Small Group and Family Serving Ideas for the Holiday Season

What better way to share the love this holiday season than to come together with family and friends and help those in need! All across Michigan there are plenty of opportunities to be for your community!

1. The Salvation Army- All campuses

The Salvation Army provides essential services to those in need during the holidays. Families and groups can volunteer to help with food and toy drives, pack holiday meals, or serve at local shelters. 

2. Gleaners Food Bank – Brighton/Livonia/Taylor/Monroe

Gleaners operates in various locations and is dedicated to reducing hunger. Families can volunteer together to sort and package food items for holiday meal distributions.

3. Opportunities for the Ann Arbor Campus

• Food Gatherers is dedicated to alleviating hunger. Families can volunteer to sort and pack food items at their facility or assist with community food distributions. 
• Washtenaw County Community Action Team (WCCAT) works to support low-income residents in the county. During the holidays, they organize various initiatives, including food drives and holiday gift collections. Families and groups can help sort and package donations. 
• Meals on Wheels delivers meals to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities. This holiday season, consider volunteering to help prepare or deliver meals. Families can work together to ensure that those in need receive a warm meal and a friendly visit, brightening their day during the holidays.
• The University of Michigan’s Gifts for Kids is an annual program that provides gifts to children in need throughout the county. Families can participate by purchasing gifts, wrapping presents, or helping with distribution. 
• The Humane Society of Huron Valley offers a chance to volunteer during the holiday season. Families can assist with animal care, help organize fundraising events, or participate in adoption events. 

4. Opportunities for the Brighton Campus

• The Livingston County United Way coordinates various initiatives to improve the lives of residents in the county. During the holiday season, they often organize food drives and gift collections for families in need. Families and groups can assist with sorting and distributing donations.
• The Pantry at the Livingston County Community Center provides food and basic necessities to families in need. Volunteers can help stock shelves, organize food drives, and assist with holiday meal distributions. 
• Covenant Hills Camp often hosts holiday-themed events and activities for children and families. Volunteers can assist with organizing these events, helping with decorations, and engaging with participants. 
• Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan’s Purse) collects and distributes shoeboxes filled with gifts for children around the world. Families can participate by packing shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items. Local drop-off locations in Livingston County welcome volunteers to help with the collection and distribution process during the holiday season.

5. Opportunities for the Lansing Campus

• Capital Area United Way works to improve the lives of individuals and families in the community. During the holiday season, they coordinate various initiatives, including food drives and holiday gift programs. Families can volunteer to sort donations, wrap gifts, or help with community outreach efforts.
• The Food Bank Council of Michigan coordinates efforts to fight hunger across the state. Families can volunteer at their local food banks in the county, helping to sort and package food items for holiday distributions. 
• Haven House provides temporary housing and support for families experiencing homelessness. During the holiday season, they often seek volunteers for holiday events, meal preparations, and gift wrapping for families. Groups can engage in activities that directly support families in need.
• Lansing Community College (LCC) Holiday Food Drive often organizes holiday food drives to support local families. Families and groups can volunteer to help collect, sort, and distribute food donations. 
• The Greater Lansing Food Bank provides essential services to those facing food insecurity in the county. Families can volunteer to help with food packing and distribution events during the holiday season. 

6. Opportunities for the Livonia & Taylor Campuses

• The Detroit Historical Society often hosts special events and programs during the holiday season. Families and groups can volunteer to assist with holiday activities, crafts, and educational programs for children. 
• The Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit serves meals and provides services to those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Families can volunteer together to prepare and serve meals during the holiday season.
• The Children’s Center in Detroit provides support to children and families facing challenges. During the holiday season, they look for volunteers to help with gift drives, wrapping presents, and organizing holiday parties. 
• The Henry Ford Museum often hosts holiday-themed events and activities for families. Volunteers can help with special programming, guiding visitors, and assisting with craft activities. This is a fun way to engage with the community and celebrate the holiday spirit through history and innovation.
• The YMCA of Metro Detroit offers various volunteer opportunities during the holiday season, from helping with community events to organizing donation drives. Families can volunteer together at local YMCA branches to support youth programs, holiday meals, and festive gatherings that foster community spirit.

7. Opportunities for the Monroe Campus

• Monroe County Opportunity Program (MCOP) provides essential services to low-income families in the county. During the holidays, they often need volunteers for food drives, holiday meal distributions, and gift wrapping for families in need. Families can participate in various activities.
• Project Linus is a national organization that provides homemade blankets to children in need. Families can participate by making blankets together during the holiday season. This creative and heartfelt volunteer opportunity is perfect for families looking to craft a tangible gift of comfort for children facing difficult times.
• Monroe County Animal Control is a great place to volunteer for animal lovers. During the holidays, they may need help with special adoption events, fostering animals, or organizing supply drives for pet food and toys. 
• The Community Foundation of Monroe County often organizes initiatives to support local families during the holiday season. Families and groups can volunteer to assist with holiday gift drives, fundraising events, or community outreach programs. 

8. Opportunities for the Saginaw Campus

• Saginaw County Community Action Committee (SCCAC) focuses on reducing poverty and enhancing the quality of life for low-income residents. During the holiday season, they often host events where families can volunteer to distribute holiday meals or gifts. Helping to wrap presents or organize food drives can make a meaningful difference for those in need.
• Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan is always looking for volunteers, especially during the busy holiday season. Families and groups can assist at local Goodwill stores by organizing donations, helping with inventory, or participating in holiday-themed events. 
• The Bridge Saginaw is a local nonprofit that provides support and resources for those facing homelessness and poverty. During the holidays, they often need volunteers to help with their food pantry and holiday meal preparations. Families can volunteer together to sort food items and prepare holiday meals.

The Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance coordinates various community initiatives, including holiday events. Groups and families can get involved by volunteering at holiday fairs or helping with toy drives for local children. Participating in these events is a fun way to contribute to the spirit of the season while meeting other community members

Check out our website for more information. We always welcome new friends to worship with us. Find a location that’s close to you!
You can learn more about our beliefs and visit our video library to explore more topics like this one. You can also check out our events page to find out what fun new things we’re doing this season.