There’s something about having family home for the holidays that often inspires service.
Volunteer Odyssey launched their #ThanksGivingBack Challenge for the month of November, challenging Memphians to volunteer every week of the month and not just on Thanksgiving. Quite frankly, nonprofits get a lot of interest for how to volunteer on that one specific day. As an organization, we are inspired by the willingness of volunteers who skip their turkey trots to spend time serving their city.
We aim to see that same energy and drive the rest of the month, too, because nonprofits need volunteers every day of the week, of the month, and of the year.
Here are ten ways to keep that momentum moving into December:
Catholic Charities of West TN: Help Load Santa’s Sleigh
- December 1st (11:30AM – 1PM) December 3rd (8:30AM – 10AM) December 6th (3:30PM to 5:30PM)
Join Catholic Charities at St. Anne Catholic Church as they help to spread holiday cheer. Volunteers will assist with unloading Christmas donations for the adopted families in need as preparation for their big distribution day. This is an incredible way to help ensure families will have a happy winter break.
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis: 104.5 the River Toy Drive
- December 1st- 3rd (7AM – 9:30AM) (9:30AM – 12PM) (12PM – 3PM) (3PM – 6PM)
Help out at the Holiday Drive through 104.5 The River, as they work to collect holiday gifts for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis at the City Silo located in Shops of Saddle Creek.
Arrow Creative, Holiday Arts Bazaar
- Wednesdays through Sundays December 1st- 23rd from (10AM – 12:30) (12:30PM – 2:30PM) and (2:30PM – 4PM)
Join Arrow Creative as they celebrate local artists and makers from November 20th- December 23rd. The Holiday Bazaar is an event started by Memphis College of Art and continued on through Arrow Creative. For this event, you will help Arrow work the gift wrapping station, check in on resident artists, and assist with shop sales and stocking.
Community Alliance for the Homeless: Housewarming Baskets
- Ongoing Open Opportunity
For those who haven’t had a place to call home, moving into a spot is a major milestone—but many move in with very few belongings. CAFTH is collecting “Home Warming Baskets” — a laundry hamper filled with cleaning supplies and basic items to help them get started in their new home. Your help will provide support and encouragement to those who need it most. Thank you for your efforts to end homelessness in our community!
Wolf River Conservancy: Harbor Clean Up
- December 11th from (10AM – 12PM)
Join the Wolf River Conservancy along with friends from Clean Memphis and Living Lands and Water for a large-scale river cleanup in the heart of Memphis. Volunteers are needed to assist with litter and debris removal, both in Wolf River Harbor and on the surrounding banks.
Germantown Vaccination Volunteers
- Tuesdays and Fridays from (8:30AM – 12:30PM) and (12PM – 4PM)
Assist with the vaccination efforts at Germantown Baptist Church, offering first and second doses and booster shots. Your support means that these health measures can be maximized throughout Shelby County. Volunteers duties include screening for appointments, completing paperwork, transporting materials, directing traffic, and refilling supplies.
Shelby Farms Park: Starry Nights
- Nightly until January 6th (5:30PM – 8:30PM) and (8PM – 10:30PM)
Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park is a bright and fun experience, full of lights and holiday magic—and it’s also the Park’s largest annual fundraiser. Volunteer positions are critical to its success, and are an excellent way to ensure that Shelby Farms Park and Shelby Farms Greenline remain clean, green, and safe 365 days a year. Volunteers are needed to help with tasks including greeting and interacting with visitors, directing traffic, assisting in the event check-in areas, and more.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Virtual Volunteer Orientation
- December 14th, 21st, and 28th (4PM – 5PM)
Do you want to volunteer with the Habitat for Humanity ReStore? If you answered “yes,” you’re invited to join Madeline Thorton for a virtual orientation session where you’ll learn all about the organization, and what their needs are to run the ReStore, which serves as a daily fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity as they work to offer decent housing to all. Volunteer tasks include unloading, unpacking, and sorting, offering customer service and assistance, etc.
Memphis Botanic Garden: Holiday Wonders
- December 2nd-5th and December 9th- 23rd (4:30PM – 8:45PM)
Holiday Wonders at the Garden is designed to give everyone in the family a chance to enjoy the winter weather and celebrate the holiday season with light displays and seasonal activities. Volunteers will on the scene to help create a fun holiday environment!, assisting with scanning tickets, running activities, directing guests to where they need to go, and other tasks as needed. This will be a great way to spread some holiday cheer while also helping out!
Catholic Charities of West TN: Outreach Porch Volunteer
Monday through Thursday (8AM – 10AM)
Join Catholic Charities on their outreach porch, providing a sack lunch and clothing and hygiene items to those who are seeking support. Volunteers are needed to assist clients with picking out clothing of proper sizes and information collection. This is a very hands on opportunity, working to provide basic needs to those who might need it.
