November is the perfect time to count your blessings by helping others with less.
In a world where kids have access to so much, it’s always good to remind them that needs exist in the community. Volunteering as a family creates meaningful bonds and shared experiences, and it also offers an important opportunity to teach children kindness and the importance of giving back to the community. Whether serving meals at a local shelter, participating in a community cleanup, organizing donation resources, or simply offering smiles and cards to nursing home patients, these activities foster a sense of teamwork, empathy, and purpose. Families can celebrate small victories together, such as completing a project or seeing the impact of their efforts. Additionally, volunteering exposes family members to diverse perspectives, helping them appreciate their own blessings while contributing to a greater cause. It’s a rewarding way to grow together. Following is a list of local serve opportunities that welcome volunteers of all ages.
Photograph courtesy of Grace Klein Community
Grace Klein Community
Food insecurity impacts more than one million people in Alabama. Grace Klein Community helps alleviate this through its food programs, as well as provide practical items like diapers, wipes, and school supplies where needed. Volunteers can serve at drive-thru food support sites; sort necessities and supplies at the Community Outreach Hall; work as food rescue heroes; and more. Register at gracekleincommunity.com/volunteer.
Photograph courtesy of Firehouse Ministries
Firehouse Ministries
This nonprofit offers emergency shelter programs, a clothes closet, meals, and more. Sign up for a shift at their shelter, which includes duties such as light cleaning, organizing, and kitchen help, or volunteer to bring, plan, or serve a meal. Volunteers must be at least 8 years old and anyone under 18 years of age must have a chaperone. Learn more at firehouseshelter.com.
Photograph courtesy of Grace’s Kitchen Facebook
Grace’s Kitchen
This food ministry started in October 2009, when volunteers began serving a hot breakfast and offering a to-go lunch once a week in Linn Park. Grace's Kitchen continues to share the gospel of Jesus Christ by providing food to people in need in the park and through its ministry partners. Opportunities are available for weekly food prep, as well as making sandwiches and snack mix at home, writing scripture cards, assembling flatware bundles, and adding verses to takeout containers. Sign up at graceskitchen.org/volunteer-opportunities.
Photograph courtesy of Bundles of Hope
Bundles of Hope
Diapers are an infant and toddler necessity, and, for many families, they are cost-prohibitive. They are also not covered by any government program such as SNAP or WIC. Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank, founded in 2014 by a group of women at Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church, steps in to aid those experiencing “diaper need” due to financial hardship by providing diapers at no cost. Bundles of Hope now distributes 200,000 diapers per month month. Get involved by bundling diapers, or host a diaper drive to keep supplies stocked. To learn more or to sign up for a Saturday volunteer slot, visit bundlesdiaperbank.org.
Photograph courtesy of Keely Wright
Christian Service Mission
Christian Service Mission uses volunteers throughout Birmingham to work alongside those in need through their three major categories: Resources, Education, and Construction. Individuals can volunteer weekly, during a special event, or for various projects. They use their nearly four-acre campus to help distribute items that increase health equity, support communities through natural disasters, facilitate various initiatives, and more. For more information and to sign up to volunteer, visit csmission.org.
Photograph courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House Charities provides essential services to families whose children need healthcare. A nine-bedroom Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham opened in 1979, becoming the sixth Ronald McDonald House in the world and the first to open debt-free and in a non-NFL franchise city. The current house includes 73 guest suites, a toy store stocked with donated items where families can shop at no cost, an exercise room, family kitchen, volunteer kitchen, playground/patio area, and more. Volunteers assist with cleaning common areas and organizing donations. Baking groups can come during the day to make homemade treats in the kitchen. You must be 16 years old to volunteer, so RMHC is best suited for older kids and parents. Volunteers are especially needed during January and February. To learn more, visit rmhca.org/volunteer.