Where Can I Volunteer During the Holidays?

The holidays can be a great time to make a difference for those in need in the Philadelphia area. 

Volunteering your time is a great way to get involved and contribute your time and talents. 

Below are some organizations in need of volunteers during the holidays and throughout the year.

Crozer-Chester Medical Center 

Crozer-Chester Medical Center needs volunteers to help bring comfort and happiness to patients through visiting, greeting, knitting, crocheting, and many other opportunities. Call 610-447-6318 to sign-up or for more information. 

Chestnut Hill Hospital

Adults and teens are welcome to become volunteers and make a positive difference in the community. Email Tiffany Whaley or call 215-248-8274 for more information. 

ElderNet

Since 1976, ElderNet has helped older and disabled adults, in Lower Merion and Narberth, to remain living independently and safely in their homes by providing free, practical, volunteer, and social work services. Their mission of "neighbors helping neighbors" relies on volunteers and community support. 

Good Samaritan Shelter

The Good Samaritan Shelter provides transitional housing and supportive services to homeless men, women and women with children in the Phoenixville and Ephrata areas. Painting, gardening, cooking, and mentoring are just a few of the many volunteer opportunities available. 

Habitat for Humanity

Many volunteer opportunities are available including construction, office work, photography, special events, and more. Contact the volunteer coordinator by email to learn more.

iPRAXIS

If you can spare 70 minutes a week, you can become a Scienteer. Volunteers with science, math, or engineering backgrounds are needed to work with small groups of students at Cook-Wissahickon in Roxborough. 

Jewish Relief Agency

Based in Bala Cynwyd, JRAid needs volunteers to help home bound seniors with transportation to medical appointments and the grocery store. They also need help distributing food to over 3,000 low income households in the Philadelphia area. 

Main Line Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels believes that no senior or homebound person should go hungry. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday to pack and deliver meals. Help is welcome on a regular or occasional basis. 

Main Line Health

Volunteers are needed to support Bryn Mawr Hospital and Paoli Hospital in bringing excellent care to the community. People of all ages, from high school through retirees, are encouraged to share their time and interests. Call 484-337-3058 or email if you would like to become a volunteer. 

MANNA 

MANNA prepares and delivers meals and nutritional counseling to those in need, especially individuals facing life threatening illnesses. 

MANNA relies on volunteers to help with kitchen prep, cooking, baking, and packaging, as well as delivering meals and providing assistance with events and outreach.

Pals For Life

Pals For Life is a non-profit organization that provides companion animal programs to elderly and disabled people. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and some Saturdays to visit local nursing homes, mental health facilities and rehab centers with Pals For Life pets. 

Philabundance

Philabundance provides food to approximately 65,000 people per week both directly and through their network of 500 member agencies which includes emergency food kitchens, food cupboards, and senior centers.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed each week to sort and pack supplemental and emergency food items. Volunteers are also needed to unload deliveries, stock shelves, check out participants and data entry at Philabundance's food panty. In addition, volunteers are needed each week to distribute fresh produce to some of the Delaware Valley’s underserved neighbors.

Tredyffrin & Easttown Care

T&E Care is a group of community members that helps local families in need of financial support, food, clothing, furniture, jobs, housing, and more. Volunteers are needed with many skill sets including accounting, technology, and driving. Click here to sign-up.

There are many ways to volunteer your time in the Philadelphia area. Please share your thoughts and ideas for places to volunteer in the comments below.