Giving Back This Thanksgiving: Volunteer Opportunities in Long Beach

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on gratitude, but it’s also a wonderful chance to teach our kids about the power of giving back. Volunteering as a family not only strengthens our community, it helps children see the value of kindness, empathy, and service.

Long Beach offers several meaningful ways to get involved during the holiday season, from helping prepare meals for neighbors in need to assembling gift bags for families experiencing food insecurity. Here are some opportunities to make your Thanksgiving holiday both joyful and impactful.

Christian Outreach in Action (COA) – Thanksgiving Feast & Blessing Bags

COA has been serving the Long Beach community for decades, providing food, clothing, and essential services to families and individuals in need. Their Thanksgiving Feast and Blessing Bag distribution is a highly family-friendly way to volunteer. You can help set up, serve meals, or assist in preparing and distributing grocery-filled Blessing Bags.

• Date, Time, and Location: Saturday, November 29, 2025, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 515 E. 3rd St., Long Beach, CA 90802

How to Prepare:

• Arrive early to get briefed on your volunteer role.
• Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.
• Consider bringing gloves if helping with food prep or packaging.
• Be ready to interact with families and individuals. A warm smile goes a long way.
• Sign up to volunteer or learn more about COA’s Thanksgiving programs here.

COA – Season of Hope Program: Holiday Meal Baskets

Beyond the Thanksgiving Feast, COA organizes the Season of Hope Program, putting together holiday meal baskets that include turkey, sides, and desserts. Volunteers can assist in assembling baskets, coordinating donations, or hosting small food drives in their neighborhoods.

• Date, Time, and Location: Flexible volunteer shifts throughout November, at 515 E. 3rd St., Long Beach, CA 90802

How to Prepare:

• Check COA’s volunteer portal for available shifts and requirements.
• Bring any items you might be donating, or coordinate through COA’s Amazon Wishlist.
• Encourage kids to participate in assembly or packaging. It’s a fun and meaningful activity for all ages.
• Learn more and register.

City of Long Beach Homeless Services Bureau – Season of Giving

The City of Long Beach runs a “Season of Giving” campaign that supports people experiencing homelessness. While many opportunities focus on donating items, there are also roles for volunteering directly, from helping distribute essentials to offering specialized services like career coaching, mental health support, or pet care.

• Date, Time, and Location: Varies by opportunity; locations throughout Long Beach (Full listing)

How to Prepare:

• Review the specific opportunity to know what’s expected.
• Bring any items you’ve pledged to donate if required.
• Be ready to follow safety guidelines provided by the organization.
• Consider involving kids in age-appropriate roles like assembling hygiene kits or sorting donations.

Long Beach Rescue Mission – Holiday Meal Service

Long Beach Rescue Mission provides shelter, meals, and programs to people experiencing homelessness, and the holidays are a time of heightened need. Volunteers can help serve meals, assist with food prep, and support daily operations that make the mission run smoothly. All volunteers must complete a simple form and attend a brief orientation before their first shift, which helps ensure everyone is prepared and comfortable with their responsibilities.

• Date, Time & Location: Ongoing opportunities (including Thanksgiving week); orientation is held on the second Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM, at 1335 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, CA 90813

L.A. Works / Everyday Action – Thanksgiving Community Cooking

Through L.A. Works, the organization Everyday Action hosts Thanksgiving-focused cooking and meal-prep events where volunteers help turn surplus food into nourishing meals for people in need. This is a collaborative, fast-paced kitchen environment that allows families and individuals to directly support food justice and waste reduction. While some events take place across Los Angeles, Long Beach opportunities are often included.

• Date, Time & Location: Shifts available around Thanksgiving; locations and times vary (current opportunities listed at https://volunteer.laworks.com)

Volunteering over Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little preparation, you can create a meaningful experience that your family will remember for years to come. Whether you’re serving meals, assembling baskets, or simply offering a helping hand, your time and energy make a difference in someone’s holiday season.