Lend A Hand In Durham: 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 Durham 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.

Help Willy's Friends

Help Willy’s Friends provides food, supplies and support to animal shelters and rescues across Connecticut. This Durham-based nonprofit helps local organizations care for pets in need by organizing donation drives, funding medical care and promoting responsible pet ownership through spay and neuter programs. Community members can volunteer by helping collect donations, supporting awareness events or assisting with outreach.
Learn more: helpwillysfriends.org

Connecticut Foodshare

Connecticut Foodshare works statewide to address the root causes of hunger and provide nutritious food to families in need. Volunteers play an important role in keeping operations running by sorting donations, assisting with food distribution and supporting community events that raise awareness. With flexible opportunities available across Connecticut, it’s an impactful way to help neighbors build a hunger-free future.
Learn more: ctfoodshare.org

Durham Fair Foundation

The Durham Fair Foundation preserves Connecticut’s agricultural heritage by funding programs that celebrate farming, education and community connection. As the charitable arm of the Durham Agricultural Fair Association, it supports exhibits and events that highlight local traditions while inspiring future generations to appreciate rural life. Each year, volunteers help bring the fair to life by assisting with exhibits, entertainment and community activities that keep this local tradition thriving.
Learn more: durhamfair.com

Everyone Outside

Everyone Outside helps people of all ages reconnect with nature through guided hikes, educational programs and outdoor adventures. Its low-cost, accessible activities invite families and individuals to explore Connecticut’s natural spaces, encouraging wellbeing, curiosity and a stronger sense of community. Volunteers can become outdoor mentors with no prior experience and help lead programs that connect children and families with the natural world.
Learn more: everyoneoutside.org

Middletown Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of Middletown unites local professionals and community members to create meaningful change both at home and abroad. Volunteers work on projects like feeding the hungry, tutoring children and maintaining local parks, using their skills and teamwork to meet real community needs. Through Rotary, members build lasting connections while supporting humanitarian efforts that reach far beyond Connecticut.
Learn more: middletownrotary.org

Women & Family Life Center

The Women & Family Life Center empowers women and families facing life transitions by providing free support services and resources across the Shoreline community. Volunteers are essential to its mission, helping with fundraising events, administrative projects and community outreach. Legal professionals can also share their expertise through the center’s Lawyer Time program, offering guidance to those navigating difficult challenges.
Learn more: womenandfamilylife.org

The Giving Garden Of Durham/Middlefield

The Giving Garden of Durham/Middlefield brings neighbors together to grow fresh produce for local families in need. Volunteers tend the garden, harvest crops and take part in workshops and events that blend learning with service, all while cultivating community through the simple act of growing food.
Learn more: facebook.com/profile.php

Prudence Crandall Center

The Prudence Crandall Center has worked for more than 50 years to help individuals and families live free from domestic violence through shelter, advocacy, education and prevention programs. Volunteers help by assisting with client services, community education and fundraising efforts. Some roles require domestic violence certification, while others — like event support or donation drives — offer accessible ways to make a meaningful impact.
Learn more: prudencecrandall.org

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

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.