Uh oh...
It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
Read More about this safari issue.
The holiday season is a time for families to come together, celebrate traditions, and reflect on the year’s blessings. But it’s also a time when we can give back to others, particularly those in need. One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate the “spirit of the season” is by serving others—especially in communities across Arkansas, where generosity runs deep and the need for support grows as the weather gets colder.
Serving meals, organizing clothing donations, or simply offering a friendly smile to someone struggling can be life-changing for children and adults. It teaches empathy and reinforces the importance of community care.
Arkansas Food Bank: Feeding Those in Need
One of the most impactful ways to serve during the holidays is through food banks and pantries, which ensure families and individuals don’t go hungry. The Arkansas Food Bank, serving the state’s central and southern regions, collects and distributes food to local food pantries, shelters and meal programs.
The need for food increases during the holidays. Families can volunteer at the Arkansas Food Bank by sorting and packing food or organizing food drives to help stock the shelves for the months ahead. Other organizations, such as Feed 479, Harvest Regional Foodbank, Foodbank of Northeast Arkansas, Northcentral Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas, and the River Valley Regional Foodbank, also serve families across the state.
Families and teams can serve by sorting food, packing holiday meals, preparing rice mixes, collecting food in the community, and participating in distribution teams for older adults and children home over the holiday season.
Arkansas Food Bank’s most-needed items
The Salvation Army: Bringing Joy
The Salvation Army has a long history of service to communities across Arkansas and its efforts are critical during the holidays. From organizing toy drives for children to hosting Christmas meals for those without a place to celebrate, the Salvation Army offers many ways for families to serve together.
Families can volunteer their time by helping to prepare and serve holiday meals at local Salvation Army shelters or participating in their Red Kettle Campaign. The Red Kettle is a simple yet powerful way to give, and families can rotate volunteering hours, making it a fun yet meaningful holiday tradition.
Additionally, the Salvation Army runs a “Coats for Kids” program during winter, collecting and distributing coats to needy children. Volunteering as a family to help collect, sort, and distribute these donations can provide a valuable experience in generosity.
Aiding the Homeless This Winter
Winter in Arkansas can be harsh, and many individuals and families face the bitter cold without the security of a home. For those interested in making a tangible impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness, volunteering at a homeless shelter is a great way to serve.
Organizations such as Our House, which serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Little Rock, The Van, which operates in Central Arkansas and 7Hills, which hosts a day retreat center in Fayetteville, offer many volunteer opportunities. Families can participate by serving hot meals, collecting essential items like clothing or toiletries, or providing winter coats and blankets to help those in need stay warm.
Central Arkansas Homeless Support Guide
Arkansas Homeless Shelter Directory
Brightening the Holidays for Older Adults
The holiday season can be incredibly lonely for senior adults, particularly those who live in nursing homes or independent living facilities. Fortunately, there are many opportunities for families to brighten their holidays by serving seniors in their communities.
AARP Arkansas and regional organizations like the Area Agency on Aging help connect volunteers with senior adult centers. Families can participate in activities such as organizing a Christmas carol sing-along organizing a craft time, delivering meals to homebound seniors, or even just visiting and spending time with someone who may not have family nearby.
Many senior centers also need holiday gifts or cards for residents who won’t be spending the holidays with family. Families can create handmade cards, donate small gifts, or even provide festive decorations to help bring the holiday spirit to these centers.
Winter Toy Drives and Christmas Angel Trees
The holiday season is also a time to ensure every child has a gift to open. Many organizations, including Toys for Tots, organize toy drives to ensure that children in need receive presents during the holidays. Families can volunteer to sort and distribute toys or contribute by donating gifts directly. Often, first responders organize these events and work with school counselors.
The Angel Tree program, run by the Salvation Army and other local charities, allows families to sponsor a child in need and buy them a gift for Christmas. As a family activity, this teaches children the joy of giving, helps them understand the importance of helping others, develops a context around wants and needs, and opens their eyes to needs in their school hallways.
Coordinating a Toy Drive for Arkansas Children’s Hospital
A fantastic way to give back during the holidays is by organizing a toy drive for Arkansas Children’s Hospital. This hospital provides medical care to children throughout the state, and for many of these young patients, the holidays can be a difficult time spent away from home.
Work with the Arkansas Children’s Hospital social worker team to learn about their specific needs and the donation guidelines or participate in the Festival of Stars. They may have a list of recommended toys or items that are safe and appropriate for children of various ages. You can organize the toy drive within your community, at your workplace, or even among family and friends. Be sure to create a simple way for people to donate—whether by collecting new, unwrapped toys at a local event or setting up donation bins at community centers or schools. Not only will your efforts bring cheer to children in the hospital, but they will also foster a sense of community and togetherness as you all work toward making a difference during the holiday season.
- ACH Amazon Wishlist
- ACNW Amazon Wishlist
- ACH Walmart Registry for Good
- ACNW Walmart Registry for Good
- Festival of Stars Wishlist
Sorting Clothes and Household Items at Donation Centers
One of the most practical and impactful ways families can give back during the holidays is by volunteering to sort and organize donations at local donation centers or thrift stores, which are set up to fund local nonprofits. Many Arkansans donate gently used clothing, household items, and toys during the holiday season, and these donations often need to be sorted, cleaned, and prepared for distribution. By volunteering their time to help sort these items, families can directly impact their communities and ensure that those in need receive the items they require.
Organizations like Goodwill of Arkansas, The Salvation Army, Potter’s House, Compassion 479, Samaritan Shop, and Habitat for Humanity ReStores rely heavily on donations of gently used items to support their programs.
Making Service a Family Tradition
Serving as a family during the holidays is not just a one-time act—it’s an opportunity to build lasting memories and teach valuable lessons about compassion, generosity and community. Arkansas is full of organizations and opportunities where families can make a difference.
This holiday season, consider how your family, neighborhood, or work team can serve together. Whether volunteering your time or donating items, your family’s contributions can brighten the holidays for someone in need. Serving others is the ultimate way to experience the true spirit of the season—showing love, kindness, and support for those around you.
If you plan to volunteer, contact the organization directly to understand its current needs, the age requirement for volunteers, and how you can best serve them during this busy season. Arkansas is a state known for its warmth and hospitality, and together, we can spread that warmth to those who need it most.
We do the work.
You check your email.
Sign up for our weekly e-news.
Get stories sent straight to your inbox!
Like this story? Read more from Keisha Pittman McKinney
No doubt, this deep into the holiday season, you've already had a few...
As the colder months approach, nothing feels as comforting as a warm cup...
Nestled in the heart of the University of Arkansas's Department of...
Join the Conversation
Leave a Comment