Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Supported by
Read the digital editionDownload the full issue as a pdf

Gift of Giving: Volunteer Guide

There are several ways you can give to others this holiday season. The following organizations are seeking donations, volunteers, and other support.

 

ADULT DAY CARE CENTERS OF LAS VEGAS AND HENDERSON
As an alternative to expensive in-home care, this organization helps keep your loved one home longer through visits, day centers, and social programs.

Needs: Monetary donations, visits, entertainment, event planning, facilities support and class leadership.

Sponsor Message

Volunteer: 702-648-3425, adultdaycarelv.org

AID FOR AIDS OF NEVADA
AFAN provides medical case management, medical transportation, education, prevention, housing, and nutritional services for adults and children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Needs: Sponsors and hosts for holiday fundraising events.

Volunteer: 702-382-2326, afanlv.org

BABY’S BOUNTY
This active group provides new and gently used infant clothing and gear to babies born to victims of domestic abuse, teen mothers, and low-income families.

Sponsor Message

Needs: Monetary or item donations; hosts for Baby Bundles or Diaper Bank drives; volunteers for sorting, cleaning, and clerical work.

Volunteer: 702-485-2229, babysbounty.org   

BEST BUDDIES NEVADA
Best Buddies International works to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through socialization programs, job coaching, and tools in leadership development.

Needs: Monetary and office supplies donations; special events assistance; mentoring and friendship “Buddies;” and jobs for persons with IDD.

Volunteer: 702-822-2268, bestbuddies.org/nevada   

Sponsor Message

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
BBBS is a mentoring network that provides children facing adversity with professionally supported, positive relationships.

Needs: Toy donations for ages 7+, including new bicycles or skateboards for the Holiday Bike and Board Bonanza; volunteer “Bigs” who are interested in playing sports, hiking, reading, and other fun events with their “Littles.”

Volunteer: 702-731-2227, bbbsn.org

BLIND CENTER OF NEVADA
BCN assists the blind and visually impaired by focusing on personal development, social interaction, and meaningful employment.

Needs: Fundraising; general hygiene donations; volunteer shopping assistants; dedicated volunteers for ceramics on Tuesdays and Thursdays and BINGO on Wednesdays.

Volunteer: 702-998-4903, blindcenter.org 

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence.

Needs: Donations, sponsors, and volunteers for local clubs — each location has different needs.

Volunteer: 702-367-2582, bgcsnv.org   

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
Regardless of faith, the charity provides counseling services, services to pregnant women, immigration legal assistance, transitional housing, aid to low-income families, and a food bank.

Needs: Selecting CCSN for AmazonSmile or Smith’s Inspiring Donations; Facebook fundraisers; donations of non-perishable food, hygiene items, and winter clothes; volunteers to serve the Community Meal, prepare Meals on Wheels, help in the Hands of Hope Community Food Pantry, or tutor in the English Language Program.

Volunteer: 702-405-0597, catholiccharities.com 

GOODIE TWO SHOES FOUNDATION
The organization provides disadvantaged children and children in crisis with new shoes and socks as well as other items deemed essential for good health and positive development.

Needs: Monetary donations, volunteers to help participating children in fitting and selecting brand new shoes and socks.

Volunteer: 702-617-4027, goodietwoshoes.org 

HEAVEN CAN WAIT ANIMAL SOCIETY

Heaven Can Wait works to eliminate companion animal suffering and pet overpopulation through aggressive spay/neuter programs, adoptions, community outreach, and education.

Needs: Monetary, pet food, and pet item donations (see website for specifics). Volunteers for events, adoption and fostering programs, administrative work, and clinical assistance. Writers for various publications.

Volunteer: 702-655-4800, hcws.org   

HELPING HANDS OF VEGAS VALLEY
HHoVV is a nonprofit with the mission to provide free assistive services to senior citizens in Southern Nevada, allowing them to maintain their dignity and independence while improving health and daily living.

Needs: Monetary and food donations; volunteer drivers, food drive coordinators, food pantry workers, and admin help. Bilingual volunteers particularly needed.

Volunteer: 702-507-1850, hhovv.org  

HELP OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

HELP assists those in need to overcome barriers and attain self-sufficiency.

Needs: Donation drive hosts, event and family sponsors; volunteers to assist in events planning and execution, mentoring, and administrative duties.

Volunteer: 702-369-4357, helpsonv.org

INDIGENOUSAF
IndigenousAF (IAF Inc.) is a nonprofit organization in Nevada that supports community work and projects which strengthen Indigenous cultures, knowledge, and identity through the arts and education. 

Needs: Financial and resource support

Volunteer: 702-300-7120, iafinc.org

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY
JFSA supports people of all backgrounds by providing professional social services including counseling, senior services, adoptions, and emergency assistance.

Needs: Monetary donations; volunteers to help with daily administrative tasks, the food pantry, driving seniors, and events held throughout the year.

Volunteer: 702-732-0304, jfsalv.org   

LAS VEGAS VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY
The Humane Society is dedicated to improving the welfare of animals, particularly those that are stray or abandoned.

Needs: Monetary, pet food, and toy donations; fosters; transportation for rescues; cat socializers; volunteers to assist in fundraisers, media, and administrative work.

Volunteer: 702-434-2009, lvvhumane.org   

LAS VEGAS RESCUE MISSION
The Las Vegas Rescue Mission provides people in need with shelter and services without regard to religion or origin. During the holidays, it provides children with Christmas gifts as well as food and other essentials.

