Seasonal & Holidays
Palo Alto Gives Back: How To Make A Difference This Season And Beyond
Discover meaningful ways to give back — from volunteering and donating to supporting community programs year-round.
Giving Tuesday is all about generosity — and some of the most meaningful giving happens right here at home. Celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday shifts the focus from finding deals to doing good. But there’s no reason to wait — or stop once the day has passed.
This year, Patch and T-Mobile are spotlighting organizations in the Palo Alto area that are making a difference and helping others in need. These local groups are doing important work, and there are plenty of ways to support them — from donating and volunteering to spreading the word. This isn’t a complete list, but it’s a great place to start, so be sure to reach out to each organization directly to learn how you can help.
Alta Housing
Alta Housing develops and manages affordable housing communities across Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, helping families, seniors and individuals with special needs find safe, stable places to call home. In addition to building and maintaining over 1,000 homes, the organization offers resident services such as after-school programs, computer learning centers and wellness resources.
Learn more: altahousing.org
Find out what's happening in Palo Altofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Pets In Need
The nonprofit Pets In Need operates no-kill shelters in Palo Alto and Redwood City, rescuing cats and dogs from overcrowded public shelters and finding them loving homes. The organization promotes compassion and responsible pet ownership through community partnerships, positive reinforcement training and adoption programs. Volunteers are always welcome.
Learn more: petsinneed.org
Palo Alto Community Fund
The Palo Alto Community Fund supports nonprofit organizations in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto and Menlo Park that address local needs, including food insecurity, education, housing and community wellness. By raising and distributing funds to trusted partners, PACF strengthens the region’s nonprofit network and ensures resources reach those who need them most.
Learn more: paloaltocommfund.org
Find out what's happening in Palo Altofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford provides world-class, family-centered care for children and expectant mothers, supported by the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health. Donations help fund groundbreaking research, expand access to care for children with complex medical needs and improve health care systems for families across the nation.
Learn more: lpfch.org
Palo Alto Partners In Education
Palo Alto Partners in Education (PiE), a nonprofit organization, raises funds to fund educational opportunities for every student in the Palo Alto Unified School District. Volunteers and donors help ensure all students receive a well-rounded, engaging education that goes beyond what public funding alone can provide.
Learn more: papie.org
Youth United For Community Action
Youth United for Community Action (YUCA) is a youth-led, grassroots organization in East Palo Alto that empowers young people of color to create systemic change through environmental and social justice advocacy. YUCA offers leadership development, organizing opportunities and community education programs for local youth, and also welcomes volunteers to support its workshops and initiatives.
Learn more: youthunited.net
Ecumenical Hunger Program
This nonprofit provides food, clothing, furniture and essential support to more than 10,000 individuals and families in need each year across East Palo Alto and surrounding communities. Volunteers can assist with sorting donations, tending the community garden, packing food boxes or helping at the front desk.
Learn more: ehpcares.org
Nuestra Casa
Nuestra Casa partners with residents in East Palo Alto and surrounding Mid-Peninsula neighborhoods to expand access to essential services, develop local leadership and advance community-led advocacy. Their programs focus on environmental and water justice, housing and civic engagement, empowering Latino families to create lasting change. Volunteers can get involved in hands-on community work, advocacy efforts and leadership development initiatives.
Learn more: nuestracasa.org
Give back in whatever way feels right for you — together, we can make an impact in Palo Alto.
This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.
