Kids can help sort holiday gifts at Christmas in the City; this year, they can collect toys at home to deliver to the organization. Photo courtesy of Christmas in the City

Christmas in the City—Boston 

While its annual December holiday party that benefits area families in need is canceled this year, families are encouraged to donate toys and other items that will go straight to kids celebrating the holidays in local shelters. Become a "backpack stuffer" by signing up here, and be sure to check Christmas in the City's Facebook page for posts and information regarding more volunteer and giving opportunities, as the organization will continue adding information throughout November and December.

Cradles to Crayons—Newtonville

Cradles to Crayons provides children through age 12 basic items to go through school and daily life with dignity, such as clothing, shoes, and most important this winter, warm jackets and snow gear. Children ages 10 and up can help volunteer in-person at the Giving Factory, located in Newtonville. Younger kids can volunteer with you from home by signing up for Giving Factory at Home activities, including sorting clothing, making kids' masks, or creating "girls outfit" and "boys outfit" packs (parents just need to pick up materials and drop them back off after the project is completed.)

Kids Backing Kids—Wellesley

This organization supports children in need in Framingham, Natick, Needham, Newton, Wayland, Wellesley, or Weston. Young children can sign up to help stuff backpacks with clothing, toiletries, and other welcome items, or be matched with a family to help provide holiday gifts in 2020.

Community Servings—Jamaica Plain 

While teens can help prepare and pack up meals to be delivered to food insecure families, younger kids can help out by making cards that are delivered along with meals. (Note that in 2020, families are not being asked to help with Pie in the Sky deliveries; check back in 2021 to get involved with that holiday effort).

My Brothers Table—Lynn

Kids ages 12 and older are welcome to help prepare and serve meals at this soup kitchen (the largest on the North Shore). Children under age 12 are encouraged to bake homemade desserts at home to drop off; collect and donate items from a wish list, like toiletries; write encouraging notes or make cards to put in the meal bags for guests; and help collect sweaters, hats and gloves for guests in December. 

Catching Joy connects with many organizations to sponsor drives. Photo courtesy of Catching Joy

Catching Joy—Multiple Locations

Throughout the year, Catching Joy provides opportunities for volunteerism and giving for families with young children. Check the Facebook page for posts and information regarding events, such as donation opportunities and story times open to everyone. They often work with The Blue Bunny as well for events.

Rippes of Hope Family Gratitude Turkey Trot—Boston

Volunteer opportunities are limited this year, but families are encouraged to either participate in a fundraising 5K Turkey Trot or receive a free "Be the Ripple" toolkit of at-home activities. Register up until November 26.

Friends of Boston Homeless—Boston

This organization that helps individuals and families find comfort during the colder months and find shelter encourage grown-ups to get together with kids and organize a sock drive, glove and mittens drive, or a gift basket drive this winter. It has pre-made flyers on its website to print out and distribute to make the drive easy to start.

Rosie's Place—Boston

The first women's shelter in the United States continues to provide housing and earning opportunities for women around Boston. When accompanied by a grown-up, kids 12 and older can volunteer to help make, serve, or cater a meal, which is especially needed over the holidays.

Originally published November 2013