International Volunteer Day is this Friday, Dec. 5. If you haven’t planned how you’re going to give back yet, there’s still time! Spending the day with your coworkers using your allotted volunteer hours or gathering a group of friends and family to lend a hand is a great way to give back ahead of the holiday season.

Whether you have specialized skills like legal expertise, or simply a willingness to help wherever you’re needed, there are countless ways to make an impact. Supporting those in need not only allows you to directly see the difference you can make but also helps charities that need help now more than ever. With federal funding cuts over the past year, volunteering can help uplift the causes you feel close to.

Allocating time out of your busy schedule can be tough, but we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of volunteer opportunities across the country so you can plan your volunteer time with ease. Continue reading to see how you can spend International Volunteer Day and beyond with our wonderful Charity Alliance partners making a difference.

Islamic Relief USA

From hunger and homelessness to international aid and world-wide relief, Islamic Relief USA has opportunities around the country easily accessible through their online portal. After typing in your zip code, the site provides you with any upcoming opportunities in your area. They update often, so be sure to check back later if there are no opportunities near you currently.

Islamic Relief USA has opportunities for meal packing and food distribution, setting up for conferences and dinners, and more! Find an opportunity near you and sign up today!

International Relief Teams

For over 35 years, dedicated volunteers have been the heart and soul of International Relief Teams’ work. From rebuilding homes after disasters to putting together weekend food packs for families in need, volunteers extend their mission to help where needed most. Join a volunteer team on one of the projects below to support people who cannot recover from disaster or extreme poverty on their own.

Disaster relief: 2018 Hurricane Florence, North Carolina
Background: Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina on Sept. 14, 2018. After the hurricane and four days of continuous rainfall, 74,563 structures were flooded, 11,386 homes had moderate to major damage, and 140,000 North Carolinians were registered for disaster assistance. Today, there are still 3,000 homes that need to be repaired or rebuilt.

Project: Assist in the rebuilding and/or repairing of homes destroyed by Hurricane Florence.

Disaster relief: 2025 Eaton Fire, Altadena, California
Background: On Jan. 7, 2025, a series of major wildfires ignited in the greater Los Angeles area, destroying nearly 40,000 acres of homes, schools, and businesses and leaving countless families in dire situations. Close to 11,662 homes were destroyed and 1,631 have major, minor, or repairable damages. Los Angeles County faces urgent recovery challenges — restoring homes, basic services, and shelter — while also needing a long-term, resilient rebuild.

Project: Assist in the repair of homes damaged by the 2025 fires.

Building healthy communities: Feeding San Diego’s Kids
Background: Childhood hunger has been a growing concern in San Diego County. Since 2012, International Relief Teams has been providing children at local elementary schools with weekend food packs to help families combat weekend food insecurity.

Project: Volunteers help pack 300 food packs every week and deliver them to local elementary schools.

Disaster relief: 2024 San Diego Flood (for San Diego residents only)
Background: Last year, San Diego’s brutal storms devastated entire neighborhoods. 549 homes were severely damaged by water levels that reached 4 feet high. 200 families are still displaced and do not have the financial means to recover on their own.

Project: Assist in the repairs of homes damaged by the 2024 flooding.

Ready to volunteer? Fill out the form on this page!

HIAS

Volunteers play an integral role in HIAS’ efforts to help refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced people in the U.S. and around the world. Whether you are an experienced educator or attorney, have language skills, or are interested in sharing what you love about your community with newcomers, HIAS has a volunteer opportunity for you.

Washington, D.C. area
HIAS’ global headquarters are located in Silver Spring, Maryland and assists over 150 asylum seekers in the Greater Washington, D.C. area with free legal representation. Volunteer opportunities may include various types of mentorship, cultural orientation support, ESL tutoring and English conversation, and interpretation and translation. Fill out an application to learn more about D.C. area opportunities.

New York area
The HIAS NY Legal and Asylum Volunteer Program aims to provide HIAS clients with holistic, wraparound services by facilitating one-on-one partnerships between their clients and volunteer mentors in the New York tristate area. Volunteer opportunities include various types of mentorship, cultural orientation programming, ESL and English conversation, interpretation and translation services, and accompaniment opportunities. Learn more and apply to be a volunteer.

United States – Resettlement partners
HIAS works with a network of resettlement partners who provide on-the-ground resettlement and integration services to refugees in communities across the United States. Volunteer opportunities with the HIAS Resettlement Network may include various types of mentorship, cultural orientation support, ESL tutoring and English conversation, interpretation and translation, after-school programs, and special events and projects assistance. Find a Resettlement Partner near you.

United States – Pro Bono & Partnership team
HIAS’ Pro Bono & Partnerships team engages volunteer attorneys from across the United States to help refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced people access vital immigration legal services. In addition to providing pro bono legal support to clients through their offices in NYC and D.C. metropolitan areas, the Pro Bono & Partnerships team also works with organizations across the country, including HIAS’ Refugee Resettlement Partners, to identify and meet emerging needs. Sign up to learn more about the program.

Learn more about volunteering with HIAS on their website.

International Volunteer Day is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together to give back. Even a few hours of your time can make a meaningful difference and inspire continued acts of kindness. Whether you volunteer this Friday or another time, your effort can spark a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Thank you Islamic Relief USA, International Relief Teams, and HIAS for providing content for this blog.