Your Guide to Giving Holiday Joy at CARITAS

by | Nov 11, 2026 | Recent News, Volunteers, Ways to Give Help

As the holiday season quickly approaches, our community is finding ways to make the coming weeks a little brighter for the people around us. At CARITAS, the spirit of generosity means something especially meaningful. For participants navigating homelessness, rebuilding their lives in recovery, or finding their footing after a difficult season, the holidays can bring both joy and additional challenges. A little extra kindness, a familiar tradition, or the feeling of being remembered can make all the difference.

For the hundreds of neighbors who call CARITAS home, the holidays are an opportunity to experience the comfort of community in ways big and small. Whether it’s gathering around a shared meal, receiving a thoughtful gift, or simply having a place where they belong, these moments remind us that no one should have to navigate life’s hardest seasons alone.

 

The Gift of Showing Up

There is no single way to make the holidays special. Sometimes it’s a beautifully wrapped present, other times, it’s a warm meal, a helping hand, or the time someone takes to make another person feel seen. 

Every year, supporters like you help bring that spirit to life. From individuals and families, to local businesses and volunteer groups, your generosity makes it possible to create meaningful holiday experiences for the people we serve. As we look at the weeks ahead, we’re inviting you to be part of that tradition.

 

Make the Holidays Brighter

There are so many ways to share a little holiday joy with CARITAS participants. Explore the opportunities below and find a way to help make this season one filled with comfort, connection, and a reminder that our community cares:

Spread joy this holiday season by assembling Holiday Cheer Bags. Fill a festive bag with pajamas, underwear, socks, and a holiday card. We are collecting Holiday Cheer Bags from November 30th-December 15th. View sizes and sign up to donate here!
Help support our Holiday giveaway by hosting a donation drive for essential items. Current needs include $20 or $25 gift cards, men’s and women’s hoodies, men’s boxers and undershirts, 2027 planners, notebooks, small flashlights, and watches. Donate at 2220 Stockton St., M–F, 11 am–3 pm, or shop our Amazon Wishlist. Please donate by December 15th. Find our Holiday Amazon Wishlist here!
Give the gift of warmth by collecting new or gently used winter coats for men and women participating in CARITAS programs. Donate at 2220 Stockton St., M–F, 11 am–3 pm, until December 15th. View our needed coat sizes here!
Bring the holiday spirit to CARITAS by hosting an activity! Fun ideas include a movie and hot cocoa night, bingo night, holiday caroling, or another festive activity. Groups provide activity supplies, and our Community Engagement team will help coordinate the details. Contact the team by emailing the Senior Manager of Community Engagement, Ejana Bennett, at ebennett@caritasva.org!

 

 

More Than a Holiday

The holidays are brighter when we show up for one another. Every gift, shared meal, volunteer hour, and act of kindness helps create moments of joy and connection for those rebuilding their lives in our community. Together, we can make this holiday season a little warmer and a lot more meaningful for everyone who calls CARITAS home.