This story has been updated to include the Louisville Metro Council and Seven Counties Service.
The holiday season is the perfect time to pause and think about what matters most and how you can pay it forward and help those in need.
With inflation hovering around 2.6%, many people need a little extra help this holiday season, including numerous non-profit agencies that rely on volunteers and the kindness of others to support their clientele. Here are some ways to give back and lend a helping hand to those in need across the Louisville area this holiday season.
Know of a place we missed? Send a note to Gege Reed at [email protected].
2301 Goldsmith Lane; boysandgirlshaven.org
Boys & Girls Haven, which provides a safe haven to young people who have experienced trauma, needs monetary donations and donations from its Amazon Wish List for the holiday season. Purchase items needed from Amazon and have them shipped directly to their location. A complete list of needs can be found on its website.
2911 S. Fourth St.; cclou.org
Catholic Charities of Louisville serves those in need, especially the poor and oppressed, with a wide range of outreaches that assist neighbors of all races, backgrounds, and beliefs. It is the social service ministry of the Archdiocese of Louisville. This holiday season, it needs monetary donations and donations from its Amazon Wish List. You can purchase items and have them shipped directly to the office. Donations should be under $50 and unwrapped so families can shop for themselves. It also needs gift cards in $25 increments to Walmart, Kroger, and VISA.
Also, volunteer drivers are needed to assist Migration and Refugee Services' clients in getting to/from appointments. Catholic Charities is also seeing youth mentors to work with students ages 9-14 and long-term care ombudsman and administrative help.
213 E. Maple St. in Jeffersonville, Indiana; 812-282-0063; centerforlayministries.org.
Center for Lay Ministries is the umbrella organization for two important missions, the Food Pantry which provides food to 1,200 clients and their families each month, and the Bliss House, a residential program for women in recovery. The food pantry needs canned goods and other food pantry items. Both need monetary donations.
Volunteers are also needed for a variety of tasks. Children as young as middle school age are welcome to volunteer if their parents also serve and provide supervision. View volunteer opportunities on the website.
P.O. Box 2048, Louisville, KY, 40201; thecenteronline.org
The Center for Women & Families helps families experiencing domestic, intimate partner or sexual violence become survivors. It provides emergency shelter for families, including pets. The center needs monetary donations and donations from its Amazon Wish List. Purchase items and have them shipped directly to their location, which can be found at thecenteronline.org. Send donations by mail to: the Development Office, The Center for Women and Families, P.O. Box 2048, Louisville, KY, 40201, or make them online at thecenteronline.org.
Volunteer advocates are also needed for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, women and children.
1300 S. 4th St., #250; 502-636-9550; louhomeless.org
The Coalition for the Homeless' mission is to prevent and end homelessness across Louisville through advocacy, education, and the coordination of their partner agencies. It needs monetary donations.
Volunteers are needed for a variety of duties. The Coalition works with over 40 member agencies that could use assistance to serve the most vulnerable in Louisville. Find details on its website.
5803 Fern Valley Road; daretocare.org
The Dare to Care Food Bank is the leading nonprofit social service agency addressing the hunger needs of Kentuckiana. It partners with emergency kitchens, shelters, and food pantries to get food into the hands of those who need it. The food bank is seeking monetary donations. To donate, go online and use PayPal or Venmo to donate or make your check payable to: Dare to Care Food Bank. Send to Dare to Care Food Bank, P.O. Box 35458, Louisville, KY, 40232.
Volunteers are needed to help prepare meals in the community kitchen, help distribute food where needed, and help in the warehouse. Volunteer opportunities are listed on its website.
410 W. Chestnut St., #530; 502-561-3001; dreamfactoryinc.org
The Dream Factory of Louisville has granted dreams for critically and chronically ill children since 1980. The groups need monetary donations to help with granting dreams. Donations can be mailed to 410 W. Chestnut St., Suite 530, Louisville, KY 40202, or online through its website.
Volunteers are also needed to help with fundraising, special events, public relations, information technology, community relations, corporate sponsorship, dream screening and selection, dream manager, and web updates. More information is available online.
525 Zane St., famchildplace.org
Raising hope is their motto and for 140 years, the Family & Children's Place has helped children who are abused or neglected. It needs individuals, businesses, and community groups to purchase and deliver gift cards in increments of $25. The gift cards will be used by the agency's client to purchase gifts for its children. Care cards also can be purchased online at famchildplace.org. It also needs gift cards from MasterCard or VISA, Target, and Walmart. For more information, contact Janet Tinsley at 502-893-3900, ext. 265, or [email protected].
Family & Children's Place also offers several different types of volunteer opportunities for those looking to help better our community. Certain positions require that the volunteer be at least 16 years old, commit to at least two volunteer sessions per month for six months, provide references, application, and current tuberculosis test results, and submit to background checks and training. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Janet Tinsley.
1620 Bank St.; 502-637-6265; louisvillehabitat.org
One-third of all Louisville families are experiencing housing insecurity. Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing solutions for local families in need through homeownership, home repair, and community development. It needs monetary donations, construction materials, land, and furniture in good condition (for the ReStore, 4044 Taylorsville Road).
