By Lacey Mills
Who Knew Reno County?
The holiday season has a way of slowing us down just enough to notice what truly matters. We gather with family, exchange traditions, and reflect on the year behind us.
But it is also the time when our community’s needs become the most visible. As temperatures drop and expenses rise, more families turn to local nonprofits for support, including food, shelter, and gifts for their children.
That is why the holidays are one of the most meaningful moments to give back. Not because giving should be seasonal, but because this season uniquely brings out the best in us.
It reminds us that generosity is not limited to money. It is also time, compassion, and connection. And for families with children, volunteering together can simply become one more way to share the spirit of the season.
There are many ways to get involved around Reno County, whether you are looking to serve on your own, give with friends, or include your kids in the experience.
If you want simple, family-friendly opportunities, The Salvation Army offers several. Ringing bells is a classic tradition that children often enjoy, and it directly supports local families. They also need volunteers for their Christmas distribution, which is a good option for groups who want to help pack or pass out gifts and food.
Our community meal programs are another place where extra hands make a big difference.
Both the Soup Kitchen and Noel Lodge rely on volunteers to prepare and serve meals. Noel Lodge also welcomes groups who want to provide meals on a regular basis, which works well for churches, clubs, and workplace teams.
Meals on Wheels and Friendship Meals are always looking for additional drivers, especially during the holidays. Delivering meals to homebound seniors or individuals with disabilities takes less than an hour, but it can be the highlight of someone’s day. Many volunteers say this is one of the most personal and meaningful ways to serve.
If mentoring speaks to you, Big Brothers Big Sisters continues to need more Bigs so they can match local youth who have been waiting for supportive adults in their lives. Rise Up Reno also offers opportunities for adults to read with young people, an incredibly simple act that builds connection and supports literacy. These commitments vary, so adults can choose the option that fits their schedule and interests.
For those who want to give back through gift giving, the need is just as great.
Eagle Media’s Adopt a Child and Adopt a Family programs help match donors with local families needing support during the holidays. Home Instead operates the Be a Santa to a Senior program so older adults are not forgotten. TECH has an Adopt a Client program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Emmanuel Lutheran Church hosts its annual bike giveaway, and First Call for Help operates a teen Christmas program to ensure older youth do not slip through the cracks.
If you are unsure where to start, United Way has a Holiday Give Back and Holiday Needs resource guide that lists all of these opportunities in one place, along with many others. You can find the link on our website or our social pages, or go directly to www.uwrenocounty.org/volunteer to explore volunteer opportunities and view holiday wish lists for our partner agencies.
This season, I hope you will consider finding a way, big or small, to give back. Every act of service strengthens the community we all call home. And if you choose to involve your children, it can simply become another piece of the holiday tradition you share together.
No matter how you choose to help, you are contributing to a stronger, kinder community. That is a gift that lasts well beyond December.
Lacey Mills is the Executive Director of United Way of Reno County and can be reached at lmills@uwrenocounty.org.