family schedules, it can be hard to find time to slow down and give back to your community. But volunteering doesn’t have to be limited to a single season. Local nonprofits and community organizations need support all year long, and even small acts of service can make a big difference.
Getting involved as a family is a meaningful way to connect, teach kids about empathy and show them what it means to step up when others are in need. Whether it’s spending an afternoon at a food pantry, cleaning up a park or helping at an animal shelter, volunteering together builds compassion — and strengthens your community, too.
Updated Nov. 8, 2025: This article was reviewed and updated by the Metro Parent editorial team to reflect new event dates, refreshed links and the latest information available for families.
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 send care kits to families in need.
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: 4646 Division Ave, Wayland
- How to help: Michigan families can apply to foster future service dogs. No prior training is required.
Paws with a Cause is in need of families to raise a PAWS Puppy for up to a year or longer, 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 Road, Oak Park
- How to help: Help organize and pack food boxes.
For kids 10 and older, Forgotten Harvest is a great spot to volunteer this season by packing food boxes and helping tidy the warehouse. Make sure to wear long pants and closed-toed shoes.
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.
Volunteers of all ages 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 sports balls and donate them together.
Provide support for the unhoused at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries
- Address: Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries serves communities across five counties in Michigan. Visit the website for specific locations.
- How to help: Serve food and make donations.
DRMM has been a longtime provider of support for people suffering from homelessness and addiction. Volunteers can help out by serving food and doing other tasks at the DRMM locations, participating in food drives, donating clothing, towels, bedding and hygiene products and more.
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