The holidays are a time for gratitude, and there’s no better way to show it than by giving back to your community. In Downtown Brooklyn, there are plenty of opportunities to spread kindness and make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s volunteering at a food drive, supporting local organizations, or donating to those in need, small actions can create big change. Check out these ways to make a difference this season and help ensure everyone in our neighborhood has a reason to be thankful!

Help make sure families can eat this Giving Season

Did you know that Brooklyn has the highest utilization of food assistance programs of all the boroughs? At this time of increasing food insecurity for so many, feeding our neighbors is top of the list:

  • CHiPS (Community Help in Park Slope), a longtime Brooklyn nonprofit, provides meals and support to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. This month, volunteers are especially needed to help prepare and serve warm meals, organize pantry donations, and support families ahead of the holidays. Become a volunteer.
  • One Community provides services like the Sharing Network, Fresh Pantries, and nutrition education to expand access and empower neighbors. They are currently raising funds to provide meals to those in need. Donate and learn more about their work.
  • Next Step Community Church serves breakfast and maintains a community food pantry. Volunteers are needed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8am to 10:30am to serve a community breakfast. Sign up.
  • Vinegar Hill Food Pantry feeds over 150 families every week. Their goal is to feed neighbors, raise awareness of local food insecurity, and make support feel within reach, one meal and one person at a time. Help feed families.
  • Heights & Hills helps support Brooklyn older adults by delivering meals to neighbors at their homes. Volunteers can help deliver meals (on foot or by car) or donate pies to supplement these meals. Help feed our elderly neighbors.


Photo: Catholic Charities Community Services

Volunteer at Catholic Charities Community Services’ food pantry 

Catholic Charities’ food pantries help families who cannot afford groceries at their local supermarket stretch their budget and prepare a nutritious meal. Right now, they’re accepting donations to expand food distributions and provide emergency support. Additionally, their Downtown Brooklyn outpost at 191 Joralemon Street accepts volunteers, not only for their food pantry, but for community events, gardening, painting, and more. Learn how you can become a volunteer today. 

Save lives by donating blood at NYC Blood Center

Renowned for their significant humanitarian contributions, the New York Blood Center’s Brooklyn Donor Center at 30 Flatbush Ave. provides lifesaving blood products, specialty pharmaceuticals, and expert clinical and technical services. Schedule an appointment to donate blood and save a life.

Help kids with their homework at Brooklyn Public Library

Do you have a strong commitment to increasing access to quality education? Foster a lifelong love for learning by assisting children in grades 1-8 with their homework at the Brooklyn Public Library. Training is provided for volunteers who are willing to provide tutoring in various subjects. Using library resources and directories is encouraged. Details.

Give back to BAC

The Brooklyn Autism Center is currently accepting donations! This holiday season, help BAC continue to improve the quality of life for children with autism with a modest donation. Donate online or text “GIVEBAC” to 801801. 100% of contributions will support the cost of ensuring that BAC’s educational and therapeutic programs continue to thrive.


Photo: Citymeals on Wheels

Help the homebound elderly

Citymeals on Wheels delivers nourishing meals and companionship in all five boroughs to those who are isolated at home. Citymeals is dedicated to ensuring the elderly have access to the resources they need. Volunteer opportunities also include crafting cards to deliver on holidays and special occasions, visiting isolated older neighbors in search of friendship, and contacting them over the phone with weekly calls.

Donate goods via DSNY

The NYC Department of Sanitation offers programs and services that make it easy to donate and support the community. Find a clothing and textile drop-off site near you, enroll your building in refashionNYC (a free in-building collection service for NYC residents, businesses, schools, and nonprofits), and connect with donateNYC.

Give kids across the city the power of books and knowledge

Brooklyn Book Bodega is on a mission to increase the number of homes with over 100 books in them for kids up to 18 years old in New York City. Help them deliver on this goal and develop lifelong readers by making or donation, or starting a fundraising page on their behalf. 

Downtown Brooklyn offers countless opportunities to make a positive impact. From donating coats and goods to volunteering your time and resources, small gestures can create significant change. By giving back, you help uplift neighbors in need and strengthen the sense of community we all value. Explore these impactful ways to contribute, and let’s work together to ensure everyone has a warm and joyous holiday season.