Volunteers are needed to help on construction sites, with homebuyers, and at the ReStores.
1100 E. Market St.; homeoftheinnocents.org
Home of the Innocents enriches the lives of children and families with hope, health, and happiness. Programs include residential and community-based behavioral health services, therapeutic foster care and adoption services, supportive services for homeless young adults, and long-term care for medically complex or terminally ill children. It has a wish list on its website (donated items must be new). Items can be donated in person or purchased directly from the Amazon Wish List (homeoftheinnocents.org/wishlist) and shipped straight to the facility. Monetary donations are also needed. For more information visit the website.
It also offers volunteer opportunities at the Kosair for Kids Complex Care Center, Residential Treatment & Emergency Shelter program and its Foster Care & Adoption program. Volunteer opportunities are available online.
3131 S. 2nd St., Suite 352; thehopebuss.org
The Hope Buss serves the Louisville community through five initiatives to address food insecurity, education, health and wellness, emergency services, and community engagement. It strives to make available resources accessible, to make hope tangible, and to be led by the community for the community. It needs monetary donations. Send a donation to The Hope Buss, 3131 S. 2nd St., Suite 352, Louisville, KY 40208, or donate online.
Volunteers are also needed to help with a variety of duties and may be asked to attend training. Volunteer opportunities are available online.
436 S. 7th St.; 502-587-5080; houseofruth.net
The House of Ruth serves families who are affected by HIV/AIDS and their families who are homeless, at risk of losing their homes, or need financial help. The House of Ruth does this through a continuum of services: emergency shelter, short and long-term housing, mental health counseling, advocacy for clients, and basic needs assistance to provide food, rent, utilities, public transportation, and back-to-school support. It needs monetary donations. Donations can be made online or through PayPal. Items can also be donated via its Amazon Wish List and shipped directly to the office. Mail checks to, 607 E. St. Catherine St., Louisville, KY 40203.
Volunteers are also needed to help with the House of Ruth's food pantry from 12:20-4 p.m. Fridays to sort and bag donations to distribute to clients. For more information, contact Erin Cooper at [email protected] or by phone at 502-587-5080 ext. 23.
jefferson.kyschools.us/
Jefferson County Public School's Adopt-a-Family Winter Project needs donors to purchase gifts, gift cards, or a combination of the two in the amount of $100 per child. The gift cards may include businesses such as Walmart, Target, Visa, Mastercard, or any restaurant providing the family a meal, clothing, and a gift for each child. Donors can be individuals or a team of people. Gifts should be delivered to the JCPS Camp Edwards, 701 S. Hancock St. Dec. 2-6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsors can be individuals or a group. For more information, send an email to [email protected].
The Kentucky Humane Society helps cats, dogs, and horses in need. It is seeking monetary donations, donations from its wish list on its website (kyhumane.org/ways-to-give/wish list), and donations from its wish list on Chewy and Amazon. Order online and have supplies shipped directly to KHS. Items can be dropped off: at East Campus at 1000 Lyndon Lane, a donation bin outside the front door, and at Sam Swope Pet Treatment & Lifesaving Center (also called the Main Campus) at 241 Steedly Drive. Go to the end of the parking lot and leave donations outside the admissions doors. Monetary donations are also needed.
Kentucky Humane Society's biggest need is for volunteers to help with dog and cat socialization/walking at the Sam Swope Pet TLC (Main Campus, 241 Steedly Drive). All volunteers must attend an orientation. For more information on volunteering, visit the website.
3528 Newburg Road; louisvilleky.gov/animalservices
Louisville Metro Animal Services needs donations of pet, household, and medical supplies needed to care for the thousands of pets who enter the LMAS. There is a wish list and an Amazon wish list on its website. Monetary donations are also needed. Donations can be shipped directly to the LMAS or dropped off daily from noon to 6 p.m., at Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road, 40218. For a complete list and more information, visit the website.
louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/2024-holiday-food-donation-drive
The Louisville Metro Council is embracing the holiday spirit by spearheading a city-wide food donation initiative to support the Association of Community Ministries. Donation will be accepted through Dec. 5. The most urgently needed items at this time are canned proteins, such as beef stew, canned chicken/tuna, hearty soups, tomato sauce, canned fruit, jelly and cereal. ACM will also need household items including shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toilet paper, menstruation products, etc. Monetary donations are also needed and can be made on, louisvilleministries.org. A list of drop off locations can be found at louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/2024-holiday-food-donation-drive. For more information, please contact President Markus Winkler's office, 502-574-1192.
1100 Trevilian Way; louisvillezoo.org/wildwinterdays
Guests who bring one canned food item or non-perishable food item per person (through Feb. 28, 2025) to donate to Dare to Care may purchase tickets at the Louisville Zoo window for $10.50 per adult and $7.50 per child/senior ticket. Most-needed items: canned meats and fruits, canned vegetables, canned soups and stews, canned beans, cereal, dry pasta, rice, and peanut butter. No expired goods, opened or damaged packaging, or glass containers.
