There are many ways to give back this holiday season, online and in person. Together, we can give money, time, or items, and every bit adds up. A gift in someone’s honor can mean more than another coffee mug or candle. Giving Tuesday falls on December 1, 2026, so it’s a great moment to pick a cause. Here are ideas you can try today, plus a few to turn into family traditions.
Ways to give back online
Giving online is one of the easiest ways to give back during the holidays. You can donate in minutes, and you can choose a cause that fits the person you’re thinking of. Want more ideas? Browse our where to give page, then try one of the below ideas.
Give in someone’s honor
A donation in someone’s name is a gift that does good. Pick a cause that fits the person. Make your holiday donations in their honor, and share a short note about why you’re giving. Does someone you love have everything? Give to a food pantry in their name, and tell them what impact it will make. It’s a gift that won’t ever to waste.
Help people cover essentials
The GoFundMe Essentials Fund gives one-time emergency cash grants to people facing an unexpected crisis. These grants help cover urgent costs like food, housing, and utilities. Because donations are shared among recipients, your gift helps many individuals, families, and communities. As of November 3, 2026, the fund page says it has supported more than 7,500 individuals and households. You can donate to the Essentials Fund today.
Support hurricane recovery
Hurricanes can leave families without a home, power, or income. The 2026 Hurricane Relief Fund sends unrestricted cash grants to verified people affected by hurricanes across the U.S. Grants often begin within a day of a major storm, so help reaches neighbors while they rebuild. With your support, we can help families get back on their feet. Donate to the Hurricane Relief Fund to join in supporting communities and families that need your help.
Give on Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is December 1, 2026, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s a global day of giving, and people share money, time, and items with causes they care about. A simple plan works best. Pick one cause ahead of time, then give early in the day. You can learn how to take part on the GivingTuesday site.
Give to causes you care about
Looking for holiday charity ideas that match someone’s interests? Start with a cause that speaks to you. Giving to charity during the holidays feels even better when the cause is personal. Here are two ways to find yours.
Feed families in need
Flavor Flav has volunteered at The Bowery Mission every Thanksgiving. The Bowery Mission is a place of welcome, care, and healing in New York City. It serves neighbors experiencing homelessness and hunger. Your gift can help families get meals long after the holiday table is cleared. Check out The Bowery Mission to learn more.
Find a fundraiser in your community
Some of the most meaningful gifts stay close to home. Search by location, keyword, or name, like “book store,” to find a cause near you. You might find a local animal shelter, a youth sports team, or a neighbor who needs a hand. Every fundraiser is backed by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. That means a full refund in the rare case that something isn’t right. Search for a fundraiser on GoFundMe to get started.
Ways to give back offline
Not every gift comes from a wallet. Time, items, and kindness count too. If you’re wondering how to give back during the holidays without spending money, start here. These ways to give back this holiday season put your time and kindness to work.
Volunteer your time
Volunteering helps in a big way. You can serve meals at a shelter, pack boxes at a food bank, or wrap gifts. You could also visit a nursing home or walk dogs at a local animal shelter. Many sites need extra hands around the holidays, so call ahead to ask what they need. AmeriCorps research released in November 2024 found that 75.7 million Americans, or 28.3 percent, volunteered through an organization. That figure covers September 2022 to 2023. To find a food bank near you, try the Feeding America food bank finder.
Run a food or gift drive
A drive is a simple way to bring neighbors together. Pick a drop-off spot, ask your local shelter or food pantry what it needs, and set a date. Then share it with neighbors, coworkers, or classmates. Not everyone can give items, and friends far away can chip in online instead. Our guide to starting a virtual food drive shows how.
Donate items you no longer need
Coats, blankets, books, toys, and gently used clothes can all find a new home. Local animal shelters often welcome old towels and blankets too. Check each charity’s needs list first so your items help instead of piling up. A quick call or website visit saves everyone time.
Check in on neighbors
Small acts add up. Offer to shop for a neighbor, carry their groceries, or share a meal. You’d be in good company. The same AmeriCorps research found that 137.5 million Americans, or more than 54 percent, informally helped neighbors. That figure covers the same period. Need ideas? Try these random acts of kindness under $10.
Make giving a family tradition
Start a tradition the whole family can look forward to. Let kids pick a cause, set aside a giving jar, or volunteer together. Our post on more ways to help beyond donating shows how everyone can pitch in, even without a gift. For ideas that last past the holidays, see these 10 easy ways to give back to the community.
Give back together this holiday season
Giving back can look like a donation, an hour of your time, or a bag of coats for a drive. Together, we can make this season warmer for the people around us. Ready to help someone you love? Start a fundraiser and let others join in.
