You may be in the middle of the Holiday hustle right now, but if you're looking for ways to make a meaningful difference this season, there are many opportunities to give back right here in our community. We've compiled a list of local organizations looking for volunteers or donations this time of year.
One of the best parts of living here is the strong sense of community and we are grateful to these organizations for doing such great work and to you for being willing to give of your time and resources.
Brentwood Community Chest
- What they do: Up to 500 families from Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay and Knightsen are presented with a full holiday dinner, canned food and age-appropriate presents for their children.
- How you can help: On Friday, December 19, 2025, from 4:00 - 9:00 P.M., food boxes will be packed in the Brentwood Elementary Cafeteria. Food and toys will be distributed to families on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 7:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Volunteers are needed for both days. There is no need to sign up ahead of time. For more information, visit their website HERE
You can also donate non-perishable food or toys to be distributed to families. HERE is a list of donation drop off locations. - Can kids help? Yes! Kid are able to help pack food boxes or distribute to families. They must be accompanied by an adult to help.
Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa
- What they do: The mission of Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa is to provide community based food programs and partner services that focus on basic needs.
- How you can help: You can Volunteer in the dining room or central kitchen to help with serving meals including light food preparation, serving meals in to-go containers and assisting in cleanup, and more. Learn more about it and sign up to volunteer on their website.
- Can kids help? Children under 12 years old are not allowed to volunteer. Any volunteer older than 12 but younger than 18 years old must have a parent or guardian present in order to volunteer.
Hijas Del Campo
- What they do: Hijas del Campo is home to a number of ongoing special initiatives responding to the needs of migrant essential workers.
- How you can help: Donate your time by filling out an interest form on their website. Learn more about ways you can help HERE.
- Can kids help? Contact them to inquire about what kids might be able to help with.
Hope House of Brentwood
- What they do: A food and clothing pantry
- How you can help: You can support with a monetary gift, food donation, or volunteering. Learn more by visiting their Instagram account HERE
- Can kids help? Yes! Contact them for details on when.
Sheperd's Gate
- What they do: Shepherd's Gate helps meet the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of women and children suffering from homelessness, addiction and domestic violence.
- How you can help: To support Shepherd's Gate, you can participate in their gift adoption, or blessing tree collection. Learn more about their 2025 Holiday giving needs HERE
- Can kids help? Yes! Your kids can help select a gift they'd like to sponsor, and help you shop for the gift.
Village Community Resource Center
- What they do: Improve the quality of life for children and families in East Contra Costa County by promoting equity through education, wellness, leadership and organizing, and partnerships.
- How you can help: Sign up to volunteer for 1:1 tutoring, food distribution, or their After School Academy HERE. To learn more about Village Community Resource Center, visit their website HERE.
- Can kids help? Contact them to inquire about what kids might be able to help with.
Wreaths Across America
- What they do: Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 5,200 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. Anyone who wants to offer a small gesture of gratitude for the freedoms Americans enjoy can volunteer at a wreath laying ceremony to assist in saying veteran names aloud and thanking them for their service.
- How you can help: Sign up to volunteer at the wreath laying ceremony happening on December 13th at 9am at Union Cemetery in Brentwood HERE
- Can kids help? Yes! We invite families and volunteers of all ages to come and share in this patriotic experience.
Looking for more ways to be connected in our community? Make sure you're subscribed to the Macaroni KID Brentwood weekly Newsletter where we share family-friendly events and happenings in and around Brentwood!
