Lend A Hand In Palo Alto: Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Near You

The holiday season is about more than lights and celebrations — it’s also a meaningful time to give back and make a difference right here at home. We’ve rounded up a few organizations in and around Palo Alto that could use a helping hand this season. This isn’t an all-inclusive list, but a starting point — be sure to contact each group directly to learn about their current needs, requirements and how you can best support their efforts.

Avenidas

Avenidas supports older adults in Palo Alto through programs that promote connection, mobility, learning and well-being. Volunteers can lend their time to friendly calling, assisting with transportation, supporting activities at the Rose Kleiner Center, helping with classes or one-time events or contributing to Avenidas Village, the organization’s aging-at-home membership program.
Learn more: avenidas.org/programs/volunteering

Ecumenical Hunger Program

Ecumenical Hunger Program provides food, clothing, essential household items and hope to families across East Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Those interested in contributing can take shifts in the food closet or community closet, help with gardening and donation pickups, support front-desk and administrative tasks or assist with events and fundraising.
Learn more: ehpcares.org/volunteer

Friends of the Palo Alto Library

Friends of the Palo Alto Library raises vital funding for local library programs through monthly book sales powered entirely by volunteers. Depending on your interest and availability, you might sort donations, staff book sales or assist with library operations; opportunities are available for adults and students alike.
Learn more: fopal.org/volunteer

Grassroots Ecology

Grassroots Ecology engages volunteers in restoring native ecosystems, stewarding creeks and open spaces and expanding environmental education throughout the Palo Alto region. Volunteers can join public workdays, help with private group projects or chaperone on school field trips; exact tasks will vary by season.
Learn more: grassrootsecology.org/volunteer

Nuestra Casa

Nuestra Casa partners with East Palo Alto and Mid-Peninsula residents to advance environmental justice, housing stability and civic participation. Opportunities range from hands-on community work to projects you can complete from home; volunteers can support programs focused on water access, tenant advocacy, environmental education, leadership development and broader civic engagement.
Learn more: nuestracasa.org/take-action/volunteer-opportunities

Pets In Need

Pets In Need, the region’s first no-kill shelter, rescues animals and provides affordable care that keeps pets safe and families connected. With two locations (one in Palo Alto and one in Redwood City), there’s no shortage of hands-on and behind-the-scenes activities. You can can work weekly in-shelter with cats, dogs and small animals; help with transport, office tasks or wildlife transfers; or participate in drop-in programs like Doggy Day Out.
Learn more: petsinneed.org/volunteer

Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange

The Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange repairs donated bikes and distributes them to community partners, giving people in need reliable transportation. Volunteers of all skill levels can join “repair workdays” to clean, rebuild or tear down bikes, with experienced mentors offering guidance. You can also help with parts sorting and event support, or even work on “homework bikes” from home, individually or as a group.
Learn more: bikex.org/volunteer

Whether you volunteer for an hour or all season long, your time can make a real difference right here in Palo Alto.

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