Giving Back in Denver: Thanksgiving Volunteer + Donation Opportunities

1. Denver Rescue Mission – Serve Meals & Support Families

Multiple Denver Locations

One of the city’s most impactful organizations, Denver Rescue Mission offers Thanksgiving meal service, food-box preparation, and opportunities to support families experiencing homelessness. Spots fill quickly, but you can still:

• Donate Thanksgiving meal boxes

• Sponsor a family

• Volunteer at shelters throughout November

Even a single shift makes a meaningful impact.

2. Food Bank of the Rockies – Sort, Pack & Distribute Food

Montbello | Sheridan

This is one of the largest hunger-relief organizations in the region. Thanksgiving week is one of their busiest:

• Help sort produce and pantry items

• Pack boxes for seniors and families

• Assist at mobile food pantries

If you’re short on time, donating funds goes a long way—they turn every $1 into four meals.

3. The Gathering Place – Support Women, Children & Trans Individuals

Capitol Hill

Denver’s only daytime shelter for women, children, and transgender individuals sees increased need during the holidays. You can help by:

• Donating warm clothing, hygiene kits, or gift cards

• Volunteering for meal service or essential sorting

• Purchasing items directly from their online wish lists

A safe, welcoming space that deeply values community support.

4. Volunteers of America Colorado – Holiday Meal Deliveries

Citywide

VOA’s “Meals on Wheels” and holiday-specific delivery programs are essential for homebound seniors. Thanksgiving week opportunities include:

• Delivering hot meals

• Packing frozen meals

• Calling seniors for companionship check-ins

Perfect if you want a meaningful, one-on-one way to give back.

5. Local Church & Neighborhood Food Drives

Throughout Denver’s neighborhoods—Central Park, Wash Park, Highlands, Cherry Creek—community groups and churches run seasonal food and coat drives. You’ll often see:

• King Soopers + Safeway donation bags

• Rotary club community collections

• School and neighborhood “Fill the Truck” events

A great way to support hyper-local families.

6. A Precious Child – Holiday Gifts & Essentials for Kids

Broomfield

If you want to make a kid’s holiday a little brighter, A Precious Child’s Giving Tree program is perfect:

• Sponsor a child’s holiday wishlist

• Donate toys, clothing, and hygiene items

• Volunteer in their resource center sorting donations

This is one of the most heartwarming volunteer experiences in the Denver metro.

7. Denver Animal Shelters – Help Pets in Need

Give back on behalf of your furry friend:

• Donate food, blankets, and pet supplies

• Foster for the holidays

• Volunteer to walk dogs or socialize with animals

Places to support include:

• Denver Animal Shelter

• MaxFund

• Denver Dumb Friends League

A wonderful way to help Denver’s four-legged residents.

8. Coat, Mitten & Winter Gear Drives

With Denver’s winter temperatures, warm clothing donations are always needed. Organizations frequently requesting items:

• Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

• Mile High Behavioral Healthcare

• Local rec centers + fire stations
  
  

New or gently used coats, gloves, hats, and boots are especially appreciated this time of year.

9. Donate Locally Through Grocery Stores & Retailers

If your week is packed, simple in-store donations still make a big impact:

• Add $5–$10 to your grocery checkout

• Drop canned goods into food bank bins

• Purchase a pre-packed meal kit for a local family

• Round up spare change at participating Denver shops

Fast, direct, and effective.

10. Spread Kindness in Small Ways Around Denver

Giving back doesn’t always require a formal event. Try:

• Shoveling a neighbor’s sidewalk

• Bringing warm drinks to delivery drivers

• Leaving a generous tip

• Sharing baked goods with your building or block

• Buying someone a coffee in line behind you

Small kindnesses can transform someone’s holiday week.

Thanksgiving is a reminder of just how much stronger Denver becomes when its community comes together. Whether you show up in person, donate essentials, support local families, or perform simple acts of kindness, every contribution makes a difference. This holiday season, Denver offers endless opportunities to spread warmth, compassion, and connection.