Thanksgiving is a time for gathering and gratitude, but it can also be an opportunity to support neighbors throughout the Queen City. During the 2025 holiday season, several Charlotte-area nonprofits offered ways for individuals, families and workplace groups to contribute their time or resources.

Volunteer schedules, age requirements and donation needs can change. Participants should review each organization’s current guidelines and register before visiting.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina operates its main warehouse and headquarters at 500-B Spratt Street in Charlotte. Volunteers help inspect and sort donated food and household products before items are distributed to partner agencies.

Adults ages 17 and older can register for weekday and Saturday shifts. Youth ages 13 through 16 may participate in designated Saturday sorting shifts when accompanied by an adult who is at least 21. Children ages 6 through 12 may participate in designated Kids Backpack packing opportunities with a parent when space is available.

The organization also accepts financial donations and offers opportunities to organize food or fund drives.

Review Second Harvest volunteer opportunities and requirements

Nourish Up

Nourish Up, formerly Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, provides groceries through a network of food pantries and home-delivery programs in Mecklenburg County. The organization also delivers weekday meals through its Meals on Wheels program.

Volunteer activities may include sorting food donations, packing grocery boxes and delivering groceries or meals. Warehouse volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Children of any age may accompany a licensed adult on certain delivery routes, subject to the organization’s current requirements.

Warehouse group opportunities are limited and frequently require scheduling two to three months in advance, making early registration especially important during the holiday season.

Explore Nourish Up volunteer opportunities

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry helps Mecklenburg County households facing financial hardship and housing instability. Community members can support its work through financial contributions, approved clothing and household-goods donations, donation drives and volunteer service.

Children ages 10 through 15 may volunteer with an adult, while volunteers ages 16 and older may participate independently. Available projects vary, so families and groups should use the organization’s volunteer portal to review current openings.

View Crisis Assistance Ministry volunteer opportunities

Veterans Bridge Home

Veterans Bridge Home connects veterans and military-connected individuals in the Carolinas with employment, housing, health services, community resources and earned benefits.

Supporters can volunteer with the organization’s Metrolina team, assist with events or deliveries, make a financial contribution, organize a fundraiser or explore employer partnership opportunities.

Support Veterans Bridge Home

Ways Families Could Give Back Together

• Register for an age-appropriate volunteer shift. Review each organization’s requirements before including children or teenagers.
• Organize a food or donation drive. Ask the receiving nonprofit which items are most needed before collecting donations.
• Help with meal or grocery deliveries. Nourish Up offers delivery opportunities that children may be able to join with a licensed adult.
• Create encouraging notes. Nourish Up accepts cards and notes that can be included with grocery boxes and delivered meals.
• Make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow nonprofits to purchase needed items and direct resources where they can have the greatest impact.

How to Prepare Before Volunteering

Holiday volunteer shifts can fill well in advance. Before making plans, prospective volunteers should:

• Confirm that the opportunity still has space available
• Review minimum-age and adult-supervision requirements
• Register every participating volunteer when required
• Wear closed-toe shoes or other required clothing
• Ask which food, clothing or household items are currently accepted
• Arrive early enough to complete check-in and training

Families can also search for additional nonprofit organizations and community needs through SHARE Charlotte.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous experience to volunteer?
Most entry-level opportunities do not require previous experience. Participating organizations generally provide instructions or training at the beginning of each shift. Volunteers should still review physical, age and scheduling requirements before registering.

Can families with children volunteer together?
Yes, but eligibility varies. Second Harvest offers specific opportunities for different youth age groups, Nourish Up permits children to accompany licensed adults on certain delivery routes, and Crisis Assistance Ministry allows children ages 10 through 15 to volunteer with an adult.

Can I help if volunteer shifts are full?
Yes. Financial gifts, approved food donations, clothing and household items, fundraising campaigns and organized donation drives can support nonprofit programs even when in-person shifts are unavailable.

How can I support Charlotte-area veterans during the holidays?
Veterans Bridge Home accepts financial support and offers volunteer, event, delivery and fundraising opportunities through its regional network. Availability should be confirmed directly with the organization.

Giving Thanks in the Queen City

However residents chose to participate during Thanksgiving 2025, every thoughtful contribution helped strengthen the Charlotte community. At Stone Realty Group, we believe a strong sense of home includes supporting the people and organizations that make our city a better place to live.

Connect with Stone Realty Group for help buying or selling a home in the Charlotte area.