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Volunteer in WNY

Western New York Holiday Giving Directory

Where to Donate, Volunteer & Help Your Neighbors this Holiday Season & Beyond

Looking for ways to give back this holiday season? Western New York is home to hundreds of organizations working to support children, families, seniors, veterans, animals, and neighbors experiencing hardship.

Whether you’d like to donate money, volunteer your time, organize a collection, or contribute food, clothing, and other necessities, there are plenty of ways to make a difference.

We’ve created this regional directory to help you find organizations throughout Western New York that welcome community support. Some offer special holiday programs, while others provide essential services throughout the year.

A quick note: Always contact an organization before dropping off donations. Needs, accepted items, volunteer schedules, and hours can change. And if we missed any organizations, please send an email to hello@theshoutsociety.com and we’ll add them to our list.

Search by area. Jump to:

ERIE COUNTY

Food, Hunger & Basic Needs

FeedMore WNY

  • Location: 91 Holt Street, Buffalo
  • Phone: 716-822-2005
  • Helps: Individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties.
  • Ways to help: Sort and package food, deliver meals, organize a food drive, donate money, or participate in its Adopt-A-Route and Angel Card programs.
  • Website: https://www.feedmorewny.org/

Catholic Charities of Buffalo

  • Location: Multiple food pantry locations throughout Western New York.
  • Helps: Individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and financial hardship.
  • Ways to help: Donate money, support food pantry operations, volunteer, or organize a food collection.
  • Website: https://ccwny.org/

Buffalo City Mission

  • Location: 100 East Tupper Street, Buffalo
  • Phone: 716-854-8181
  • Helps: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty.
  • Ways to help: Donate food, clothing, and essential supplies; volunteer; support holiday meal programs; or make a financial contribution.
  • Website: https://www.buffalocitymission.org/

Friends of Night People

  • Location: 394 Hudson Street, Buffalo
  • Phone: 716-884-5375
  • Helps: Individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer to prepare and serve meals, donate clothing, toiletries and food, or make a financial contribution.
  • Website: https://www.friendsofnightpeople.com/

The Genesis Center

  • Location: 2163 Seneca Street, Buffalo
  • Phone: 716-822-1901
  • Helps: Individuals and families in South Buffalo through its soup kitchen and food pantry.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer in the kitchen, help distribute groceries, donate food, diapers, toiletries, children’s clothing, household supplies, and pet food.
  • Website: https://thegenesiscenter.us/

St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy

  • Location: 325 Walden Avenue, Buffalo
  • Phone: 716-894-4476
  • Helps: Individuals and families facing poverty and food insecurity.
  • Ways to help: Donate food, clothing, household necessities, and money. Many volunteer opportunities are available, including working in the kitchen, receiving area, buildings, grounds, and the food pantry.
  • Website: https://www.stlukesmissionofmercy.org/

Provisions 139 / West Side Community Services

  • Location: 44 Breckenridge Street, Buffalo
  • Phone: 716-884-6616 (West Side Community Services)
  • Helps: Buffalo’s West Side community through food access and neighborhood programs.
  • Ways to help: Support food pantry operations, donate, and volunteer. Opportunities are available for small groups and individuals, including reception, customer support, and senior special events.
  • Website: https://wscsbuffalo.org/volunteer/

Families, Children & Housing

Family Promise of WNY

  • Location: 75 Hickory Street, Buffalo
  • Phone: 716-771-3007
  • Helps: Families with children experiencing homelessness.
  • Ways to help: The 2026 Holiday Giving Tree program is back. You can sign up to be matched with a family to make their holiday a special one. There are many opportunities to volunteer, donate household essentials, support family programs, or make a financial contribution.
  • Website: https://fpwny.org/

Compass House

  • Location: Buffalo
  • Helps: Homeless and runaway youth, providing shelter, counseling, and supportive services.
  • Ways to help: Whether you can help at our shelter, assist with events, or offer mentorship, your contribution is invaluable.
  • Website: https://www.compasshouse.org/get-involved

Little Portion Friary

  • Location: 1305 Main Street, Buffalo
  • Phone: 716-882-5705
  • Helps: Individuals experiencing homelessness through shelter and basic necessities.
  • Ways to help: Donate approved supplies, food, clothing, and money. Contact the Friary about current volunteer needs.
  • Website: https://www.littleportionfriary.com/

