Maybe you already give back year-round, or maybe practicing thankfulness this holiday season has got you in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Boston to give your time to.

Whether you’re an animal lover, an outdoorsy type, or a holiday enthusiast, there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 22 Boston organizations to show a little love to this holiday season:

🎄 If the holidays are your favorite time of the year

Help feed families during the holidays with Greater Boston Food Bank and the Boston Food Pantry, operated by the American Red Cross of Massachusetts
Host a critical needs drive for items like socks, underwear + toiletries for Friends of Boston’s Homeless or hold a virtual food drive for Rosie’s Place

🌳 The outdoorsy types

Maintain your green thumb by becoming a garden volunteer at one of 56 community gardens
Help keep our roads clean by participating in the Keep Massachusetts Beautiful program
Plan for next fall’s beach sweep with COASTSWEEP

🐶 If you’re an animal lover

Volunteer your time at the New England Aquarium (and hang out with some pretty cool penguins)
Help shelter animals feel loved through the Animal Rescue League of Boston + MSPCA – Angell Animal Medical Center

🍎 Natural-born teachers + mentors

Empower students to reach their full potential through Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston
Teach English as a Second Language (ESL) or volunteer in an after school program through the Casserly House

🗓️ If you’re on a tight schedule

Choose a time to donate blood at an upcoming Massachusetts General Hospital blood drive

🏳️‍🌈 If you’re passionate about supporting local minority groups

Participate in community outreach for Boston’s LGBTQ+ youth through BAGLY

⚾ If you live + breathe Boston

Volunteer during various events hosted by the Boston Preservation Alliance
Assist with redevelopment programs + projects for Historic Boston Incorporated

📚Self-proclaimed bibliophiles

Assist with Friends of the Boston Public Library’s annual book sales
Donate items off the wishlist of the Boston Public Library
Participate in literacy programs through Literacy Partners of Massachusetts

🦋 The social butterflies

Join a volunteer organization like the Junior League of Boston
Serve Massachusetts’ nonprofit community by participating in Boston Care’s initiatives

🔨 The handymen + women

Build affordable homes for the community through Habitat for Humanity

Don’t see anything that fits your interests? Check out VolunteerMatch – a resource that helps you find local volunteer opportunities suited to your preferences.