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Fall/winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (stay until 5 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. The discount is available at the gate only, not valid for online purchases.
502-714-0245; louisville-ky.toysfortots.org
Marine Toys for Tots Louisville provides toys at Christmas for children and families in need in Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Owen, Breathitt, and Letcher counties. A list of toys needed is on its website. It is also accepting monetary donations to help with toy purchases. Donate and get a list of toy drop-off locations on the website.
Volunteers/groups are needed to assist with the organization and sorting of toys. Fill out the form and submit it through the website and someone will contact you within 48-96 hours.
1015 Dorsey Lane; maryhurst.org
Maryhurst is the oldest child welfare agency in Kentucky, standing together with children and families who are facing crisis-offering hope and healing. The organization needs gifts for its Holiday Gift Drive. Donate gift cards to Walmart, Target, Amazon, Meijer, Kohl's, or Old Navy in $25 increments. You can also fulfill one or more children's individualized wish lists. This list will consist of six gifts (approximately $300) or three gifts (approximately $150) that the child has personally chosen. More information about gift wish lists and drop-offs can be found at maryhurst.org/take-action/donation-drives/holiday-gift-drive, or you can contact Lori Cecil at [email protected].
550 S. First St.; rmhc-kentuckiana.org
Ronald McDonald House provides a home-away-from-home for families of children receiving healthcare at area medical facilities. Monetary donations are needed to help with cleaning supplies, meals, rooms, and more. It has a wish list, an Amazon Wish List, and a holiday wish list on its website. You can drop off donations daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also ship your donations directly. For more information contact the front desk at 502-581-1416.
Volunteers are also needed to help at the house, check guestrooms, help with light cleaning, organize donations, help prepare meals for the families, and more. More information is available online.
1015-C S. Preston St.; svdplou.org/santashop
St. Vincent needs donations of toys, board games, clothing, diapers, pull-ups, wallets, gift cards (Target, Walmart, Amazon, or dining options), hair accessories, and stocking stuffers for its Sants Shop. It has a wish list on Amazon and on its website. Order and have items shipped directly to St. Vincent. Donations should be new and unwrapped and can be dropped off through Dec. 12. For more information, contact Bex Willenbrink, 502-301-8695; svdplou.org.
Volunteers are also needed to help with the Santa Shop set-up (Dec. 13) or on the day of the event (Dec. 15). Help is also needed for parent shopping day (two-hour shift). Volunteers must fill out a volunteer form. More information online.
salvationarmylouisville.org
The Angel Tree program of Louisville helps families in need by providing new clothing and toys to children each year. Christmas gifts, toys, clothing and more are provided to children from infant to age 12 from low-income families. Online adoption is available now. The trees will be located inside Oxmoor, St. Matthews, and Jefferson Malls through Dec. 9. You can also visit the website and donate. For more information or to adopt an angel, visit salvationarmylouisville.org.
salvationarmylouisville.org
The Salvation Army seeks to recruit more than 650 Volunteer Bell Ringers. Can you give just two hours of your time this season and volunteer as a Bell Ringer at a Red Kettle near you? Sign up to ring the bells and help those in need this Christmas season. Visit salvationarmylouisville.org or registertoring.com.
502-994-3642, sevencounties.org
The holiday season can be challenging for individuals and families facing addiction or mental health challenges. This year, Seven Counties Services has seen an unprecedented number of people seeking support, highlighting the critical need for community generosity.
To make this season brighter, the organization is asking for the community to sponsoring gift recipients or contribute to the Amazon Wish List. There are 250 children and individuals in need of holiday cheer. Please see the attached press release for details, including how your audience can get involved and the Dec. 1 deadline to donate or sponsor. Reach out to Jarod Woods at 502-994-6342 or [email protected]
502-585-3220, shamrockpets.com
The foundation is a group of highly committed, unpaid volunteers whose mission is to enhance the lives of companion animals through proactive programs such as spay/neuter, public education, and adoption options. There are four ways to donate. (1): Direct donations by check. Send to The Shamrock Pet Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 24033, Louisville, KY 40224. (2): Direct donations with PayPal. (3): Donate each time you shop at Kroger. As you shop and buy items, you can identify a small percentage of each purchase to help Shamrock Pet Foundation. (4): Give a portion of cash-back savings when making purchases from participating online stores. For more information, shamrockpets.com.
For more information about volunteering, email [email protected] and they will send you a volunteer application.
570 South Fourth Street, Suite 100; 502-636-0771; voamid.org
Volunteers of America is there for veterans in need, gives hope to pregnant and parenting women overcoming addiction, serves families facing homelessness, supports adults with disabilities, and more. It needs donations for the Hope of the Holiday Campaign. It has a wish list on Amazon and its website. Donations can be shipped directly to Volunteers of America. Monetary donations are also needed and can be made online.
Reach news clerk Gege Reed at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Places to donate, volunteer in Louisville during holiday season 2024