Want to give back this Thanksgiving? Where you can donate or volunteer in Tri-Cities
We are a few days away from Thanksgiving 2023. Around this time of year, many people feel moved to give back, to do more for their community.
If you’re getting that feeling, you aren’t alone — and luckily, there are many places who need your help.
The Tri-Cities area is full of volunteer opportunities and donation requests. Find the organization that best fits your ability to provide time or resources from the mentions below. Some may require volunteer applications in advance, so be sure to read through all volunteer details.
Donation requests in Tri-Cities
Second Harvest is holding two turkey drives, together anticipated to serve 6,500 families in the Mid-Columbia and Yakima with a complete Thanksgiving meal.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. Patrick always accepts donations of food, clothing, and household items, Mondays from 9-11:30 a.m. and on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you or anyone you know needs food, contact one of the following:
Family Resource Center of Tri-Cities - Gives away 150 turkey dinners to those who sign up only
Second Harvest - Food bank listings available online
Volunteer opportunities in Tri-Cities
The United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties introduced “Volunteer Tri-Cities,” an online portal where agencies can post any volunteer opportunities for anyone interested. Stay up-to-date with local availability using this portal.
The Tri-City Union Gospel Mission accepts applications for numerous volunteer positions in food services, at the men’s shelter and at the women’s shelter.
The Tri-Cities Food Bank accepts applications at TriCitiesFoodBank@gmail.com. There are numerous volunteer opportunities, but availability may vary. According to the Food Bank website, their most critical need at this time is for pickup drivers to collect donations from local stores, particularly on weekends and days the food banks are closed.
Second Harvest posts a schedule with desired volunteer slots online, where you can sign up for the time that best suits your availability.
Fields of Grace allows volunteers to glean fruit from local crops, which is then donated to food banks. Events are posted on their Facebook, website and in email notifications, with information on where to check in and how to sign up. Every volunteer will need to fill out a form, available online, and bring it to check in. New volunteers have to undergo a 15-minute training.
The currently listed volunteer positions with Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels are:
Administrative Helper
Meal Delivery Person
Kitchen Helper
Transport Driver
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. Patrick always accepts volunteer inquiries for the variety of tasks shared by the volunteer team. Interested applicants can call 509-544-9315 or email OpenDoorToHope@gmail.com.
If you know of a volunteer or donation opportunity in the Tri-Cities area that is not listed here, use the form below to let us know about it.
