10 Ways to Give Back in Metro Detroit this Season

The holiday season is a time for gratitude and giving to others. Whether it’s donating food, money or your time, there are several ways to give back to the Metro Detroit community this season.

By Cassie Kunze 

Alternatives For Girls

903 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit

313-361-4000

Alternatives For Girls is a nonprofit that assists homeless and at-risk young women avoid violence, exploitation and offers resources for safety and education. It offers three core services focusing on prevention, shelter and outreach. Get more information on how to get involved here.

Arts & Scraps

16135 Harper Ave., Detroit

313-640-4411

Arts & Scraps is nonprofit that recycles 28 tons of material annually to provide 275,000 children with hands-on learning and creative experiences. Find out more about the organization and ways you can help here.

Capuchin Soup Kitchen

1820 Mount Elliot St., Detroit

313-579-2100

Apart from providing food for those in need, this nonprofit offers several programs that range from substance abuse to spiritual care. There are many ways to give back with Capuchin. Learn more here.

Coalition On Temporary Shelter

26 Peterboro St., Detroit

313-831-3777

COTS in a nonprofit committed to providing programs and services for the homeless living in the Metro Detroit. The organization is able do the great work it does through the help of its volunteers. There are several ways to give your time. Learn more here.

Crossroads of Michigan

2424 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit

313-831-2787

Crossroads is a social service outreach agency that works to provide emergency assistance, advocacy and counseling to those in need. Crossroads is able to care for people with the help of donations. Find out more about how to help here.

Focus: HOPE

1200 Oakman Boulevard, Detroit

313-494-5500

This nonprofit works to overcome social and economic injustices in Metro Detroit. With the help of donations, Focus: HOPE provides programs like youth development, community revitalization, career connections and community safety. Learn more here.

Forgotten Harvest

21800 Greenfield Road, Oak Park

248-967-1500

Forgotten Harvest is a nonprofit that delivers 138,000 pounds of surplus food a day to local charities, providing those in need with fresh and nutritious food. Learn about the ways to help here.

Gleaners Community Food Bank

2131 Beaufait, Detroit

866-453-2637

This nonprofit works to provide homes with sufficient and nutritious food. With the help of donations and volunteers, Gleaners distributes nearly 100,000 meals a day to families in Metro Detroit. Learn more about how you can help here.

Heidelberg Arts Leadership Academy

1005 Parker Unit 1, Detroit

313-458-8414

The Heidelberg Arts Leadership Academy offers free arts education programs for students in grades 4 through 12. Its mission is to empower students by giving them the tools they need to be make a positive impact in their community. Find out the many ways to get involved here.

Open Hands Food Pantry and Garden

26998 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak

248-546-1255

This nonprofit is the largest food pantry providing food and toiletries to Oakland County residents. The volunteer-run organization serves almost 14,000 clients per year, and there are many ways to help this season. Learn more here.