Matt Urban Hope Center

  • Location: 385 Paderewski Drive, Buffalo
  • Phone: 716-893-7222
  • Helps: Individuals and families on Buffalo’s East Side through community support and human services.
  • Ways to help: Support community programs, donate, and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Website: https://urbanctr.org/

Community, Food Access & Neighborhood Initiatives

Massachusetts Avenue Project (MAP)

  • Location: Buffalo – West Side
  • What they do: MAP is a nonprofit urban farm and food hub working to improve access to fresh, affordable food while providing employment, leadership development, and education for local youth. Its Growing Green Youth Program gives young people hands-on experience in urban agriculture, food systems, and community leadership.
  • Ways to help: Support its youth programs, donate financially, support its urban farm and food-access initiatives, or contact MAP about current volunteer opportunities.
  • Address: 387 Massachusetts Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14213
  • Phone: 716-882-5327
  • Website: https://www.mass-ave.org/

Grassroots Gardens WNY

  • Location: Buffalo and Niagara Falls
  • What they do: Grassroots Gardens WNY supports more than 100 community and school gardens throughout the region. The organization provides resources, tools, education, and support to neighborhood groups working to grow fresh food and create welcoming green spaces.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer at a community garden, participate in neighborhood planting and maintenance days, assist with events, donate gardening tools and supplies, or make a financial contribution. Groups and businesses can also organize volunteer days.
  • Address: 389 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14204
  • Phone: 716-783-9653
  • Website: https://www.grassrootsgardens.org/

The Tool Library

  • Location: Buffalo – University Heights
  • What they do: The Tool Library is a volunteer-powered nonprofit that operates much like a traditional library, except members borrow tools and equipment instead of books. Its mission is to make home repairs, gardening, and community improvement projects more accessible. The organization also hosts free repair workshops and neighborhood service days.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer as a tool librarian, help with community cleanups and tree-planting projects, volunteer at repair cafés, donate financially, or support its fundraising events. Tool donations may also be possible; contact the organization before dropping anything off.
  • Address: 2626 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214
  • Phone: 716-510-1745
  • Website: https://thetoollibrary.org/

Habitat for Humanity Buffalo

  • Location: Buffalo and Tonawanda
  • What they do: Habitat Buffalo works to expand access to safe, affordable housing through home construction, renovations, and critical home repairs. Its ReStores also sell donated furniture, appliances, building materials, and home furnishings to support its mission.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer on construction projects, assist at a ReStore, donate approved furniture and household items, organize a group volunteer day, or make a financial contribution.
  • Main Office: 1675 South Park Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220
  • Phone: 716-764-9548
  • North ReStore: 1030 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Tonawanda, NY 14150
  • Website: https://habitatbuffalo.org/

Animals & Animal Welfare

SPCA Serving Erie County

  • Location: 300 Harlem Road, West Seneca
  • Phone: 716-875-7360
  • Helps: Homeless animals, pet owners, and wildlife throughout the region.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer, foster animals, donate supplies and money, support the pet food pantry, or participate in fundraising events.
  • Website: https://yourspca.org/

Ten Lives Club

  • Location: 3741 Lakeshore Road, Blasdell
  • Phone: 716-646-5577
  • Helps: Cats and kittens in need of rescue, medical care, and adoption.
  • Ways to help: Adopt or foster cats, volunteer, donate food and supplies, sponsor veterinary care, or make a financial contribution. No amount is too small!
  • Website: https://www.tenlivesclub.com/

Buffalo C.A.R.E.S. Animal Rescue

  • Location: Kenmore
  • Helps: Dogs and cats in need of rescue and foster placement.
  • Ways to help: Become a foster family, volunteer, donate supplies, or contribute financially.
  • Website: https://buffalocares.rescuegroups.org/

Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue

  • Location: Amherst
  • Helps: Dogs and puppies in need of rescue and foster homes.
  • Ways to help: Foster, donate, volunteer, or support fundraising efforts.
  • Website: https://www.buddysrescue.org/

