8 Ways to Give Back in Memphis This Holiday Season

Donate to the Give901 Food Drive

Right now, some of our amazing Give901 partners are running food drives to support Memphis families who need it most, and we’re stepping in to supercharge their efforts! 

Drop off non-perishable food, household essentials, or warm clothing at City Leadership (📍1350 Concourse Ave #463) weekdays from 10–3, now through December 12. 🧥🥫🧻

Think of it this way: Your extra can of soup or that gently used hoodie could be exactly what a neighbor needs this winter.

Click here for more information. 

Buy Holiday Gifts at Choose901 Merch

Looking for the perfect holiday gift that reps the 901 and gives back to impact Memphis? Choose901 merch has you covered! From T-shirts to hats, every purchase supports Memphis programs like Teach901 and Give901. 100% of profits go right back into the community, helping our city thrive. So, snag some swag that does more than just show off your Memphis pride—make a difference with every gift!

The Holiday Market will be at Choose901 HQ (📍1350 Concourse Ave #463) November 19th- December 19th, 2025, Mon-Fri. In the meantime, keep an eye out for the online store opening!

Click here for more info.

Become a Memphis Grizzlies Mentor

If you’re interested in making a long-term impact, The TEAM Mentor Program pairs three mentors with six middle school students to create a supportive community. Help students build relationships, navigate their social world, and work toward a brighter future. Commit to just 90 minutes a week for one school year, with training and special events included.

Click here to become a mentor.

Help a Teacher Plan and Prepare a Holiday Classroom Party

For a fun and meaningful way to give back this season, you can volunteer with Memphis Teacher Residency by helping a local teacher plan and prepare a holiday classroom party! Your support will make the celebration extra special for students and give teachers a helping hand during this busy time. Spread some holiday cheer and make a difference in our community—volunteer today!

For more information, email contact@give901.org.

Volunteer with the Midsouth Food Bank

Join the mission to fight hunger by volunteering with the Mid-South Food Bank! Whether you’re sorting and packing food or helping distribute supplies, your efforts will directly support families in need across the region. Volunteering is a great way to give back, build connections, and make a lasting impact. Sign up today and help us bring hope to the Mid-South!

Click here to volunteer. 

Volunteer with First Congo Food Ministry

From packing sack lunches and helping to keep their food pantry stocked with groceries, to tending to their community gardens which provide fresh flowers, veggies, and herbs, your work with First Congo helps distribute food to our homeless community.

Click here to volunteer. 

Serve Dinner on a Friday Night

Looking for a meaningful way to spend your Friday night?
Our friends at Memphis Union Mission have you covered. Every Friday at 4:45 PM, volunteers can just show up at the Men’s Emergency Shelter (📍383 Poplar Ave) to help serve dinner—no reservation needed! You’ll serve a hot meal, help with light cleanup, and if you’d like, stick around for the evening chapel service. 

🕓 4:45 PM arrival | 🍽️ Dinner at 5 PM | ⏱️ About 30–45 minutes of service

Whether you go solo or bring the whole fam, it’s a small act of kindness that makes a big difference for our neighbors in need.

Click here to sign up.

Support Furry Friends

Help keep families and pets together by volunteering at Memphis Animal Services! Whether it’s assisting pet parents in the Pet Resource Center, delivering supplies, or helping pets find their forever homes, there’s a role for you. You can walk dogs, socialize cats, help with enrichment activities, or even volunteer remotely by posting lost/found pets online. From matchmaking pets with adopters to assisting at events, your time and energy will make a big difference. Sign up today to lend a hand and help our furry friends!

Click here to sign up.

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