The holiday spirit is all about giving, and in Durango a great way to do this is by volunteering in the community. All around Durango during the season, people come together to support those in need. By donating your time, goods, or experience you can make a lasting impact in the Durango community and share the holiday spirit.
Volunteer with Local Food Banks 
During the holiday season and all throughout the year food banks in Durango work hard to provide fresh, hot meals to those in need. Organizations like Manna Soup Kitchen and Durango Food Bank work to provide assistance to people facing food insecurity. Durango Food Bank and Manna Soup Kitchen are always looking for volunteers and you can apply on their website. Volunteering means assisting with food distribution days, stocking food, and organizing goods. Manna Soup Kitchen provides hot meals everyday of the week to anyone facing food insecurity in Durango. During the holiday season and especially around Christmas Manna makes holiday take-home meals so everyone can celebrate the season without having to worry about food.
Help at Holiday Events and Festivals 
The holiday season in Durango comes alive with community events like the Durango Christmas parade and Holiday Station. Some holiday events in Durango depend on the hard work of volunteers to make things possible. Volunteering would entail setting up decorations, organizing floats, greeting guests, and making sure things run smoothly. It takes a lot of people to make these holiday events so magical and by volunteering you can help create that holiday spirit. And who knows, maybe it will help you get on Santa's nice list.
Serve at Shelters and Homeless Support Centers 
Local shelters, like the Durango Community Shelter, depend on volunteers to create a warm supportive environment for residents. The holiday season can be a tough time for some people and by volunteering you can help bring cheer to someone in need. You can support the staff by cooking and serving meals, sorting donations, or helping organize holiday events and activities. Volunteering in Durango during the holiday season is a chance to make the holidays a little brighter for everyone.
Assist in Local Charity Drives and Toy Collections
For some people the holiday season can be a stressful time, and some families are not able to buy gifts for their kids. Durango has plenty of charity drives that help support and bring a smile to children and families in need. The La Plata Family Centers Coalition is partnering with local Durango businesses to organize Project Merry Christmas, which will collect gifts for local families. Donate toys through their website or at the donation boxes located around town. If you aren’t in the position to donate goods or money, you can always help sort and distribute gifts for families in need. Anyway you help out this holiday season makes a difference in someone's life.
Join Environmental or Park Clean-Up Projects 
Give back to the town you love by participating in local park clean-ups or winter projects. Friends of Durango Parks and Recreation is always looking for volunteers to help keep Durango’s outdoor spaces beautiful and accessible. You might be tasked with picking up trash or shoveling snow on sidewalks to make them safer for everyone. Durango is already a beautiful place, help keep it that way by volunteering.
Help at Senior Centers and Nursing Homes 
Senior centers in Durango are always looking for volunteers to assist their staff and residents. Volunteering at places like the Durango Senior Center is a wonderful way to offer connection and company to seniors during the holiday season. Whether you are helping decorate, leading holiday crafts, or listening to residents over a cup of cocoa, your efforts will bring cheer to people’s lives.
Support Animal Shelters and Animal Welfare Initiatives 
The holidays can be a busy time for local animal shelters such as the La Plata County Humane Society. By taking dogs for a walk, playing with the cute kitties, or helping out at events you are giving these animals the care and attention they deserve. You are also helping out shelter staff. If your holiday season schedule is busy. You can donate needed supplies like blankets, toys, and food. Donations help animal shelters in Durango and are a simple way to spread extra love during the holidays.
Participate in Community Outreach and Fundraising Events
Get involved in local outreach programs and fundraising events that support causes you care about. Helping organize auctions, holiday markets, dinners, or fun runs are a great way you can raise money for causes like education, healthcare, and community development. By attending events, donating goods, and volunteering for organizations like Community Compassion Outreach you give back.
Volunteer Opportunities for Families and Kids
Everyone in the family can volunteer their time and effort. Activities like crafting holiday cards for service members is a fun and simple way to spread holiday cheer. Bring the kiddos along to help pack holiday meals at Manna Soup Kitchen and Durango Community Shelter. Many community events welcome volunteers of all ages to lend a helping hand. And volunteering as a family allows everyone to work together and help others in need.
Make a Difference in Durango this Holiday Season
Why not spread some cheer by volunteering in Durango? Volunteering is a great way to give back and make a difference in your community. By helping serve meals, organize events, or spending time with someone who needs it you are spreading kindness. Every act of kindness no matter how big or small can make someone's holiday season that much brighter. By volunteering this Christmas in Durango you can make a meaningful change in the community.
