For most people, the holiday season is a time to spend with family and friends, full of festivities and cheer. But for some, the holidays can be challenging—a time when they might need some extra light in their life.
In a season built around giving, we’re reminded of how powerful a simple act of generosity can be, and the joy it brings to those who need it most. As the lights begin to go up and the celebrations begin, the opportunities to spread kindness throughout the community grow tenfold.
Whether it’s offering a helping hand, donating to a cause or simply reaching out to someone who may be struggling, giving back allows us to share the joy of the season. Here are some ways you can give back this holiday season around the Ida B. Wells High School community:
Volunteer your time
Volunteering at a local food bank, soup kitchen or shelter is a great way to give back to your community. These places often need help preparing food for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s meals. From serving meals and sorting food to cleaning and organizing, there is always something to be done.
Sharing your time directly impacts others: it might bring comfort to a person in a tough situation or help a family feel joy and excitement during a possibly stressful time. In many ways, sharing these small moments with people is more valuable than a donation can be.
The Portland Metro is full of places looking for volunteers. Feed the Mass, a local non-profit organization combating food insecurity, is hosting volunteer opportunities at their kitchen through Jan. 4, 2026. Sign up on their website or through signup.com. Additionally, the Hillsdale Community Foundation is hosting monthly “cleanups” on the first Saturday of each month.
Participate in a toy or clothing drive
Multnomah County’s Meals on Wheels program, a local, community-based program addressing senior hunger and isolation, is creating support for families this holiday season. From Nov. 17 to Dec. 18, 2025, Meals on Wheels People’s Meals “4 Kids” program is accepting toy donations from the community. The donations will be given alongside full meals to families and children in need in the Portland Metro area.
According to their website, Meals on Wheels is looking for new, unwrapped toys, games and stocking stuffers. These items can be dropped off at their two Resource Centers between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday:
Westside Resource Center: 7710 SW 31st Ave
Meals on Wheels People Eastside Resource Center: 4035 SE 82nd Ave.
Support local fundraisers
Give!Guide (G!G), a seasonal campaign based in Portland, is Willamette Week’s annual holiday fundraiser. Supporting over 200 local non-profit organizations, this campaign aims to both raise awareness and funds for the Portland community. Since its beginning in 2004, G!G has raised over $73 million. This year, its goal is to raise $9 million—and it’s already reached $1 million. From Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025, people in the city are encouraged to contribute money to their website, giveguide.org, where donors are able to choose a specific cause to support, including civil and human rights, education and the environment.
Additionally, IBW is holding its annual tree sales this winter. These fundraisers are major for IBW clubs and teams, and are a great way to support the school’s community directly. From Nov. 25 to Dec. 15, the IBW students, families, coaches and teachers will be at the A-BOY on Barbur with Christmas trees to sell. All proceeds from the sales will go directly into IBW’s extracurricular activities, from soccer to DECA to band.
