Give Back This Thanksgiving: Volunteer Opportunities in Minneapolis/St Paul

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many Twin Cities residents are looking for ways to give back. The truth is, organizations need help all year.

I try to volunteer regularly at local nonprofits. Some favorites are Arbor Day tree plantings in spring and holiday fundraising for the Salvation Army. Volunteering just a few hours a month can make a big difference.

Volunteering helps the organizations you serve, and it supports your health and wellbeing. Volunteers have lower rates of depression, higher life satisfaction, and a reduced risk of heart disease.

It can also expand your social network and build new skills. When we give our time to help others, we help ourselves too. Here are great volunteer opportunities to consider this holiday season and year-round:

Meals on Wheels

Help deliver hot meals to homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger.

Volunteers can drive routes and deliver meals. Most shifts take 1 to 2 hours. There are also kitchen prep roles at local sites. Meals on Wheels serves the Twin Cities metro and Greater Minnesota.

Volunteer with Local Shelters

Many shelters provide warm meals and beds for those in need, especially during the holidays. Organizations like the Salvation Army and People Serving People accept volunteers year-round to serve meals, organize donations, provide childcare, and more.

With multiple locations across Minneapolis and St. Paul, you can find a site close to home. I love ringing the bell for the Salvation Army red kettle campaign each year. It is a simple way to spread joy and support programs year-round.

Pack Food at Food Banks

Food banks like Second Harvest Heartland and The Food Group see a surge in clients around Thanksgiving and rely on volunteers to sort, pack, and distribute food.

Nonprofits including The Sanneh Foundation and Joyce Uptown Food Shelf run seasonal food drives leading up to Thanksgiving. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to help.

Most shifts are flexible, often 2 to 3 hours.

Deliver Meals with Open Arms

Open Arms of Minnesota provides nutritious, free meals and groceries to people living with life-threatening illnesses. Volunteers deliver meals and groceries to clients’ doors across the metro, and can also help in the kitchen and garden.

More Timely Opportunities in the Twin Cities

Keystone Community Services (St. Paul): Support food shelves and mobile food distributions. You can volunteer, host a drive, or donate funds to keep shelves stocked. Learn more: Keystone Community Services.

VEAP (Bloomington, Richfield, Edina, South Minneapolis): Help in the food pantry, assist with food drives, or provide rides for seniors. Great for regular volunteers and groups. Details: VEAP Volunteer.

Catholic Charities Twin Cities: Serve meals or support shelter operations at Dorothy Day Place (St. Paul) and Higher Ground (Minneapolis). Info and sign-up: Catholic Charities Volunteer.

How to Get Started

• Sign up early for holiday shifts; popular times fill fast.
• Complete any background checks or brief orientations before your first shift.
• Check age requirements; many sites welcome teens with a parent or guardian.
• Ask about group volunteering for families, school groups, and workplace teams.
• If spots are full, grab a January or February shift when help is still needed.

Donation Alternatives

If you cannot volunteer this season, donations go a long way.

• High-need items: diapers, period products, baby formula, culturally specific pantry staples (rice, lentils, masa, spices), shelf-stable protein, and winter gear (hats, gloves, socks, coats).
• Give gift cards for groceries or gas to help families with choice and flexibility.

Help All Year Long

While Thanksgiving and Christmas get a lot of attention, organizations need help year-round. If the holidays are booked, consider a monetary donation or sign up for a shift after the season ends.

Your time and compassion can make a real difference for neighbors facing food insecurity, illness, and homelessness. There are many organizations doing impactful work in the Twin Cities, and they rely on volunteers to accomplish their missions. This Thanksgiving, give the gift of service by getting involved in your community.

Activities include meal prep and delivery, packing and distributing groceries, sorting donations, mentoring, and helping with admin tasks. With so many options, Twin Cities residents can find a volunteer role that fits their location, schedule, and interests this Thanksgiving season and beyond.