Giving Back During the Holidays
Janeé Broadway
Raised in Ann Arbor, Janeé earned her B.A...
Raised in Ann Arbor, Janeé earned her B.A...
The holiday season is a time for giving, but giving doesn't always mean receiving presents or buying the trendiest gifts. It's about spreading joy, kindness, and love where you can. Whether you're looking to make a difference in your community, support a cause close to your heart, or brighten someone's day, there are countless ways to give back. This list highlights meaningful and impactful ways to show generosity, extend a helping hand, and create a ripple effect of goodwill this holiday season. Discover how to make this time of year even more special by giving in ways that truly matter.
1. Avalon Housing
What is it?
Avalon Housing works to end homelessness by developing affordable housing centered on community, care and support.
How do I support their mission?
- Monetary Donations: Support Avalon’s mission to provide affordable housing for those experiencing homelessness.
- Volunteer: Help with various community initiatives and events.
- In-Kind Donations: Provide goods such as furniture, household items, or supplies for residents.
- Legacy Giving: Leave a gift in your will or estate plan to support future housing initiatives.
- Employer Matching Gifts: Many employers match charitable contributions, which can double your impact.
2. Greater Realtors® Foundation
What is it?
The Greater Realtors® Foundation, established in 2018, provides financial assistance through various grant programs for property disaster relief and disability-adaption projects to individuals, families, and non-profit agencies. Benevolent funding assistance is also available to help with various costs associated with extreme financial hardships, due to prolonged illness, a catastrophic event or accident, or similar occurrence beyond the control of the party receiving the assistance.
How do I support their mission?
- Monetary Donations: Contribute to support local housing initiatives, education programs, and charitable projects.
- Volunteer: Help with GMAR (Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors®) community service events and fundraising activities.
- Event Sponsorship: Sponsor GMAR events or programs that benefit housing and community development efforts.
3. Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley
What is it?
Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley works to enrich Washtenaw County through a legacy of affordable homeownership for families of low-income and engages our neighbors to build better neighborhoods through our volunteer, donation, partnership and ReStore efforts.
How do I support their mission?
- Monetary Donations: Financial donations directly support building homes for families in need.
- Volunteer: Join building projects, help with construction, or assist in Habitat ReStores.
- Corporate Partnerships: Encourage your company to partner with Habitat for team-building opportunities or sponsorship.
- Donate Goods: Donate new or gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials to Habitat ReStores.
- Planned Giving: Contribute through bequests, charitable trusts, or other long-term giving options.
4. Hope Clinic
What is it?
For over 40 years, Hope Clinic has been a place where everyday people come together to serve and provide Whole Person care—physical, mental, and spiritual—under a single umbrella. Hope’s focus on integrated care helps ensure that each request for help is more than a band aid—with community support, the clinic can offer patients opportunities to make sustainable changes for the better.
How do I support their mission?
- Monetary Donations: Donate funds to help sustain the clinic’s services, support programs, and provide for uninsured or underinsured patients.
- Volunteer: Offer your skills and time to directly assist with clinic operations, such as helping in the medical, dental, or administrative areas.
- Host a Fundraiser or Donation Drive: Organize community events or online fundraisers to raise awareness and gather necessary resources (clothing, hygiene supplies, etc.) for the clinic’s patients.
- Spread the Word: Share the clinic's mission and services through social media, newsletters, or word-of-mouth to expand awareness and attract additional support.
- Offer Professional Expertise: If you are a medical or dental professional, you can donate your services to provide care for uninsured individuals in your community.
- Advocate for Access to Healthcare: Support policies and initiatives that promote healthcare access for underserved populations, helping to address the root causes of health disparities.
5. House N2 Home
What is it?
House N2 Home believes that one step in restoring dignity to individuals and families who have endured homelessness is to help them create a home that is functional, comfortable, and inviting. Using donated (and occasionally purchased) furniture and household goods, our team helps convert a house or apartment into a home, creating a space where individuals and families have the opportunity to thrive.
How do I support their mission?
- Monetary Donations: Support their mission to furnish homes for people transitioning from homelessness or other difficult circumstances.
- Donate Furniture & Household Goods: Provide gently used furniture, household items, and appliances.
- Volunteer: Help with furniture pickups, deliveries, and organizational tasks.
6. Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County
What is it?
Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County is a private non-profit social services agency community founded in 1993. Originally established by the Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County to assist the growing number of refugee families in Ann Arbor from the former Soviet Republics, JFS has since grown into an organization providing programs and services ranging from older adult caregiving to resettlement and career services and more. As an agency that serves a diverse, global population, the mission of Jewish Family Services is to create solutions, promote dignity and inspire humanity.
How do I support their mission?
- Monetary Donations: Whether you're considering a one-time gift or monthly donations, every dollar makes a difference.
