As we head into the winter and the holiday season, there are many opportunities here in Alameda to assist those in need or be of service to organizations that could use a helping hand. The Thanksgiving holiday is a perfect time for reflection and perhaps to volunteer.
The following nonprofit organizations have volunteer programs. Many organizations could benefit from long-term volunteer commitments and donations year round. We urge our readers to consider reaching out to the organizations listed below to see what their needs are—not just for the holiday season, but going into 2026 and beyond.
Alameda Backyard Growers picks backyard fruit from Alameda homes and delivers it to the Alameda Food Bank. They are planning on having backyard picks over the holidays. Sign up on their website to pick fruit or to request fruit to be picked from your tree.
Alameda Education Foundation provides support to Alameda schools and students. They’re closed during the Thanksgiving break but you can donate on their website to help fund teacher mini grants, school supply drives, scholarships for their after school enrichment programs, and more.
Alameda Food Bank is always in need of volunteers, especially after the holiday season. Visit the volunteer page on their website to learn more and sign up to volunteer. The food bank is closed on Thanksgiving, but Executive Director Teale Harden encourages Alameda residents to get involved and help organize the following during the Thanksgiving weekend – or any time:
- Host a food drive or fundraiser
- Create and package hygiene kits for unhoused neighbors
- Organize a diaper or feminine hygiene product drive
- Educate neighbors and families about food insecurity in our community
- Request donations in lieu of gifts for holidays, birthdays, or school events
- Sell a good or service and donate the proceeds
Alameda Point Collaborative was able to get Thanksgiving turkeys for all of their residents this year, but they are looking for some volunteers to help out with a holiday mailing (sign up here) and a holiday party (sign up here) in December. They also have an online wish list for gifts for their youth residents.
Building Futures, which provides shelter and support to families who have experienced homelessness or domestic violence, is holding their annual Holiday Gift Drive. Island Savoy Market (1200 Lincoln Avenue) and Toy Safari (1410 Park Street) are accepting donations on behalf of Building Futures. Deadline is December 9. Visit the Holiday Gift Drive website to learn more.
Central American Refugee Committee has a food distribution program on Fridays that alternates between Oakland and Alameda. They will be at Santa Clara Avenue and Chestnut Street in Alameda on December 5, and at International Boulevard and 92nd Street in Oakland on November 28 and December 12, from 7 a.m. to noon. Volunteers can sign up on their website or call for more information (Spanish language 510-393-9546, English language 610-461-4982). Donations are also accepted online.
Christ Episcopal Church provides meals, showers, and a warming shelter. They are looking for volunteers to provide lunch and check in people for showers. They are also accepting donations of meals and shelter items. Visit their Seasonal Warming Shelter webpage to learn more and help.
Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda has Coastal Clean Ups at the Seaplane Lagoon Promenade every second Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. There isn’t a clean up on Thanksgiving weekend; the next one is December 13. They’re also looking for Zero Waste Ambassadors at the Downtown Alameda Winter Market on December 6. For more information, email [email protected].
Alameda Meals on Wheels is looking for long-term volunteers who can make a commitment to the organization and the people they serve. They need people to deliver meals and to spend time with homebound recipients. To learn more or sign up to volunteer, visit their volunteer webpage, call Executive Director Peri Drake at 510-865-6131, or email [email protected].
USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum volunteer opportunities include aircraft and ship restoration, community outreach, docent duties, and radio preservation. To learn more, email [email protected] or call (510) 521-8448 ext. 243.
For other volunteer opportunities in the community year-round, please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.
Jean Chen is a contributing writer for the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jean-Chen.