Seniors & Community Support

Amherst Meals on Wheels

  • Location: Amherst
  • What they do: Amherst Meals on Wheels provides nutritious, home-delivered meals to Amherst residents who are unable to shop for groceries or prepare their own meals. Volunteers do more than deliver food; they also provide a friendly daily check-in for people who may otherwise have limited contact with others.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer to prepare and package meals, deliver meals to residents, assist with scheduling volunteer drivers, or make a financial contribution.
  • Address: Amherst Center for Senior Services, 370 Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY 14228
  • Phone: 716-636-3065
  • Website: https://amherstmealsonwheels.org/

Canopy of Neighbors

  • Location: Buffalo
  • Helps: Older adults who want to remain independent in their homes.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer to provide transportation, help with errands, offer technology assistance, or provide companionship.
  • Website: https://canopy.clubexpress.com/

NIAGARA COUNTY

Food, Hunger & Basic Needs

Heart, Love & Soul

  • Location: 939 Ontario Avenue, Niagara Falls
  • Phone: 716-282-5687
  • Helps: Individuals and families facing hunger, homelessness, and other challenges.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer, donate food and essential supplies, support meal programs, or make a financial contribution.
  • Website: https://www.heartloveandsoul.org/

African Heritage Food Cooperative

  • Location: Niagara Falls
  • What they do: The African Heritage Food Cooperative is a community-centered grocery cooperative focused on improving access to fresh, affordable, and culturally relevant foods. The cooperative works to strengthen neighborhood food access and support a more equitable local food system.
  • Ways to help: Shop at the cooperative, support its community food initiatives, and contact the organization to ask about current opportunities to contribute toward groceries or food assistance for local families.
  • Address: 2616 Highland Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14305
  • Phone: 716-573-1844

Housing & Community Development

Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity

  • Location: Niagara Falls and Western Niagara County
  • What they do: Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity works with local families to provide access to safe, affordable housing. Its programs include affordable homeownership opportunities and critical home repairs, including accessibility improvements and essential home safety projects.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer on construction projects, help with office and administrative tasks, participate in community events, or make a financial contribution.
  • Address: 504 66th Street, Suite 102, Niagara Falls, NY 14304
  • Phone: 716-265-9010
  • Website: https://www.niagarahabitat.org/

Community Missions of Niagara Frontier

  • Location: 1570 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls
  • Phone: 716-285-3403
  • Helps: Individuals and families facing homelessness, poverty, and other challenges.
  • Ways to help: Donate food, clothing, furniture, and household items; volunteer; or make a financial contribution.
  • Website: https://www.communitymissions.org/

Niagara Falls Outreach Ministry

  • Location: Ransomville
  • Helps: Individuals and families needing food and community assistance.
  • Ways to help: Donate nonperishable food, contribute money, volunteer, or support community events.
  • Website: https://nfoutreach.org/

Housing & Homelessness

Lockport CARES

  • Location: 188–192 Genesee Street, Lockport
  • Phone: 716-438-2273
  • Helps: Individuals experiencing homelessness through emergency shelter and supportive services.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer in the shelter, assist with cooking and cleaning, help with maintenance, donate money, or contribute requested supplies.
  • Website: https://www.lockportcares.org/

Niagara Gospel Mission

  • Location: 1317 Portage Road, Niagara Falls
  • Phone: 716-205-8805
  • Helps: Individuals experiencing homelessness through shelter, meals, clothing, and supportive services.
  • Ways to help: Donate food, clothing, and essential supplies; support shelter programs; or inquire about volunteering.
  • Website: https://www.niagaragospelmission.org/

Animals

Niagara SPCA

  • Location: 2100 Lockport Road, Niagara Falls
  • Phone: 716-731-4368
  • Helps: Homeless and abandoned animals throughout Niagara County.
  • Ways to help: Donate money and supplies, volunteer, foster, or adopt.
  • Website: https://www.niagaraspca.org/

Better Together Pet Resource Center

  • Location: 3019 Niagara Street, Niagara Falls
  • Phone: 716-579-0548
  • Helps: Pet owners and animals through affordable care, pet food assistance, and community outreach.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer at clinics, organize pet food, donate, or help with community outreach.
  • Website: https://www.bettertogetherpetresourcecenter.org/

