Across Arizona, organizations are inviting the community to make a meaningful difference. From providing Thanksgiving meals and warm pajamas to brightening the holidays for children and families, there are countless ways to lend a hand this November and December.
United Food Bank will host its annual Thanksgiving food distribution on November 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mesa Convention Center, offering turkeys, produce, and shelf-stable goods to families in need, thanks to partnerships with Desert Financial Credit Union, State Farm, and the Arizona Cardinals.
America First Credit Union launched its “Warm the Soles” shoe drive, running through December 31, to provide new shoes for children in need across Arizona, California, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah. This year, donors can make monetary contributions online or donate new pairs of shoes at any branch.
Tristan’s Trees is a new nonprofit dedicated to honoring the lives of stillborn babies and children who have passed away by gifting families a living tree to plant in their memory. Each tree offers a place of healing, reflection, and hope as their child’s legacy continues to grow. The organization is seeking donations to help fulfill tree requests for grieving families and expand its impact.
Dominick’s Steakhouse will host its ninth annual 100-Percent Giving Night on November 24, where every dollar from the first 200 dinners will benefit Make-A-Wish Arizona.
ABC15 Arizona has teamed up with Sanderson Ford and Sanderson Lincoln for the 25th annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive. Running through December 17, the campaign collects packaged food, unwrapped toys, children’s clothing, and monetary donations to benefit Military Assistance Mission, SARRC, Special Olympics Arizona, St. Mary’s Food Bank, and New Life Center. Donations can be dropped off at participating Sanderson and U-Haul locations or made online, with donors eligible for weekly prizes and a live vehicle giveaway on December 19.
The Arizona Animal Welfare League needs foster volunteers to provide short-term homes for vulnerable animals, giving them comfort, safety, and love while they wait to be adopted. Whether you can host a pet for a few days or a few weeks, fostering helps save lives and opens space for more animals.
Shoppers can also make a difference this season at Hope’s Closet, a thrift store supporting New Life Center, one of Arizona’s largest domestic violence shelters. On Black Friday, the entire store will be 25 percent off, with all proceeds funding housing, advocacy, and essential resources for survivors and their families, who also shop there for free to rebuild their homes and lives.
Cancer Support Community Arizona provides free emotional, social, and psychological support to anyone impacted by cancer. This holiday season, volunteers are needed to assist with program support, special events, administrative help, and more.
Tempe Community Action Agency is seeking volunteers to provide and serve meals to unhoused participants enrolled in the I-HELP shelter model. Meal providers plan, cook, and serve meals to 40 program participants, and are encouraged to sit and enjoy the dinner together alongside TCAA staff and clients.
At U.S. Egg, diners can enjoy breakfast or lunch while contributing to the restaurant’s annual Pajama and Toy Drive for The Foster Alliance, which serves more than 12,000 children in state and tribal foster care. Throughout November, all Valley U.S. Egg locations will collect new pajamas, toys, diapers, and hygiene items to bring warmth and comfort to foster families.
The Foster Alliance is also running its Holiday Toy Drive, offering opportunities to donate toys, host a drive, or shop from the Amazon Wish Lists to create curated gift bags for more than 11,000 children.
Tempe Marketplace, Scottsdale Quarter, and Desert Ridge Marketplace are lighting up the season with their annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebrations, each benefiting Phoenix Children’s. These free, family-friendly events will feature Santa visits, entertainment, and raffles, with new VIP experiences offering exclusive seating, treats, and cozy holiday fun.
Phoenix Rescue Mission is asking the public for support of its many programs designed to transform lives, including Hope for Hunger Food Bank, Hope Coach Street Outreach, Temporary Shelter Programs, Men’s Addiction Recovery Programs, and the Changing Lives Center for Women and Children.
Whether you donate a meal, gift, or evening out, these local efforts show that every act of generosity helps make the holidays brighter for Arizona families in need.
