Have you noticed seasonal changes in your volunteer engagement? As the seasons change, so do the ways people choose to volunteer. You might notice lower volunteer engagement even if you have an indoor facility to host activities. It’s more than just the colder temperatures; your volunteers might be dealing with snow and ice that make travel difficult in general. And the winter season brings its own set of competing priorities. Family gatherings, holiday shopping, and other commitments will affect the time your volunteers have to give. But by adapting the types of volunteer activities you offer, you can keep volunteers actively involved even as they balance other priorities. Here are six ideas for winter volunteering that align well with the seasonal needs and the festive spirit.

1. Virtual Volunteering

The pandemic forced a lot of nonprofits to find ways to keep volunteers engaged even from their homes. Those activities are just as valuable when it’s just bad weather outside. Your volunteers can use their skills to support community members through virtual tutoring or mentoring services to students or individuals seeking education or career guidance, especially those impacted by the cold weather and spending more time indoors. And the best part is, they can do it all from their home while still feeling connected to your mission.

2. Saying Thanks To Your Donors and Other Volunteers

Another activity that you can coordinate entirely from home is a letter-writing or phone banking campaign. Your donors will always appreciate a note of thanks, or a phone call letting them know how much you appreciate their support. Even your other volunteers would welcome a small note of appreciation for the time and effort they’ve given to your mission over the past year. These activities also pair nicely with the holiday season’s focus on saying thanks.

💡Read more about creative ways to show your appreciation for volunteers 

3. Volunteer at a Homeless Shelter, Food Bank, or Soup Kitchen

With the harsher winter conditions, volunteering at homeless shelters becomes even more critical. Your volunteers can help with a variety of tasks, from organizing sleeping areas to helping with daily meal preparation and distribution. It’s a meaningful way to provide warmth and care to those facing housing insecurity during the cold months.

Likewise, the holidays can be a challenging time for families facing food insecurity. Volunteers can help at food banks by sorting donations, assembling food parcels, and assisting in distribution efforts. This kind of volunteering not only helps those in need but also offers a fulfilling way to give back to the community during the festive season.

Lastly, serving warm meals in a soup kitchen is especially important during the colder months. Volunteers can help in kitchen preparations, serving meals, and providing a friendly conversation to visitors. This activity is a direct way to warm both hearts and stomachs in the winter.

4. Get Crafty

A craft drive, including activities like knitting, sewing, and other DIY crafts, can be a fun and productive way to engage volunteers. Items created can be donated to shelters, hospitals, or other organizations in need of warm clothing and accessories. This can be organized as an in-person group activity or as a virtual event, allowing everyone to participate at their own pace.

5. Organize a Utility Drive

Organizing a drive to collect funds to pay down utility bills for people who are unable to do so themselves can be a great way to foster a sense of community spirit. Alternatively, you can ask volunteers to donate supplies for inclement weather. Depending on where you're located, the severity of winter storms can vary considerably, and some can be catastrophic. When power goes out due to an ice storm, it can be a lifesaver to have candles, flashlights, and other illumination devices to help community members navigate their living spaces.

6. Host a Card Writing Session

During the colder months, a card can truly make a difference. The holidays can be lonely for those living alone, or those who are not able to be with their families. Sending a card to someone or giving back to a local shelter can be a very meaningful experience. You can even thank volunteers for their service or put together a care package for people living in shelters or overseas. Writing and sending cards is a great way to show your care and appreciation.

Embracing Winter Volunteering

Winter can certainly create challenges for volunteer engagement, but it also offers unique opportunities to support your community. If you focus on activities that align with the season's needs and keep in mind that your volunteers may have competing holiday commitments, you can foster a spirit of giving and support that lasts all year long. 

Start planning your winter volunteer activities as early as possible to make a lasting difference in your community during the colder months. Whether they're aiding those affected by the weather or advocating for a cause they deeply believe in, volunteer contributions to your nonprofit are incredibly rewarding for all.