The holidays are a perfect season to spend some extra time giving back. Maybe it’s a family tradition or one you would like to start! There are a lot of different ways to volunteer too. You can ring a bell, help with food drives, adopt a family and more. No matter what way you choose to give back, the nonprofits and the community members they serve will be extremely grateful. If you are looking for holiday volunteering near Olympia and throughout Thurston County, here are some ideas.
Adopt-A-Family
Thurston County Adopt-A-Family programs are a wonderful way to give back during the holiday season. They are great for those with busy or unusual schedules that may not fit into regular volunteering hours. You can shop anytime you wish for your family!
Some local Adopt-A-Family programs include Gabi’s Kids, Tumwater Lions Club and ROOF Community Services.
ROOF Community Services
ROOF Community Services always needs volunteers for their Thanksgiving Turkey Baskets and Operation Santa – where you can help collect and distribute clothing and toys. Maybe you want to organize your own holiday food drive – they welcome that too! Find out more on the ROOF website.
Salvation Army Thurston County
Salvation Army has extra volunteer needs during the holiday. Bell ringers are needed in Thurston County! They are looking for both groups and individuals. Sign up on the RegisterToRing website. You can contact Lt. Michael Mott at 360.352.8596 ext. 103 or via email at michael.mott@usw.salvationarmy.org with questions.
South Sound YMCA
The South Sound YMCA’s annual Giving Tree will be up on November 29, 2024! As usual, they would love extra volunteers to help deliver the toys to local families. To get signed up, contact Clara Robbins at robbinsc@ssymca.net.
Would you also like to donate a toy? You can visit the South Sound YMCA Giving Tree webpage, which has links to their Amazon and Target wish lists. You can have the items shipped directly to the Family Support Center at 3545 7th Avenue SW, Olympia 98502.
City of Tumwater Christmas Tree Lighting
Love holiday decorating and spreading cheer? Volunteer with the City of Tumwater’s Christmas Tree Lighting event on December 7, 2024. They need people to help set up, clean up, assist with Santa photos and help people get around the event. Shifts are three hours long. Email volunteer@ci.tumwater.wa.us to sign up.
Thurston County Food Bank
Whether you help distribute food, pick up food donated at locations throughout Thurston County, or organize a food drive – there are plenty of ways to get involved. The Thurston County Food Bank is grateful for any and all help. You can email volunteers@thurstoncountyfoodbank.org to ask any questions and find out how you can get involved this holiday season, or visit the Thurston County Food Bank volunteer webpage. There you can see when their next Volunteer Orientation dates and volunteer needs.
