Spread Your Holiday Cheer! Where to Volunteer in Wilmington This Week and Beyond
With Christmas less than a week away, there’s still time to make a meaningful difference in our community. Whether you’re looking to help during the holiday week or planning to start the new year with purpose, Wilmington organizations need your support now more than ever.
Immediate Holiday Needs
Sunday Breakfast Mission
Be part of making Christmas special for those experiencing homelessness. Many basic items are needed at this time to continue meeting the needs of individuals and families, but the greatest current need is:
- Hoodies (zip up or pullover) of all sizes for men, women and children
- Thermal underwear
- Socks
Beyond these important items there are more ways to give and volunteer throughout the year.
- Contact: Volunteer Services Department
- Phone: (302) 652-8314
- Email through this form
- Location: 110 N. Poplar Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Ministry of Caring - Emmanuel Dining Room
Donate food or help serve holiday meals during Christmas week and into the new year when volunteer numbers typically drop.
- Contact: Michael Sullivan, Program Director
- Phone: (302) 652-3228
- Email: msullivan@ministryofcaring.org
- Location: Multiple locations throughout Wilmington
New Year Opportunities
The Warehouse, REACH Riverside & Kingswood Community Center
The WRK Group is The Warehouse, REACH Riverside & Kingswood Community Center – three organizations helping lead a $600 million holistic revitalization of Wilmington’s Riverside neighborhood.
Volunteers are essential to supporting their impactful events and programs.
Opportunities include assisting the Early Learning Academy, engaging with seniors at Kingswood, helping at the food pantry, and empowering teens through the RISE workforce development program at The Warehouse.
- Contact: Chase Conway
- Phone: (610) 616-4754
- Email: cconway@reachriverside.org
- Location: The Warehouse and REACH Riverside – 1121 Thatcher Street, Wilmington DE 19802; Kingswood Community Center – 2300 Bowers Street, Wilmington DE 19802
Food Bank of Delaware Post-Holiday Food Distribution
January can be the hungriest month as holiday donations dwindle. Volunteer to help sort and distribute food to those in need. Solo volunteers can sign up directly on our website, but we encourage group volunteers to contact the Volunteer Coordinator directly for easier scheduling.
- Contact: Aaron Stone, Volunteer Coordinator
- Phone: (302) 393-2011
- Email: volunteer@fbd.org
- Location: 222 Lake Drive, Newark, DE 19702
Ronald McDonald Charities of Greater Delaware
Support families with children receiving medical care during the cold winter months with volunteer opportunities for individuals, families or groups.
- Contact: Sara Funaiock, Volunteer Manager
- Phone: (302) 428-5340
- Email: volunteer@rmhcdelaware.org
- Location: 1901 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
West End Neighborhood House
No matter your age, or area of expertise, West End has a volunteer opportunity for you, helping Delaware families become self-sufficient, and our communities thrive.
- Contact: Greg Munson, Fundraising & Marketing Coordinator
- Phone: (302) 658-4171 x 153
- Email: gmunson@westendnh.org
- Location: 710 North Lincoln Street, Wilmington, DE 19805
Why Volunteer During the Holiday and New Year Period?
The week between Christmas and New Year’s, along with early January, is often when organizations face their greatest volunteer shortages. While many people volunteer before Christmas, the need for help doesn’t end on December 25th. In fact, many organizations report that January is when they need volunteers most, as holiday enthusiasm wanes but community needs remain high.
Where should you start if you’re looking to volunteer over the holidays?
- Start with their website. If you can schedule your volunteering online, start there. Otherwise, call, don’t email. During the holiday week, email responses may be delayed. Phone calls are your best bet for quick responses.
- Be flexible: Organizations may need help in ways different from their usual volunteer programs.
- Bring family or friends: Many organizations welcome families or groups looking to volunteer together during the holiday break.
- No experience needed: Training will be provided on-site.
New Year, New Focus
As you consider your New Year’s resolutions, why not make volunteering a part of your routine in 2025? Dependable and regular volunteers are the backbone of community organizations. Why not make volunteering the new happy hour – a way to catch up with friends and give back to the community?
Ready to Help?
For immediate volunteering, call the Ministry of Caring today. For New Year opportunities, any of the organizations we have listed would be grateful for your support. You can also visit Volunteer Delaware to browse other opportunities that match your schedule and interests.
While the Holiday spirit may be what initially inspires us to give back, the need for community support lasts all year. Whether you can help this week or are planning to start in the new year, your contribution will make a real difference in making our awesome city an even more caring community.