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY

Food & Community Assistance

St. Susan Center

  • Location: 31 Water Street, Jamestown
  • Phone: 716-664-2253
  • Helps: Individuals experiencing hunger through its free community meal program.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer with food preparation, serving, dishes, and meal delivery; donate food or money.
  • Website: https://stsusancenter.org/

Jamestown Farmers Market

  • Location: Jamestown
  • What they do: The Jamestown Farmers Market connects local farmers, food producers, and community members while working to make fresh, locally grown food more accessible. Its programs include a Saturday market, mobile market, community meals, and other food-access initiatives.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer at the Saturday market, help with mobile market operations, assist with community meal preparation, pack CSA shares, or support the organization through donations and sponsorships.
  • Website: https://www.jfmny.org/volunteer

Community Helping Hands

  • Location: 31 Water Street, Jamestown
  • Phone: 716-487-1488
  • Helps: Individuals and families needing clothing, furniture, and household necessities.
  • Ways to help: Donate usable household items, furniture, and clothing; volunteer at its thrift store and furniture operations.
  • Website: https://www.chhny.org/

Environment & Conservation

Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy

  • Location: 71 East Fairmount Avenue, P.O. Box 45, Lakewood, NY 14750
  • Phone: 716-664-2166
  • What they do: The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy works to protect the region’s natural landscapes, waterways, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. The organization manages more than 30 nature preserves and offers educational programs focused on conservation and environmental stewardship.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer at nature preserves, participate in conservation projects and community events, assist with educational programs, or make a financial contribution.
  • Website: https://www.chautauquawatershed.org/

Housing & Support Services

UCAN City Mission

  • Location: 7 West First Street, Jamestown
  • Phone: 716-488-7480
  • Helps: Men experiencing homelessness through emergency shelter, meals, and supportive services.
  • Ways to help: Donate money and requested supplies; contact the organization about volunteer needs.
  • Website: https://www.ucancitymission.org/

Hope Haven Women’s Shelter

  • Location: 303 Lafayette Street, Jamestown
  • Phone: 716-661-9430
  • Helps: Women experiencing homelessness through shelter and supportive services.
  • Ways to help: Contact the shelter about current needs, financial contributions, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Website: Contact through the shelter or Chautauqua County service directory.

Compeer Chautauqua

  • Location: 97 Forest Avenue, Jamestown
  • Phone: 716-487-2956
  • Helps: Children and adults experiencing social and emotional challenges through supportive friendships and mentoring.
  • Ways to help: Become a volunteer friend or mentor, make a financial contribution, or support community fundraising.
  • Website: https://chqcompeer.com/

Animals

Chautauqua County Humane Society

  • Location: 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown
  • Phone: 716-665-2209
  • Helps: Homeless animals through rescue, shelter, adoption, and animal welfare programs.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer, foster, donate money and supplies, or adopt.
  • Website: https://chqhumane.org/

Lakeshore Humane Society

  • Location: Dunkirk
  • Phone: 716-672-1991
  • Helps: Homeless cats and dogs through animal rescue and adoption.
  • Ways to help: Donate, foster, volunteer, or support fundraising.
  • Website: https://www.lakeshorehumanesociety.org/

Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue

  • Location: Westfield
  • Phone: 716-326-7297
  • Helps: Dogs in need of rescue, foster care, and adoption.
  • Ways to help: Foster, volunteer, donate, or help with fundraising.
  • Website: https://www.caninerescue.org/

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY

Food & Basic Needs

Olean Food Pantry

  • Location: 8 Leo Moss Drive, Olean
  • Phone: 716-372-4989
  • Helps: Individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
  • Ways to help: Donate food and money, volunteer, and support its pet food pantry.
  • Website: https://oleanfoodpantry.org/

Interfaith Caregivers

  • Location: 242 North Union Street, Olean
  • Phone: 716-372-6283
  • Helps: Older adults and individuals who need assistance getting to medical appointments and other essential destinations.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer as a driver, provide transportation assistance, or make a financial contribution.
  • Website: https://www.interfaithcaregiversinc.org/

