Serve, Support, Connect: Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Near You
As the holiday season approaches, our community enters a time marked by celebration, gratitude, and connection. It is also a season when many of our neighbors face increased hardships, from food insecurity to financial strain. November and December offer countless ways to give back, and whether you have an hour or a full day to spare, your contribution can make a meaningful difference.
At United Way of the Lakeshore, we are grateful for the many volunteers who step forward each year to strengthen our community. Below are several opportunities to serve this season, each offering a chance to support local families, uplift children, protect our natural resources, and spread holiday cheer.
Strengthen Food Access Across the Lakeshore
The holiday season brings increased need for families experiencing food insecurity, and volunteers play a vital role in helping ensure that every neighbor has access to nutritious meals. From mobile food pantries to meal delivery programs and youth-focused food security efforts, there are several ways to support food access in our community this season.
Oceana County Mobile Food Pantry
Friday, November 14 from 4:30 to 6:30 | Shelby Elementary School
Volunteers will help distribute food to families in the Shelby area.
Sign up: Click Here
Friday, December 5 from 4:30 to 6:30 | Walkerville School District
Help distribute food to Walkerville-area residents ahead of the winter season.
Sign up: Click Here
Kids' Food Basket
Kids' Food Basket engages volunteers in preparing healthy meal packs for children across West Michigan. Volunteers help with tasks such as pack assembly, produce prep, and event support so that students in need have access to nutritious evening meals.
Volunteer shifts are available throughout the season via the KFB Muskegon volunteer portal: Click Here
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Run Meal Distribution
Thursday, November 27 at 9:30 AM | Reeths-Puffer High School
Each Thanksgiving, volunteers deliver hot meals to more than 2,000 Muskegon County residents in need. This annual effort, led by The Salvation Army, is one of the largest holiday meal distributions in the region.
Sign up: Click Here
Spread Joy Through Bell Ringing for The Salvation Army
Bell ringing is one of the most recognizable symbols of holiday giving. Funds raised through the Red Kettle Campaign directly support local programs that provide food, shelter, and assistance to families throughout the year.
Shifts are short, flexible, and family friendly, making bell ringing an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to brighten someone's day.
Sign up: Click Here
Help Create Holiday Magic in the White Lake Community
The White Lake Giving Tree project brings together volunteers, churches, and local organizations to support families in Montague and Whitehall. Their annual delivery day is one of the largest volunteer mobilizations in the area.
White Lake Giving Tree Delivery Volunteers
Saturday, December 13 beginning at 8:45 AM | St. James Catholic Church
Volunteers deliver gifts, food, and essentials to families throughout the White Lake area.
Learn More: Click Here
Support the Angel Tree Program
The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program ensures children and seniors in our community receive gifts and holiday essentials. Volunteers help sort, organize, and prepare donated items for families.
Angel Tree Volunteers
December 5 through 18 | Multiple shifts available
Sign up: Click Here
A Season of Service
The holiday season offers many pathways to support our neighbors. Whether you choose to deliver a meal, greet families at a mobile food pantry, or ring a bell outside your local store, your service matters.
Every act of generosity strengthens our community. We are grateful for your commitment to showing up during one of the busiest times of the year and helping ensure that every person across Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana counties feels supported.
If you are ready to make a difference, explore these opportunities and register through our Get Connected volunteer portal. Together, we can make this season brighter for everyone who calls the Lakeshore home.
Know of a volunteer opportunity for the holidays not featured above? Or do you have a corporate group interested in volunteering together for the holidays? Email Sara Sherwood at sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org.
