10 Places to Donate & Volunteer During the Holidays in Wichita

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Local non-profits are in need of volunteers year round. If you’re looking for an opportunity for your family to serve by giving your time and/or financial gifts, consider the following:

Wichita Children’s Home

There are a multitude of ways to help Wichita’s kids at WCH! Give financially, donate your time and talents, even donate your Dillon’s points or set your Amazon account to automatically donate a portion of each purchase through Amazon Smile! While many opportunities require volunteers to be 21 or old, there are lots of ways for kids to help, too.

ICT SOS

It’s no secret that Wichita is making huge strides to prevent and combat Human Trafficking – join the fight! Make your daily purchases count by partnering with Dillon’s and Amazon Smile to donate to ICT SOS every time you buy. Adults can attend a 3-month training (reading, classes discussion groups) and volunteer, while teens are encouraged to apply to join the High School & College Advisory Board. If you’re looking for a smaller commitment, financial contributions, donations for Fresh Start bags and volunteers for the annual Race for Freedom 5k are always needed!

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Your donations help support new families as they adapt to their new environment and prepare for the cold and wind of their first Kansas winter! All donations will be collected and distributed through the IRC. 

Kansas Food Bank 

There are several opportunities with the Kansas Food Bank. You can donate monetarily, gift food on your own as a family any time by dropping it off yourself, or you can sponsor a food drive (they’re happy to pick up donations that are collected). You can find all of the details on their website. Another option is to volunteer your time either by sorting donations in their warehouse or helping with their Food 4 Kids program that packs weekend carriers with food for chronically hungry children. Again, all of the details and the policies for volunteering can be found on the Kansas Food Bank website. Volunteers must be at least 8 years old.

Union Rescue Mission 

You can donate monetarily (and see exactly how many people your donation feeds) or donate items they’re always in need of including food, clothing, bedding, and hygiene items. Find a list of their most critical needs here.

The Lord’s Diner 

The Lord’s Diner requires around 70 volunteers a day to prepare and serve their nightly meal. Contact them to check available volunteer opportunities and get signed up for a day that works for you! They do require a food handler’s card.

United Methodist Open Door 

Open Door is always looking for volunteers at the Homeless Resource Center. You can also donate financially or in-kind! To volunteer, contact Tim Stead, volunteer coordinator, at [email protected] or 316.267.4201

Andover Community Food Bank 

Andover Community Food Bank (operated by Andover United Methodist Church) needs volunteers to help organize and prepare the food bank, as well as volunteers to distribute needs. They’re also always accepting donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries, and baby items, but occasionally run specific food drives or need specific items.

His Helping Hands 

His Helping Hands provides assistance to families in need through clothing, furniture, other household items, and a food pantry at no cost. They have several different volunteer opportunities and donation needs.

There are always collections going on for warm coats, hats, gloves, and blankets for the homeless and all kinds of other ways you can serve others in our city. If none of the above options interest you, come up with your own way to give back and start a new family tradition! 

Children First: CEO Kansas Inc.

Currently accepting coats, warm winter wear (caps, gloves, etc.), socks, school supplies, new shoes, and household cleaning supplies. Located at 1165 Southwest (at Adorers of the Blood Christ Wichita Center), you can tell the front desk your donation is for the Children First Basic Needs Pantry.

Children First: CEO Kansas Inc. is a 501(c)(3) social service non-profit organization in Wichita, Kansas, with a mission to support students to feel safe and empowered, so they can learn and thrive, by staying in school and achieving in life.

For more holiday and Christmas events in and around town, check out our
Ultimate Holiday Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Wichita!


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More Things To Do In & Around Wichita This Holiday Season