15+ Easy Ways For Teens & College Kids to Give Back Over the Winter Break
Paying it Forward: Creative Ideas for the Teens in Your Life
Your college kid has come home for the holidays and — along with a mountain of laundry — they’ve brought a heightened awareness of how fortunate they are. Between family gatherings and meetups with high-school friends, winter break is a perfect time to channel that charitable spark into simple, meaningful acts of giving.
1. Give Blood. One of the most useful and powerful gifts is the gift of blood to the local blood center. If you can’t give blood, organize a blood drive.
2. Babysit. Offer to stage a babysitting co-op so frazzled parents can do their holiday shopping.
3. Donate. Convey the spirit of giving by cleaning out your room and donating the things you no longer have use for to those less fortunate. Clothes, sports equipment, and books that you can no longer use would make fantastic gifts!
4. Walk Dogs. Your local shelter is always short of dog walkers, and may be especially in need of help over the holidays. Not a canine fan? It’s likely that the shelter could use people to do the arduous job of playing with the cats. Allergic? There is always a need for front-desk help.
5. Pick-Up Litter. If the park by your house is looking at little shabby at year-end, organize a small group to spruce it up! Or, join a larger effort to clean up the rivers in your area.
6. Hold a Food/Clothing Drive. Nothing brings home the spirit of the season more than giving the gifts of food and warmth to those without. Coordinate with your local food bank or homeless shelter to see what the greatest need is and then set about collecting it!
7. RUN (or Walk.) There are lots of Fun Runs or other charity activities to participate in this time of year. Get fit and give back at the same time! Bonus fun if you do it with a group of friends.
8. Write Holiday Cards for Seniors. Many nursing homes and assisted living centers welcome handmade cards to help fight loneliness during the holidays. A few markers and kind words can go a long way.
9. Shovel Snow or Rake Leaves for Neighbors. Helping elderly or busy neighbors with winter yard work is simple, free, and hugely appreciated. Bonus points for doing the whole block!
10. Help at a Community Meal. Soup kitchens, churches, and shelters often need extra hands for prepping, serving, and cleaning during holiday meals. Even a short shift makes a big impact.
11. Create Blessing Bags / Care Packages for the Homeless. Fill zip-top bags with socks, snacks, toiletries, and gift cards. Keep them in the car to hand out when needed.
12. Tutor or Mentor Younger Students. Offer homework help to elementary or middle school kids who are struggling — especially helpful during the post-holiday academic slump.
13. Foster or Pet-Sit for a Shelter Animal. Many shelters look for short-term foster homes over the holidays. Even a temporary stay gives animals a break from the shelter environment.
14. Volunteer at a Toy Drive or Gift-Wrapping Station. Malls, nonprofits, and charities often host free gift-wrapping and toy-sorting stations during December.
15. Share a Skill. Teens can teach music, art, sports, or tech skills at a community center, library, or after-school program.
16. Run Errands for Homebound Residents. Offer to pick up groceries, prescriptions, or mail for neighbors who can’t easily get out.
17. Support a Cause Virtually. Some kids home from college prefer online options — graphic design, social media promotion, or website help for nonprofits counts too!
Help your kids get out there and make their breaks count in meaningful ways. Not only will YOU remember it always, you are instilling memories and an attitude of grateful service in your children. Help them give back and lose themselves in the joy of serving others!
FAQs: Teens & Holiday Volunteering
1. How much time do teens need to commit to volunteer work over winter break?
There’s no set amount — many opportunities can be done in one hour or one afternoon, while others may be ongoing. Teens can choose what fits their schedule and energy level.
2. Are there volunteer options for teens who don’t drive yet?
Yes! Many at-home or walkable activities work great — writing cards for seniors, organizing a donation drive, tutoring virtually, or cleaning up a neighborhood park.
3. What if my teen is shy or introverted?
Not all volunteering requires big social energy. Sorting donations, creating care packages, or doing yard work for neighbors are low-interaction but high-impact options.
4. Are there volunteer ideas that don’t cost money?
Absolutely. Picking up litter, offering free babysitting, walking shelter dogs, or helping neighbors with errands or outdoor chores are all free, meaningful ways to give back.
5. How can college students fit community service into a short holiday break?
One-time activities — like donating blood, helping at a community meal, or participating in a charity 5K — are perfect when schedules are tight.
6. Is volunteering safe for teens?
Most organizations have safety guidelines and supervised volunteer roles for teens. For younger teens, family participation can be a great option.
7. How can teens find local volunteer opportunities?
Try community centers, churches, animal shelters, libraries, food banks, or city websites. Many post seasonal opportunities starting in November.
8. What if my teen wants to volunteer with friends?
Great! Many activities — park cleanups, fun runs, donation drives — are perfect for groups and make the experience even more fun.
You May Also Like:
Ideas for Volunteering at Any Age
Volunteer for the "Sound the Alarm" Event (American Red Cross)
Giving Tree SignUps for Schools, Nonprofits, Churches, Anyone
About the Author
Tara McAdams
Digital Marketing Manager, Content Strategist & Creator
Tara leads content strategy at SignUp and creates a variety of resources on a wide range of topics – including lifestyle trends, parent tips, prep for holidays, volunteer management, and event planning. More about Tara →
