Do Good For Yourself and Others
The season of giving may seem like it’s all about the presents. The sales, the latest toys, and the gift hauls are clogging up our feeds. But giving back to our community can give us a lot in return. According to Mayo Clinic Health System, volunteering reduces stress, increases self-esteem, and provides valuable social connection, all of which can benefit your health.
There are so many opportunities to help out, from feeding the hungry to beautifying the city, or helping our youngest to our eldest neighbors. Check out the list below and find which cause you connect with.
Annapolis Jaycees (Downtown Annapolis)
Stan & Joe’s, 37 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
This volunteer club encourages young professionals who are 21 to 40 years old to get involved in their community. They host several events throughout the year, including the Hanging of the Greens in downtown Annapolis. They need volunteers who can help hang garlands, bows, and wreaths along the storefronts. This day of activity will be filled with holiday spirit and new friends. Then enjoy the after party that evening! If you can’t make it, you can always help with their Angel Tree food and toy drive in December or at the Downing of the Browns in January.
What to expect: An active day outside while hanging up decorations. Dress up in layers for a cold start to the morning and a warm afternoon. Bring water.
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 7:30 AM to 3 PM.
Great for: Young professionals.
Sign up: Visit their Meetup page for more information and to join.
Anne Arundel County Food Bank (Crownsville)
120 Marbury Drive, Crownsville, MD 21032
The many food banks around the area are ready and willing to give help to those in need. The Anne Arundel County Food Bank recruits volunteers for sorting, setting up, and distributing donations. There are food pantries, baby pantries, and soup kitchens, all of which could use a helping hand.
What to expect: For the Mobile Pantry, volunteers assist with set-up, preparation, and assisting neighbors. For the sorting line, volunteers will need to be able to stand, bend, and lift 20 pounds frequently.
When: Ongoing.
Great for: Individuals or groups. Children 12-17 are able to volunteer with a parent or guardian present.
Sign up: Fill out an individual volunteer interest form online.
Anne Arundel County Holiday Sharing Program
The holidays can be a challenging time for county residents who may not have the resources to provide a big feast for their family. You can help by connecting with and providing groceries for a family or a senior citizen. You can also give a Christmas gift to a family. This program is facilitated by the Department of Social Services, but it is fundamentally neighbors helping neighbors. If you aren’t able to volunteer your time, you can make a donation of money or gift cards to support the program.
What to expect: You will fill out the form and be connected with a family and/or a senior citizen. Then you’ll contact the recipient(s) directly to obtain their wish list and schedule a drop-off time. You will purchase the food or gifts and deliver it before Christmas.
When: Through December.
Great for: Anyone who wants to expand their shopping list a bit to include those in need.
Sign up: Fill out a Donors & Partners Form online.
Happy Helpers for the Homeless (Glen Burnie and Baltimore)
Harundale Presbyterian Church, 1020 Eastway, Glen Burnie, MD 21060
Headquarters, 1550 Caton Center Drive, Halethorpe, MD 21227
Happy Helpers for the Homeless is an all-volunteer organization that distributes food, toiletries, and clothing to unhoused communities in Glen Burnie and the city of Baltimore. For the holidays, they have a great need for volunteers to help with packing, delivering, and handing out items. They will give out not only the basic necessities, but also presents to brighten up Christmas for everyone they serve. And your child can join you, as long as they are at least six years old—it would be a valuable lesson in compassion and generosity.
What to expect: Preparation of sandwiches, bagged lunches, and food baskets. Direct distribution of food and clothing to men, women, and children in Glen Burnie, Pasadena, and Baltimore. Dress for the weather and for the possibility of walking into wooded areas.
When: Check their website for all outreach days. Events include the 33rd Annual Christmas Party on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 10 AM to 3:30 PM; the Christmas Distribution in Baltimore on Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.; and Marydel Christmas Outreach on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.
Great for: Anyone who wants to provide direct help to people facing homelessness. Parents who want to volunteer with their young children ages six and up.
Sign up: Registration is not required. All volunteer days and times can be found on their website.
The Light House (Annapolis)
10 Hudson Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
This organization supports individuals and families facing homelessness by providing a roof over their heads, made-from-scratch meals, and more. The Light House in Annapolis has volunteer opportunities for you, no matter if you prefer to work behind the scenes or directly with clients. Registration is required so you can pass the background check and attend an orientation.
What to expect: Depending on the role, you will likely need to stand and follow instructions.
When: Ongoing.
Great for: Individuals or families. Children need to be at least 11 years old and can only help with some on-site opportunities with a parent or guardian present.
Sign up: Register on their website.
Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland (Various)
515 South Haven St., Baltimore, MD 21224
Meals on Wheels is a nationally recognized organization, famous for providing food to homebound people in need. You can volunteer at their headquarters in Baltimore with their meal packing line, but there are options closer to home. Their meal delivery and grocery programs match you with clients based on your location, making it convenient for you.
What to expect: Regular weekly or bi-weekly shifts for meal delivery. Or you can sign up as a substitute if you have a flexible schedule.
When: Ongoing.
Great for: Individuals and groups. Drivers must be at least 18 years old. Teens can help with meal packing as long as they are 14-17 years old.
Sign up: Register on their website and sign up for an orientation.
Partners in Care Maryland (Anne Arundel County)
8151-C Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122
This organization connects volunteers to older adults, providing support services for those aging in place. Everything from rides to appointments to minor home repairs are covered by volunteers. For the holidays, they have the Elves for Elders program. Volunteers can donate, decorate, or deliver stockings filled with thoughtful gifts.
What to expect: You can buy (or make) a stocking on your own and fill it with gifts. Then contact the Partners in Care office to find out drop-off days and times.
When: Ongoing opportunities and holiday stocking delivery.
Great for: Individuals with skills and a willingness to help. And a family can fill a stocking together.
Sign up: Fill out their online application form for ongoing opportunities. Call to find out more information for dropping off a stocking.
The Salvation Army (Annapolis and surrounding communities)
351 Hilltop Ln., Annapolis, MD 21403
Back in 1891, Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee wanted to feed the hungry, and decided to put out a pot with a sign that read “Keep the Pot Boiling.” Now the pot is red, and a bell ringer calls people to donate to this Christmas tradition. Volunteers are needed each year to ring the bell.
What to expect: Standing outside and bringing good cheer while requesting donations.
When: Ongoing through December.
Great for: Individuals who can stand for a long period of time. But virtual bell-ringing is an option, as well.
Sign up: Register to be a bell ringer as an individual, with a group, or virtually. For other volunteer opportunities, fill out their online form.
Walk the Walk Foundation (Anne Arundel County)
8855 Veterans Highway, Millersville, MD 21108
Walk the Walk Foundation (WTWF) is a Christian organization that aims to create a cycle of giving. By recruiting volunteers to give their time and services, WTWF hopes to inspire those who have received help to give back in the future. Their Christmas program accepts gifts for children in Anne Arundel County whose families may not be able to afford them. You can provide gifts after reviewing information on their website, or give your time to help with these gifts. Volunteers are needed to organize and prepare gifts, provide administrative support, and put together bicycles. You may also sign up for last-minute gift delivery and clean-up on December 19.
What to expect: Depending on what you sign up for, you may be on-site for preparing gifts or needed as a gift delivery elf.
When: Through December until December 19.
Great for: Individuals who want to make a direct impact for spreading holiday cheer.
Sign up: You can sign up for ongoing volunteer opportunities here. For Christmas volunteering, you can sign up for specific roles and slots here.
There are so many ways to give your time and efforts to better our community. Do good and feel good this holiday season. And keep up the great work into the new year!
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