Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season in the Treasure Valley
The holiday season is a time for connection, gratitude, and giving — and here in the Treasure Valley, there are countless ways to make a meaningful impact. Whether you want to sponsor a family, support food security efforts, donate toys, or volunteer your time, these local organizations offer trustworthy and impactful opportunities to give back.
Below are several verified, up-to-date ways you can help this season.
1. Sponsor a Family Through Faces of Hope
Location: 209 W. Main St., Boise, ID 83702
Website: https://facesofhopeidaho.org/give-help/holidayhelpers.html
Faces of Hope supports individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and other forms of trauma. Their annual Holiday Helpers program allows community members to sponsor a family by fulfilling their holiday wish list. You can also donate gift cards or items for the Holiday Hope Shop, which offers support to survivors who seek services later in the season.
How to help:
Sponsor a family based on their wish list
Donate new, unwrapped gifts (toys, clothing, household items)
Drop off gift cards or experience gifts
Share the program with friends or coworkers
2. Donate Through the Light the World Giving Machines
Location: The Grove Plaza, Downtown Boise
Launch: Annual kickoff event each November
Website: https://downtownboise.org/do/light-the-world-giving-machines
The Light the World Giving Machines offer one of the most unique ways to give back: instead of buying a snack from a vending machine, you “purchase” a donation item for someone in need. Options range from meals to winter clothing to medical supplies, and all funds go directly to vetted local and global nonprofits.
How to help:
Visit The Grove Plaza and make a donation
Choose from dozens of causes and needs
Encourage friends, family, or coworkers to participate
Donate online if you can’t make it in person
3. Support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho
Location: 139 E. Warm Springs Ave., Boise, ID 83712
Donation Hours: 9am–7pm daily
Website: https://www.rmhcidaho.org/holiday-wish-lists-and-giving-tree/
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) supports families with seriously ill or injured children receiving medical care. During the holidays, you can donate items from their Holiday Wish List or host a Giving Tree to collect needed supplies.
How to help:
Donate new toys, games, clothes, toiletries, and household staples
Host a Giving Tree at your office, church, or school
Make a financial contribution
Volunteer to help with meals, baking, or gift sorting
4. Give to the St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Toy Store
Locations:
Ada County: 2110 S. Broadway Ave., Boise, ID
Canyon County: 104 Smeed Pkwy., Caldwell, ID
Website: https://www.svdpid.org/christmas-toy-store
St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho hosts an annual Christmas Toy Store, where parents in need can shop — at no cost — for new toys for their children. Donations help ensure that families across Ada and Canyon counties have a joyful holiday season.
How to help:
Donate new, unopened toys for ages 0–18
Make a financial donation to support gift purchases
Volunteer to assist parents while they shop or help organize donations
Promote the Toy Store within your network
5. Support Seasonal Food Drives With The Idaho Foodbank
Website: https://idahofoodbank.org
The Idaho Foodbank plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity throughout the Treasure Valley — especially during the holidays. Several seasonal campaigns make it easy to donate or volunteer.
Ways to help:
Participate in donation drives at Albertsons through the Holiday Bucks Program
Volunteer at the Foodbank’s warehouse to sort or package food
Host a food drive at work, school, or with community groups
Donate online to help fund meals for Idaho families
6. Donate Warm Clothing Through Coats for Kids (Salvation Army)
Location: Multiple Treasure Valley drop-off sites
Website: https://boise.salvationarmy.org
The Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids program collects new and gently used winter coats to distribute to families in need. This program operates annually through the fall and early winter.
How to help:
Donate clean, gently used coats
Purchase new coats, hats, or gloves for children
Share the drive details on social media
Encourage your workplace, church, or community group to join the effort
Why Giving Back Matters
The holidays can be joyful, but they can also be difficult for families facing financial hardship, illness, or crisis. Even small acts of generosity — a donated toy, a warm coat, a sponsored wish list, or a few hours of volunteering — can make a huge impact.
Giving locally strengthens the Treasure Valley’s sense of community, supports families right here at home, and helps ensure everyone has a warmer, brighter season.
Final Thoughts
No matter how big or small your contribution, every act of kindness goes a long way. If you’re looking to make a difference this holiday season, these Treasure Valley organizations offer trusted, meaningful ways to give back.
