The Heart of the Holidays in Boulder
The holidays in Boulder are more than snow-dusted Flatirons, Pearl Street lights, and cozy mountain evenings. They’re a chance to slow down, reconnect, and make a difference close to home.
Whether you’re packing food, tending a garden, or walking a rescue dog, giving back during the holidays strengthens the community spirit that makes Boulder so special. And in a city where sustainability, compassion, and connection are part of daily life, there’s no shortage of ways to help.
Here are ten local nonprofits and volunteer opportunities—including some of our favorites—that invite you to make this season about community, kindness, and Colorado-style giving.
1. Growing Gardens
Cultivating community through sustainable agriculture
Growing Gardens transforms urban spaces into thriving community farms that promote food security and environmental education. Volunteers help with planting, harvesting, and maintaining gardens or supporting youth and educational programs.
Why it’s great for the holidays:
Connects families to nature even in the off-season.
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and eco-conscious volunteers.
Holiday idea: Volunteer for winter garden prep or donate to their food access programs in someone’s honor.
2. Community Food Share
Fighting hunger across Boulder and Broomfield Counties
Community Food Share distributes millions of pounds of food each year to families in need. Volunteers can sort donations, pack food boxes, or help with food distribution events.
Why it’s great for the holidays:
Provides immediate impact during a time of high demand.
Ideal for families, offices, or friend groups who want to serve together.
Holiday idea: Host a neighborhood food drive or sponsor a volunteer shift.
3. Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary
Compassion in action for rescued farm animals
Located in Erie, Luvin Arms offers refuge for rescued farm animals and inspires compassionate living through education and community events. Volunteers help with feeding, cleaning, and animal care—or assist with tours and events.
Why it’s great for the holidays:
Meaningful hands-on experience that nurtures empathy.
Great for kids, families, or animal lovers.
Holiday idea: Sponsor a rescued animal as a heartfelt gift.
4. Humane Society of Boulder Valley
Creating healthy relationships between pets and people since 1902
Help pets find homes this season by volunteering at the Humane Society. Opportunities include dog walking, cat care, assisting in the shelter clinic, and supporting adoption events.
Why it’s great for the holidays:
Warms the heart and helps animals in need.
Flexible volunteer shifts available.
Holiday idea: Donate pet toys, food, or blankets—or adopt your next furry family member.
5. Boulder Bridge House
Meals, mentorship, and second chances
Bridge House provides housing, job training, and hot meals to people experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can assist in the community kitchen, serve dinners, or mentor individuals in the Ready-to-Work program.
Why it’s great for the holidays:
Addresses one of the most pressing local needs.
Perfect for individuals or small groups.
Holiday idea: Create “warmth kits” with gloves, socks, and snacks to donate alongside your volunteer shift.
6. Harvest of Hope Pantry
Providing dignified food access for all
Harvest of Hope offers groceries to individuals and families who need extra support. Volunteers assist with food sorting, grocery bag packing, and delivery services.
Why it’s great for the holidays:
Easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Directly supports Boulder’s food security efforts.
Holiday idea: Host a pantry drive or volunteer with your kids to see giving in action.
7. EFAA (Emergency Family Assistance Association)
Supporting Boulder families in crisis
EFAA provides food, housing, and emergency support to local families. Volunteers help organize donations, assist in the food pantry, or wrap gifts for their Holiday Gift Program.
Why it’s great for the holidays:
Helps ensure every family experiences holiday warmth and stability.
Perfect for volunteers of all ages.
Holiday idea: Adopt a family through EFAA’s holiday program.
8. Boulder Shelter for the Homeless
A warm place to rest this winter
This organization provides food, shelter, and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can help with meal preparation, donation sorting, and event support.
Why it’s great for the holidays:
Cold months bring greater need for compassion and supplies.
Short volunteer shifts make it accessible to most schedules.
9. Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks (OSMP)
Give back to the trails that give so much to us
If you prefer the outdoors, join a volunteer trail crew or environmental restoration event through OSMP.
Why it’s great for the holidays:
Combines community service with fresh mountain air.
Family-friendly one-day projects available.
Holiday idea: Make it a new holiday tradition—service and sunrise over the Flatirons.
10. Community Cycles
Empowering mobility and sustainability through bikes
Community Cycles refurbishes and donates bicycles to those in need. Volunteers help repair bikes, teach workshops, and promote sustainable transportation across Boulder.
Why it’s great for the holidays:
Supports mobility and environmental goals.
Especially fun for bike enthusiasts and teens.
Holiday idea: Donate a used bike or volunteer at their annual Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway.
Simple Ways to Give Back This Season
Even if your schedule is packed, small gestures go a long way:
- Donate gently used winter gear.
- Send grocery gift cards to local families.
- Share volunteer opportunities with friends.
- Make a monthly giving commitment to a local nonprofit.
Every act of generosity—big or small—creates ripples of good that spread through the Boulder community.
Giving back isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what you can, with heart. From farms to food banks and animal shelters to mountain trails, Boulder is full of opportunities to serve and connect this holiday season.
Whether you join a volunteer day, adopt a family, or simply lend a helping hand, your compassion helps make this city—and the season—shine brighter.