Operation Warm Hearts

  • Location: Olean
  • Phone: 716-560-8811
  • Helps: Local children through clothing, blankets, school supplies, and other essentials.
  • Ways to help: Donate money, shop for requested items, sew or knit blankets and winter accessories, or volunteer.
  • Website: https://www.operationwarmheartsofolean.com/

Animals

SPCA in Cattaraugus County

  • Location: 2944 Route 16, Olean
  • Phone: 716-372-8492
  • Helps: Stray, abandoned, and neglected animals.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer with animal care, foster, donate, or support its low-cost spay and neuter efforts.
  • Website: https://spcacattco.org/

ALLEGANY COUNTY

Community Support & Food Assistance

ACCORD – Allegany County Community Opportunities and Rural Development

  • Location: 84 Schuyler Street, Belmont
  • Phone: 585-268-7605
  • Helps: Individuals and families throughout Allegany County through food assistance, family programs, and community services.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer with food distributions, Head Start, donation drives, and community events. Donate food, personal care items, household supplies, and money.
  • Website: https://www.accordcorp.org/

Salvation Army – Wellsville

  • Location: 25 East Pearl Street, Wellsville
  • Phone: 585-593-2567
  • Helps: Individuals and families in need through food assistance and emergency support.
  • Ways to help: Donate food, volunteer, and support seasonal programs.
  • Website: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ny/wellsville/

Animals

SPCA Serving Allegany County

  • Location: Wellsville NY
  • Helps: Homeless and abandoned animals through shelter, adoption, and low-cost spay and neuter services.
  • Ways to help: Donate money, support medical care, volunteer, and donate supplies.
  • Website: https://spcaallegany.org/

GENESEE COUNTY

Food & Family Assistance

The Salvation Army – Batavia

  • Location: 529 East Main Street, Batavia
  • Phone: 585-343-6284
  • Helps: Individuals and families through food assistance, emergency support, and seasonal holiday programs.
  • Ways to help: Donate food, toys, and money; inquire about holiday assistance programs and volunteering.
  • Website: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/

Genesee Cancer Assistance

  • Location: 127 North Street, Batavia
  • Helps: Genesee County residents facing a cancer diagnosis through free supportive services.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer at fundraising events, make a financial contribution, or donate bottle and can redemption proceeds through its participating redemption centers.
  • Website: https://www.geneseecancerassistance.org/

Animals

Genesee County Volunteers for Animals

  • Location: 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia
  • Phone: 585-343-6410
  • Helps: Stray, abandoned, and homeless animals.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer, donate money, provide requested supplies, and support adoption programs.
  • Website: https://www.vol4animals.org/

WYOMING COUNTY

Food & Basic Needs

Warsaw Food Pantry

  • Location: 10–22 South Main Street, Warsaw
  • Phone: 585-786-3868
  • Helps: Wyoming County residents experiencing food insecurity.
  • Ways to help: Donate nonperishable food, money, and gift cards; volunteer during pantry operations.
  • Website: https://ucwarsaw.org/food-pantry

Animals

Wyoming County SPCA

  • Location: Attica, NY – Serving Wyoming County
  • Phone: 585-591-3114
  • Helps: Homeless and abandoned animals through shelter and adoption services.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer with animal care, dog walking, cleaning, fundraising, and shelter maintenance; donate supplies and money.
  • Website: https://wyomingcountyspca.org/

ORLEANS COUNTY

Food & Community Assistance

Orleans Koinonia Kitchen

  • Location: Harvest Christian Fellowship, 560 East Avenue, Albion, NY
  • Helps: Community members through free meals and fellowship.
  • Ways to help: Volunteer to prepare and serve meals, donate pantry supplies, contribute financially, or support its wish list.
  • Website: https://www.okkitchen.org/

WNY VOLUNTEER RESOURCES

Not sure where to start? These organizations and directories can help connect you with volunteer opportunities throughout Western New York.

Volunteer WNY

  • Area: Western New York
  • What it does: Connects volunteers with local nonprofits and community organizations.
  • How to help: Search volunteer opportunities by interest, location, and organization.
  • Website: https://www.volunteerwny.org/

Help us grow this directory!

Do you know any other WNY organizations making a difference in our communities?

Send your recommendations to Shout Society at hello@theshoutsociety.com so we can continue connecting our neighbors with meaningful ways to give back.

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