Generosity is not one-size-fits-all. Maybe you have an open Saturday, or a little wiggle room in the budget, and you'd like to bring the kids or the whole office. The good news is that Boulder has a charitable option for nearly every impulse. Pick what you have to give, then how you want to show up.
Not sure what to donate? Start with the organization's current wish list. It might be canned food, school supplies, diapers, hygiene items, or holiday gifts. Does your workplace, neighborhood group, or school need a project? Several local nonprofits make it possible to turn a group chat into a giving team, with food or gift drives and other organized collections.
And if your household includes younger helpers, check the rules before you arrive. Volunteer minimums and supervision requirements vary by organization, and some opportunities are seasonal. The best fit might be a Saturday morning, a box of diapers, a holiday shopping list, or a few hours with your family.
EFAA
EFAA.org
The Emergency Family Assistance Association has served Boulder County since 1918, helping people with food, housing, and other essentials. Give your time, donate needed goods, or rally your own crew with a food or personal-care-item drive. EFAA provides guidance for schools, faith communities, workplaces, and neighborhoods that want to organize one.
A Precious Child
APreciousChild.org
Holiday gifts and backpacks before the school year, plus clothing, hygiene items, and diapers throughout the year. This Broomfield-based nonprofit serves 50,000 children and 17,000 caregivers annually across eight Denver Metro counties, and it welcomes individuals, families, and corporate teams as volunteers. At the holidays, its Precious Gift program lets you play Santa by sponsoring holiday gifts for children. Workplaces can even register a drive.
Ascent Community Church
AscentCC.org/ChristmasShoppe
Every December, Ascent Community Church in Louisville turns its Christmas Shoppe into a free shopping experience for local families. Volunteers help make the event happen, while donors provide new gifts. Get the family involved by donating a new toy or volunteering when seasonal opportunities open.
Bridge House
BoulderBridgeHouse.org
Bridge House supports adults experiencing homelessness through programs including Ready to Work, which combines paid employment, housing, and support. As of August 1, 2026, its in-person volunteer program is suspended while the organization reorganizes. For now, donations are the clearest way to help, though volunteer opportunities may return.
Harvest of Hope Pantry
HopePantry.org
This food pantry offers groceries in a welcoming, dignified setting. Families can volunteer together; volunteers must be at least 12, and a parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 16. Donate shelf-stable food, host a food drive, purchase items from its Amazon Wish List, or bring surplus produce from your garden.