Needs: In-kind and monetary donations; volunteers to help prepare meals, sort and price items for the thrift store, assist in toy and food drives, and mentor recovery clients.

Volunteer: 702-382-1766, vegasrescue.org 

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF NEVADA
LSSNV provides professional social services to people of all backgrounds, including counseling, senior services, adoptions, and emergency assistance.

Needs: Donations for the children’s toy and clothing drive or through AmazonSmile; volunteers to assist with the drive-up food pantry, office tasks, maintenance at housing units, and assembly and distribution of holiday baskets.

Volunteer: 702-639-1730, lssnv.org  

NEW ERA LAS VEGAS
The Las Vegas chapter of New Era Nation is devoted to empowering and encouraging Black people to love, serve, and build.

Needs: Food donations and financial support via Cash App $ServingThePeople

Volunteer: Inquire at neweralasvegas817@gmail.com 

PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The PEF offers literacy programs to children and families.

Needs: Monetary donations; volunteers to tutor students in reading, help with general clerical work, and deliver books.

Volunteer: 702-799-1042, thepef.org   

TOYS 4 TOTS
This program run by the U.S. Marines collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them as Christmas gifts to needy children.

Needs: Financial and new toy donations; hosts for events and toy drives; volunteers to help with the transportation and storage of donated toys, assist in the warehouse, and help with meals.

Volunteer: (719) 317-4336, las-vegas-nv.toysfortots.org 

NEVADA PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS YOUTH
NPHY provides youth services including street outreach, 24-hour crisis intervention, and an independent living program. The drop-in center is still available for youth, but no longer open to the public.

Needs: Financial donations via the website or AmazonWishlist; donations of hygiene, cleaning, and art supplies, water, books, and games. Virtual volunteers to help with classes, translating, entertainment, and advocacy.

Volunteer: 702-383-1332, nphy.org   

OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE
OV helps people with severe intellectual and related disabilities seek independence by providing vocational training, community employment, day services, advocacy, arts programs, and social recreation.

Needs: Volunteers to work in the retail store, host donation drives, work in the office, and assist with various events including the Magical Forest and Great Santa Run. Virtual volunteers for fundraising and donation drives.

Volunteer: 702-888-3377, opportunityvillage.org  

THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF GREATER LAS VEGAS
RMHC provides lodging, transportation, and support to families while their children receive long-term medical treatment.

Needs: Monetary and pop tab donations; Family Room hosts at Sunrise Children’s Hospital; shuttle van drivers; Caring Card decorators; volunteers for special events, repairs and maintenance, fundraisers, wish list drives, and outreach.

Volunteer: 702-252-4663, rmhlv.com

SAFE NEST
Safe Nest provides emergency and legal services, safe housing, and long-term counseling to victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Needs: Financial and in-kind donations of new and gently used clothing, blankets, housewares, backpacks, and art supplies; volunteers must first graduate from the DV Academy.

Volunteer: 702-821-2736, safenest.org

THE SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army alleviates the symptoms of poverty, then works to address the root issues that cause it through adult rehabilitation, emergency disaster relief, victim and veteran services, and youth programs.

Needs: Monetary and Angel Tree gift donations; toy and food drive sponsors; volunteers to help serve meals, work in the food pantry, with Day of Caring events, and with Adopt-a-Kettle programs.

Volunteer: 702-870-4430, salvationarmysouthernnevada.org 

THE SHADE TREE
The Shade Tree provides a safe shelter for homeless and abused women and children in crisis — along with their pets — and offers services promoting stability, dignity, and self-reliance.

Needs: Financial donations; volunteers to help prepare and serve daily meals, conduct activities with children, organize arts and craft projects, provide transportation, sort donations, and assist with special events.

Volunteer: 702-385-0072, theshadetree.org 

SPREAD THE WORD NEVADA
The goal of Spread the Word Nevada is to promote early literacy by giving books to children in at-risk, low-income communities.

Needs: Financial and new or gently used book donations (pre-K–5th grade); volunteers to help prepare books, assist with Breakfast/Snack Time with Books programs, and work community events; mentors and reading companions at elementary schools.

Volunteer: 702-564-7809, spreadthewordnevada.org 

ST. JUDE’S RANCH FOR CHILDREN
SJRC works with abused, neglected, and at-risk children and young adults through residential foster care, transitional living, housing, services for homeless 18–25-year-olds, child-focused sibling preservation, emergency placement, and child nutrition programs.

Needs: Volunteers in the thrift store and mailroom; help with maintenance of the grounds and buildings; holiday decorating for community holiday events; and donations from the holiday wish list.

Volunteer: 702-294-7100, stjudesranch.org 

THREE SQUARE
Three Square’s mission is to provide wholesome food while passionately pursuing a hunger-free community. The Backpack for Kids program provides Clark County schoolchildren in need with bags of nourishing food for after school, weekends, holidays, and school breaks.

Needs: Monetary and food donations; volunteers to sort and package meals for school programs, help out at special events, and box meals for the Senior Hunger Program.

Volunteer: 702-644-3663, threesquare.org   

VA SOUTHERN NEVADA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs honors America’s veterans by providing exceptional healthcare that improves their well-being.

Needs: New clothing and hygiene item donations; please check back for volunteer opportunities post-COVID.

Volunteer: 702-791-9134, va.gov/southern-nevada-health-care 

YMCA
The YMCA provides personal and social change through Christian principles and opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive side-by-side regardless of age, income, or background.

Needs: Volunteers to help with events, coach sports teams, teach classes, monitor activities, and fundraiseR.

Volunteer: lasvegasymca.org