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Welcome to United Way of Greater Knoxville’s Holiday Guide, your go-to local resource for holiday season volunteering.
Explore regularly updated opportunities from November to January to find the right fit for your schedule and interests.
Second Harvest Food Bank: Help process donated and bulk food for distribution to help feed your neighbors this holiday season.
Muse Knoxville's Grandfriends Holiday Event: Create a festive morning for grandparents and their grandkids to enjoy together.
ReStore Christmas Decoration Sorting: Help the Knoxville Habitat ReStore staff members sort, price and display holiday donations.
CAC Mobile Meals Holiday Gifting: Prepare donated gifts that will be delivered to homebound seniors on Christmas Day.
Bike Walk Knoxville: Volunteer at the 2023 Tour de Lights Bike Ride, Market, and Expo for a day filled with family-friendly holiday fun.
Humans and Animals Learning Together (HALT): Wrap presents for donations to support dogs and teens in the upcoming HALT classes.
Whether you’re an individual seeking a fulfilling holiday, a family teaching your children the importance of giving back, a group hoping to gather friends for a fun experience, or a corporation interested in making an impact, we have volunteer opportunities to fit your needs.
Explore our listings and find the perfect way to give back and share the holiday spirit. Click the title of the volunteer opportunity to register. Together, we can make this season a time of warmth, compassion and unity.
December 5
Holiday Sparkles & Spirits Event Ⓖ
The Joy of Music School
December 9
Tour de Lights Holiday Bike Ride, Market & Expo Ⓖ
Bike Walk Knoxville
November 10 – December 23
Bell Ringer ⒻⒼ
The Salvation Army
December 4 – 21
Product Recovery ⒻⒼ
Second Harvest Food Bank
December 6
ReStore Christmas Decoration Sorting Ⓖ
Knoxville Habitat for Humanity
December 8 – 10 (Multiple Shifts)
Crafty Wrappers ⒻⒼ
Ladies of Charity Knoxville
December 13
ReStore Christmas Decoration Sorting
Knoxville Habitat for Humanity
December 16
Install Cabinets and Trim Ⓖ
Knoxville Habitat for Humanity
December 16
Mobile Pantry Distribution Support ⒻⒼ
Second Harvest Food Bank
December 21
Mobile Pantry Distribution Support ⒻⒼ
Second Harvest Food Bank
Now – December 24
Gift Wrap Fundraiser Volunteers ⒻⒼ
Lakeway Area Habitat for Humanity
January 26
Mobile Pantry Distribution Support ⒻⒼ
Second Harvest Food Bank
Ongoing
Christmas Volunteer Organizer
The Salvation Army
December 9
Open House
Ijams Nature Center
December 15 – 17 (Multiple Shifts)
Gift Wrapping Fundraiser ⒻⒼ
Humans and Animals Learning Together
December 8
Christmas Assistance Event Set Up Ⓖ
UWGK Community Schools: Beaumont Magnet Academy
December 9
Bilingual (Spanish / English) Christmas Assistance Event Volunteer
UWGK Community Schools: Beaumont Magnet Academy
December 26 – 29
Winter Break Camp at Muse Ⓕ
Muse Knoxville
December 26 – 29
Exhibit Floor Support
Muse Knoxville
December 31
Cheer in the New Year at Muse Ⓕ
Muse Knoxville
Now – April 30
Support the 2024 Family Friendzy Event Ⓖ
Widowed Parent Relief Project
Ongoing
2023 Thrive Christmas Store ⒻⒼ
Thrive
Ongoing
Babysitters and Drivers for Widowed Parents
Widowed Parent Relief Project
December 4 – 19
Christmas Party Decorating Ⓖ
Sertoma Center, Inc.
December 19
Christmas Party Volunteers Ⓖ
Sertoma Center, Inc.
December 20 – 21
Deliver Christmas Presents ⒻⒼ
Sertoma Center, Inc.
Ongoing
Clean and Organize RAM Mobile Units ⒻⒼ
Remote Area Medical
Ongoing
Family Friend Volunteer
Widowed Parent Relief Project
Ongoing
Volunteer Driver
CAC Volunteer Assisted Transportation
Meet Rosee, an outstanding leader in our community. Rosee has committed her Sundays to helping the YWCA – Phyllis Wheatly Center spread a little sunshine through her amazing artistic gifts! She’s been painting murals of color and inspirational words to brighten up the Phyllis Wheatly Center. Thanks for bringing so much beauty to our community, Rosee!
I know just how important a welcoming, open, affirming environment is for people, especially young people. I wanted to do my part to create this environment.
Kelley and Stella are regular volunteers at Dogwood Elementary School. Kelley is on the school’s steering committee, outdoor coalition and Community Schools’ event planning committee. She and her daughter participate in just about every event Community Schools hosts, and they are never hesitant to lend a helping hand when last minute needs arise.
They are pros when it comes to anything outdoors, and they are an amazing source of information when we have questions. Their dedication to Dogwood is what Community Schools is all about.
Volunteer East Tennessee (VETN) is a program of the United Way of Greater Knoxville. It serves as the region’s volunteer center, a match-maker between community volunteers and nonprofit organizations. Local volunteers have the ability to choose from over 200 organizations with posted needs to serve their community. Click here to get started as a nonprofit partner or volunteer.
Want to stay plugged in for year-round volunteer opportunities?
Fill out the form to join our volunteer email list.
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