Holiday Volunteer Opportunities for Chicago Families
This year, why not make volunteering one of your family Christmas traditions?
There are plenty of ways to volunteer from home, but if you're looking to get out into the community here's a list of Chicago holiday volunteer opportunities for families. Please recommend any we've missed below...kid-friendly volunteer events can be hard to find, and we'd love your help growing the list!
If you want to keep volunteering together all year long, check out our big list of family volunteer opportunities.
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Families Helping Families
Sarah D. said: Families Helping Families Chicagoland is a completely volunteer-led charity! The mission is simple: create a better community by providing meaningful opportunities for families to support other local families in need. Although their annual Kids Wrap for Kids holiday gift wrapping volunteer event won't be taking place this year due to the pandemic, you can still support a local child by signing to purchase a holiday toy. See their Facebook page for the Sign Up genius link.
Chicago, IL
1 review
Dreams for Kids - Holiday for Hope Gift Drive
Sarah D. said: Dreams for Kids is now focused on their Holiday for Hope initiative - designed to bring a lifetime of hope to children in need! As part of this effort, over 1000 kids will gets the toy they want during the special Holiday for Hope event! Though the in-person gift-wrapping event has been suspended again due to the ongoing pandemic, donations are still being collected and distributed to families in need. Purchase online from one of their gift lists, or buy something in store and deliver to one of their drop-off locations.
Chicago, IL
3 reviews
Operation Christmas Child
Vanessa M. said: Kids of all ages can help make Christmas special for children all over the world by packing a shoebox of gifts with Operation Christmas Child. Every year my family gets together to pack shoeboxes, and it is a wonderful way to focus our little ones' hearts on giving! Teens ages 13+ can volunteer with an adult at the Operation Christmas Child warehouse, sorting and packing shoeboxes in a fun, Santa's workshop-like atmosphere.
1 review
Past Events (4)
The Honeycomb Project Volunteer Events
Sarah D. said: The Honeycomb Project partners with more than 50 local non profits to serve individuals, families and communities in need around Chicago, with a focus on providing family volunteer experiences. They have various volunteer events leading up to the holidays, so browse their full list to register in advance to pack and deliver meals, organize supplies, and clean up the neighborhood alongside your kids. Volunteering as a family is a wonderful holiday tradition!
Chicago, IL
1 review
Wreaths Across America
Lisa R said: Wreaths Across America seeks to remember fallen veterans, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom through wreath laying ceremonies at cemeteries throughout the country each December. Kids can help in every part of the mission, from raising funds to laying wreaths at 14,000 locations across the US, including St. Boniface Cemetery, Union Ridge Cemetery, and many other cemeteries around Chicago and the suburbs. To volunteer, fill out the form online and specify the location or group where you would like to participate.
Chicago, IL
1 review
2021 Holiday Cheer Challenge by The Honeycomb Project
Alexandra F. said: Join Chicago's premier family volunteering organization at their inaugural holiday event, and help them raise money to mobilize thousands of volunteers into action in 2022, as well as spread holiday cheer around downtown Chicago!
The event begins at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, where participants will be welcomed with warm drinks and tasty treats. Then, teams of 4-6 will be sent out on a holiday scavenger hunt to complete holiday-cheer inducing tasks such as caroling at Cloud Gate, giving “thank you” notes to city workers, staging scenes from the Nutcracker, and more! Virtual options will also be available for those who prefer to volunteer from home.
Chicago, IL2 pm - 5 pm
1 review
Santa's Workshop at Fill A Heart 4 Kids
Alexandra F. said: Bring the whole family to volunteer at Fill A Heart 4 Kids this holiday season, where you can fill stockings to give to children in foster care and those experiencing homelessness. Thirty minute slots are available from Monday through Saturday, and are limited to groups of 12 and private parties. You will make cards and fill a stocking with holiday gifts, treats & necessities. A minimum donation of $15/person is requested to purcahse the supplies, which will already be available on-site.
Lake Forest, IL
1 review
Primary photo: freestocks.org on Unsplash
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.