- In-Kind Donations: While financial contributions are essential, in-kind donations of goods and services also play a critical role in our operations. View the JFS wish list.
- Volunteer: Volunteers are engaged in every area of the agency, from helping new families resettle from a foreign country to stocking and distributing food in the pantry. Fill out their volunteer form to get started.
- Become a JFS Annual or Event Sponsor: JFS hosts an annual Walk a Mile in My Shoes event which directly supports their Refugee Resettlement program. For more information, or to become a sponsor, please contact Gabby Markowitz at [email protected]
7. Peace Neighborhood Center
What is it?
Peace Neighborhood Center has piloted and maintained programs for children, families, and individuals to promote self-sufficiency and positive community involvement. We are proud to report that since 1971, we have provided critical services and opportunities to more than 18,000 people in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. Through a wide range of comprehensive programs, Peace helps people discover options, enhance skills, and make choices that promote education, health, well-being, and fiscal independence.
How do I support their mission?
- Monetary Donations: Contribute financially to support local peace-building and community service programs.
- Volunteer: Offer your time to assist with community programs, such as after-school activities or peace-building initiatives.
- Fundraising: Host or participate in fundraising events that support the Peace Center’s work.
- Food Distribution: Born out of the need to more quickly and efficiently distribute perishable food items, Peace has been partnering with Food Gatherers for a weekly produce distribution since 2011. Every Friday morning, a diverse population of people from the Washtenaw County community come to Peace to have a choice of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other items such as bread, desserts, and healthy snacks.
8. Shelter Association of Washtenaw County
What is it?
The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, situated in the heart of Ann Arbor, is dedicated to offering support and housing solutions to those facing homelessness.
How do I support their mission?
- Monetary Donations: Your donations provide direct support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
- Volunteer: Contribute your time to providing services, organizing events, or assisting with shelter operations.
- Fundraising: Participate in or organize fundraising events that support Shelter Association programs.
9. SOS Community Services
What is it?
SOS Community Services is a community-based nonprofit. We are dedicated to preventing and ending family homelessness in Washtenaw County through partnerships with caring individuals, local businesses and organizations, social service agencies and professionals.
How do I support their mission?
- Monetary Donations: Your generous support gives hundreds of families the chance to have stable housing, access resources, and take the next step in life.
- In-Kind Donations: SOS accepts donations of food, personal care, household items, and cleaning supplies. To see a full list of the donations they need, check out their Wish List.
- Volunteer: Current volunteers can access the new online volunteer portal to sign up for opportunities. Not sure what your login is? Contact our volunteer coordinator for help by emailing [email protected]. New volunteers can complete an online application and a volunteer coordinator will be in touch.
- Sponsor a Family or Apartment: You can make the holidays happier for families in SOS housing and children’s programs! Donate gift cards so that parents can purchase holiday gifts for their children. You can also help a family set up their home by donating new sheets, dishes, towel sets, etc.
- Host a Food or Toiletry Drive: Help families meet basic needs by collecting food and/or toiletries for the Resource Center at your workplace or holiday party. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] for more information and to set up a time to drop off donations.
10. Washtenaw Housing Alliance
What is it?
The Washtenaw Housing Alliance is a unique coalition of over 30 non-profit and government entities that are committed to ending homelessness in our community. The WHA facilitates, encourages, and monitors this work by providing training and technical assistance to providers to support innovation and best practices, advocating for the needs of people experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness, and supporting the development of more permanently affordable housing.
How do I support their mission?
- Monetary Donations: Support their initiatives through one-time or recurring donations.
- In-Kind Donations: Donate goods that support the organization's work.
- Sponsor Programs: Contribute to specific programs focused on improving women's health and access to care.
- Fundraise: Organize a fundraising event or campaign to support the WHA mission.
11. Washtenaw Refugee Welcome
What is it?
Washtenaw Refugee Welcome is a volunteer organization designed to give long-term support to refugees building a new life in Washtenaw County, MI. WRW utilizes the talents and passions of ordinary people and partner organizations to help our newest neighbors build relationships and navigate their way around the community.
How do I support their mission?
- Monetary Donations: Your generous support gives hundreds of families the chance to have stable housing, access resources, and take the next step in life.
- In-Kind Donations: As refugee families are resettled in our community and as their families move and grow, they often need household items. You can donate via their Amazon Wishlist or, to make an in-kind donation, contact [email protected].
- Volunteer: Fill out their volunteer form to indicate what kinds of volunteering you're interested in. They will reach out to you when opportunities are available. If you haven’t received WRW training yet, keep an eye on their events.
The impact of your kindness can extend far beyond this time of year, creating lasting change in the lives of others and inspiring those around you to do the same. This season, remember that the most impactful gifts often come from the heart. Carry the spirit of giving into the new year and spread love, compassion, and generosity wherever you go.