Holiday Volunteering and Giving in Champaign-Urbana

How can you find ways to give back this holiday season in Champaign-Urbana? We have some ideas.

Options abound, from coat drives to food distribution and everything in between

Nothing will get you into the holiday spirit quite like giving back to your community. And there are many ways to do that this holiday season in the Champaign-Urbana area.

Based on how often we get this question, we know the heart of giving back is strong here; the people of Champaign-Urbana desire to show love and care to those in our community who need some extra support.

Here is a list of holiday volunteering opportunities that we know of — realizing this is just a sampling and not an exhaustive list — as well as places we know of that will use your donations to distribute food, clothing, and toys to those in need this holidays season.

Most importantly, the need to be generous with our time and resources is not seasonal. Many of these opportunities can extend into the new year and beyond.

Find a list of places to volunteer as a family, regardless of the time of year, by clicking here.

All of the organizations mentioned in this article have opportunities to give back this holiday season. We are including them in this list to help you find options that fit your family’s desire to give back in 2025.

Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement of the organization or specific program mentioned. If you have a program in your community we should consider adding, please email us – editor@chambanamoms.com.

Sponsor-A-Family, Clothing, Toys and Wish List Opportunities

All of these programs are organized a little differently, with some focused on toys and others focused on practical needs like clothing and winter weather wear.

Champaign Toys for Tots

This year there are what seems like more Toys for Tots collection boxes than ever before; you can find a list of them here.

Courage Connection

Shop its Amazon wish list for items to ship directly.

Cunningham Children’s Home, Urbana

Donate gift cards or shop directly from the wish list for kids ages 11-17. Email ccombes@cunninghamhome.org for more info.

Holiday Elf Teen Gift Program, Champaign County

Matching Champaign County teens ages 13-19 with an elf during the holiday season. This program is in its fourth year and growing. Gift donations accepted, or become a teen’s elf. Suggestions: hoodies, pajamas and lounge pants, graphic t-shirts, socks and slippers, gift cards, blankets. candles, craft/art kits, games, anime items, and more. Gifts can be dropped off at designated C-U locations. Email Colleen Dorsla for more information.

G.R.E.A.T. Start & Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Champaign

Winter Coat and Boot Drive. They are collecting winter wear (only new items please) for the children served by the GREAT Start home visiting program, which supports families during the first three years of their child’s life. Shop directly from their Amazon Wish List or you can drop off donations in-person at the WIC window located in the CUPHD lobby.

Food-Related Opportunities

Eastern Illinois Food Bank

Make a donation online and it will allow Eastern Illinois Foodbank to leverage its buying power to purchase nutritious food for our neighbors facing food insecurity.

Feeding Our Kids

Works to keep community children fed over the weekends/school vacations to help promote health. The organization uses volunteers in many ways – note that kids as young as 5 can help with its food sorts.

Other Opportunities

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Give the gift of mentoring this holiday season! Mentors are needed now more than ever. Become a mentor today by clicking here.

C-U One-to-one Mentoring Program

This is the school-based mentoring program for Champaign Unit 4 and Urbana District 116 schools. Students in both districts are currently begging for mentors. For only an hour each week, spent at school, you can make a difference in the life of a child.

C-U at Home, Champaign

Friends from the community are welcome to spend time at The Phoenix when the weather becomes extremely cold. It is helpful to have volunteers “on call” as hours vary on a case by case basis. Call (217) 819-4569 to get more info.

Salt and Light, Champaign and Urbana

Individual volunteers and groups of up to 10 are needed to help in its thrift stores with sorting, pricing, processing, stocking, and staging items throughout the holiday shopping season. Opportunities are available daily. Contact Lisa Sheltra to get started.

Opportunities we have not yet confirmed for 2025

Children’s Advocacy Center, Champaign

Email CACmail@co.champaign.il.us for info.

Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County, Rantoul

Email cindyccsc@gmail.com for more info.

Developmental Services Center, Champaign

The DSC holiday wish list has holiday wishes from individuals in its Residential Program who might not otherwise receive gifts. Many gifts focus on practical needs, such as sweatshirts, sheet sets and food gift cards.

Faith in Action Christmas Bags for Seniors, Urbana

Volunteers are collecting items for Christmas bags for seniors who may be alone this holiday season. Items such as paper towels, battery-operated candles, hand sanitizer, crossword puzzles, and more can be donated. Call (217) 337-2778 with questions.

Mom’s Pantry, Mahomet

The Giving Tree will be full of tags waiting for someone to take and buy the gift that is listed to help out a student and their family in the Mahomet-Seymour community.

St. Joseph Women’s Community Club Angel Tree

Choose an ornament for a child in St. Joseph and purchase the item listed on the ornament. Then return your gift to the box next to the tree. More info on where and how to get the ornaments will be available via Facebook.

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Holiday Giving and Volunteering in Champaign-Urbana