The holiday season is a perfect time to share the joy of giving with kids, teaching them about compassion and the importance of helping others. Volunteering together not only strengthens family bonds but also brings invaluable lessons about empathy and community. Whether you’re serving meals, collecting coats, or spreading holiday cheer to seniors and furry friends, these volunteering opportunities in El Paso, Teller, and Douglas Counties offer meaningful ways to make a difference as a family. Here are some fantastic places where you and your kids can get involved and make this holiday season a little brighter for everyone. 🌟
1. Food Banks and Pantries 🥫
Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado (El Paso County)
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Activities: Families can help sort, pack, and distribute food to those in need during the holiday season. This is a great way to give back and teach kids about food security. Ages: Typically, children as young as 8 can participate with a parent or guardian.
Website: careandshare.org
Tri-Lakes Cares (El Paso County)
Location: Monument, CO
Activities: Assist with food distribution, prepare holiday meal baskets, or help organize food drives. A perfect way for families to volunteer together and directly impact their community.
Ages: Children 10+ with supervision.
Website: tri-lakescares.org
Little Chapel Food Pantry (Teller County)
Location: Divide, CO
Activities: Assist with food distribution or sorting donations, especially during the holiday rush when families are in greater need.
Ages: Children 10+ can volunteer with parental supervision.
Website: littlechapelfoodpantry.org
2. Holiday Toy Drives 🎁
Marian House Soup Kitchen and Catholic Charities (El Paso County)
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Activities: Help collect, sort, and distribute toys to families in need during the holidays, as part of their holiday gift drive.
Ages: Children 10+ with a guardian.
Website: ccharitiescc.org
Salvation Army Angel Tree Program (El Paso County and Douglas County)
Location: Various locations
Activities: Families can “adopt” a child or senior, purchase holiday gifts, and help wrap and distribute them. It’s a great way to involve kids in selecting gifts for those in need.
Ages: All ages (gift donation); some volunteer roles have age requirements.
Website: salvationarmyusa.org
Toys for Tots (Nationwide, including Teller and El Paso Counties)
Location: Various donation drop-off sites
Activities: Donate new, unwrapped toys or volunteer to help sort and distribute gifts to children. Kids can help pick out toys to donate, making it a hands-on way to spread holiday cheer.
Ages: All ages (gift donation); sorting may have age requirements.
Website: toysfortots.org
3. Soup Kitchens and Meal Services 🍲
Marian House Soup Kitchen (El Paso County)
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Activities: Serve meals to those in need, especially during holiday meal events. Families can help with prepping, serving, or distributing meals to guests.
Ages: Volunteers 13+ can participate with a guardian.
Website: ccharitiescc.org
Springs Rescue Mission (El Paso County)
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Activities: Serve holiday meals, sort clothing donations, or help with their winter shelter services.
Ages: Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Website: springsrescuemission.org
4. Animal Shelters 🐾
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (El Paso County)
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Activities: Kids can help by creating homemade toys, blankets, or treats for animals or participate in special youth volunteer programs. Older kids may assist directly with shelter tasks.
Ages: 12+ for certain volunteer activities.
Website: hsppr.org
TCRAS (Teller County Regional Animal Shelter) (Teller County)
Location: Divide, CO
Activities: Donate supplies, help with adoption events, or participate in “Read to the Dogs” programs to comfort animals. A great way for kids to get involved and help furry friends during the holidays.
Ages: Varies; contact for youth volunteer opportunities.
Website: tcrascolorado.org
5. Senior Centers and Nursing Homes 🧓❤️
Brookdale Senior Living Centers (El Paso and Douglas Counties)
Location: Multiple locations
Activities: Spread holiday cheer by visiting residents, singing carols, making holiday cards, or helping with holiday decorations. A heartwarming way for kids to make connections with the older generation.
Ages: All ages with parental supervision.
Website: brookdale.com
Golden Years and Giggles at Sunrise Senior Center (El Paso County)
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Activities: Participate in intergenerational activities like reading, playing games, or creating holiday crafts with seniors.
Ages: Children of all ages can participate with a guardian.
Website: Contact the local center for opportunities.
6. Coat and Clothing Drives 🧥
Coats for Colorado (Douglas County and El Paso County)
Location: Drop-off sites in various cities
Activities: Donate new or gently used coats to help those in need stay warm this winter. Kids can help collect and organize coats for donation.
Ages: All ages can donate; sorting may have age restrictions.
Website: coatsforcolorado.org
One Nation Walking Together (El Paso County)
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Activities: Organize donations of warm clothing and blankets for Native American families in need.
Ages: All ages welcome with parental supervision.
Website: onenationwt.org
These opportunities provide meaningful ways for families to volunteer together during the holiday season. By sharing their time, energy, and compassion, kids can learn valuable lessons about empathy, community, and the spirit of giving. Happy volunteering, and may your holidays be filled with warmth and kindness!
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