As you explore our Holiday Family Fun Guide, you’ll discover local holiday markets, Santa sightings, and other key ingredients for seasonal cheer. 

In addition to holiday shopping, Philly families embrace the spirit of giving back through holiday volunteering and thoughtful gifting. Sharing service opportunities with your kids helps them learn the value of community, compassion, and making a difference.

Holiday Volunteering for Families and Charitable Giving

Volunteering as a family and charitable gifting go hand in hand during the season of giving. Whether you spend time sorting food donations or purchase a gift for a child in need, your efforts radiate values of community service, gratitude, and kindness. This season, model giving back to the community and involve your kids in something bigger than presents.

Opportunities to Volunteer With Kids

Family volunteering is a powerful way for children to see how others live and understand how they can contribute to their community. From packing holiday meals to distributing coats or toys, Philadelphia offers several kid-friendly volunteering opportunities.

Cradles to Crayons

4700 Wissahickon Ave., Suite 142, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Families, including those with children as young as age six, can volunteer together at Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory warehouse. They sort, pack, and organize essential items, such as clothing, shoes, and books, for children experiencing poverty.

Hope for the Holidays Program

Philadelphia region

The Grace Project’s Hope for the Holidays program supports families who are struggling by providing gifts and holiday meals. Volunteers can help wrap and deliver gifts, set up holiday meals, and support families in need.

Caring for Friends

Philadelphia region

Caring for Friends offers volunteer shifts for individuals and groups, including families, to help prepare meals, pack “caring bags,” and support local food pantries. It’s an effective way for children to see the direct impact of their time and effort.

ACCT Philly

111 W Hunting Park Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140

Parents and adult children aged 18 and over can volunteer at ACCT Philly this holiday season. The shelter welcomes animal lovers who want to help furry friends in need. Volunteers can walk dogs or assist with cat socialization. They can also help a shelter pet put their best paw forward by taking photos of them for the agency’s adoption website.

Tip for Families:

Because the holidays are busy, many volunteer spots fill up quickly. Be sure to reach out early, and be open to helping when your services are needed most.

Also, check age requirements, as some programs may require children to be older for specific tasks. Afterwards, be ready for a meaningful conversation. Here are some questions to ask your children are:

• What did you see?
• How did it feel?
• What can we do next?

Gifting: Generosity That Brings Cheer to Others

When you can’t spend time volunteering, gifting for families in need is another powerful way to give back. Here are programs in the Philadelphia region offering such opportunities.

Police Athletic League’s PAL Holiday

3068 Belgrade Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134

PAL’s Holiday program includes a toy wish list for children ages six through 17 in the community. You can donate new, unwrapped toys, clothes, or even volunteer during their holiday events.

The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia Area

Multiple locations in the region

The Salvation Army offers “Angel Tree” toy drives, holiday meals, and hot-meal service shifts. Families can adopt an “angel,” buy gifts, or serve at a meal site together.

Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund’s HOPE for the Holidays Adopt-a-Family

8624 Germantown Avenue (Rear), Philadelphia, PA 19118

This program enables sponsors to adopt a family in need, provide gift cards, and support the entire family’s holiday experience.  

Other Ways to Teach Your Children to Give Back This Season

Beyond volunteering and gifting, there are other meaningful ways you and your family can give back to the Philly community this holiday season.

• Host a care-package creation day where your children help assemble winter hats, gloves, socks, and blankets, and then drop them off at a neighborhood shelter or a partner organization, such as Project HOME in Philadelphia.

• Plan a family shopping outing where each child chooses a small gift for another child in need. Then wrap it together and deliver or donate.

• While you’re shopping at local markets, take a moment to think about local giving. For instance, the “Giving Machines” installation at Fashion District Philadelphia lets families donate items together in a visually fun way

• Volunteer for a simple act of service. Pick a day to drop off meals, grab groceries for someone, or coordinate a drop-off of toys or winter gear. These don’t always require long commitments.

• Use it as an opportunity for a family discussion. Ask your kids what they’re grateful for, what they might give, and how helping others makes a difference.

Making the Holidays Brighter Through Family Giving

This season, the gift of time and intentional giving matter as much as the gifts under the tree. Whether you schedule a shift at a food bank, head out as a family to a toy drive, or purchase items for a family in need, your efforts teach children empathy, community responsibility, and joy in giving. The holidays become richer when we open our hearts and our hands to others.

Lead photo courtesy of the Police Athletic League’s PAL Holiday.