Needs From: Volunteer Houston

Join Operation Turkey – Houston South Central as we come together to give back this Thanksgiving!

There are two amazing ways to serve your community this season:

Turkey Tailgate – Wednesday, November 26

Help us smoke and prepare hundreds of turkeys that will feed families in need!

We need 50 volunteers to make it happen!

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 27

Join the team as we cook, pack, and deliver meals to those less fortunate.

We need 90 volunteers to prep, cook, and pack meals, and 50 delivery drivers to help deliver warm meals across the Houston community!

Delivery Drivers: Active insurance and a valid driver license is required. Please email the documents to trinell@cohapoutreachcorporation.org. Two people per vehicle is required. 

Delivery drivers will need to arrive between 9:00 - 10:00 AM to pick up meals and the map.

Ready to volunteer?
Click the link below to register:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/operation-turkey-houston-south-central-area-tickets-1964608402618?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_eid=5e46df1950&mc_cid=e00b72feb2

Zoom Volunteer Orientation is schedule for Friday; November 21, 2005 at 6:00 PM.

Each volunteer needs to register please include everyone in your team or family.

Let’s come together, serve with heart, and make this Thanksgiving one to remember. 

Sign up at the link: Twilight Gala Volunteer Shift Sign Up

The 30th Annual Twilight Gala will be held on Friday, November 21st at the Junior League of Houston. We are seeking volunteers to help make the evening a success:

Load-In / Set-Up: 4:00–6:00 PM

Event Volunteers: 5:00–10:00 PM

Clean-Up: 9:00–11:00 PM

We are looking for volunteers for our 1st Annual Nature Discovery Center Holiday Market event in our park located at 7112 Newcastle Bellaire TX 77401.

Please sign up at this link for a shift: Sign up for our holiday market volunteer shift

2025 The Holiday Project's Thanksgiving Day Visit to The Gardens of Bellaire

Thursday, November 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Meeting Location:

Lobby 

The Gardens of Bellaire 

4620 Bellaire Blvd.

Bellaire, Texas 77401

713-665-3888 (facility) 

Visit confirmed by

Cedric Branch - Activity Director

Contact Person: Thanksgiving morning:

Activity Asst. Director, Jessica Maxwell and 

The Holiday Project’s Team Leader - Danny Nguyen

Volunteers can make or purchase Thanksgiving cards if desired, to pass out to residents during visit.  

There are 90 residents (making or buying cards is only if you want to be guaranteed a card to pass out) also any amount of cards are appreciated. 

Questions - email Danny Nguyen at: ssanceman@gmail.com or Donna Martin at theholidayprojecthouston@yahoo.com

The Holiday Project - Volunteer Visits... on or near holidays to nursing homes and assisted living facilities....

Bring the Spirit of a Holiday to Those Who Otherwise Might Not Have a Celebration!

Make a Difference!! Brighten someone’s holiday and help them know they have not been forgotten.

Volunteers always share that they are blessed through their visits.

Volunteers will visit as a team with the residents in community areas and room to room.

Time spent at the facilities will vary, but generally the visits last from about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the facility and other circumstances unique to the team and the facility. (Sometimes the staff on duty want us to visit in a communal area of the facility such as a recreation room or dining hall. Other times we are invited to do both a communal visit and then break into small clusters to visit room-to-room for those persons who don't get out of their rooms. Which of these approaches is used also affects the total length of time we spend at a particular facility.)

Goal: To brighten up the holiday by passing out Thanksgiving cards, if cards are available, and visiting with the residents and rehab patients, spreading JOY through talking! 

Upon arrival: Meet in Lobby at The Gardens of Bellaire until volunteers all arrive, typically by 10:10 am

Visit in a team...large groups can break up into smaller teams.

In the note section of this sign up, please add how many will be visiting.

See detailed instructions for day of visit below....

Visit Policies:
1. Remember that you are in a medical facility. Be aware and be careful.
2. Do not assist a resident in moving from or to a wheelchair. Ask an employee to help.
3. Do not feed or offer food to residents unless directed by an employee.
4. When entering a resident’s room, always knock and introduce yourself as a volunteer. Ask permission before entering.
5. Stay with the group as you move through the facility.
6. Do not go into isolation rooms, those rooms will be marked with a sign to see staff before entering. If you are passing out cards please give staff cards for residents in isolation rooms.
7. Because of HIPAA Privacy Rules most facilities require a signed photo release for pictures of/with residents. Therefore no pictures of resident's faces are allowed on The Holiday Project visits. The best way to take a picture is taking the back of the resident and the faces of the volunteers. The experience can still be documented in a picture without the resident's face.
8. It is not required but volunteers can make handmade Thanksgiving cards to pass out during the visit.
9. Have Fun! Together we CAN make a difference and REMEMBER...
"To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world!"

10. Any questions email Danny at ssanceman@gmail.com or Donna at theholidayprojecthouston@yahoo.com

Participant Notes:

Please make sure you are in good health for the visit and have not recently had Covid or the Flu or anything contagious!!

Thanks for sharing your time to brighten up Thanksgiving Day for the residents and rehab patients.

We encourage you to send follow up pictures and/or stories, to Danny after your visit. Stories and pictures are always appreciated....email him at: ssanceman@gmail.com

This Christmas, let’s spread love and joy one card at a time! Last day to drop off is December 6th.

2025 

The Holiday Project's Thanksgiving Day Visit to Park Manor of the Woodlands.

Thursday, November 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Meeting Location:

Lobby 

Park Manor of The Woodlands

1014 Windsor Lakes Blvd.

The Woodlands, Texas 77384

936-273-9424 facility 

Visit confirmed by

Yessika Drayton - Activity Director

Contact Person: Thanksgiving morning:

Activity Director, Yessika Drayton and 

The Holiday Project’s Team Leader - 

Candy Matthews

Volunteers can make or purchase Thanksgiving cards if desired, to pass out to residents during visit.  

There are 94 residents/rehab patients (making or buying cards is only if you want to be guaranteed a card to pass out)

Questions - email Danny Nguyen at: ssanceman@gmail.com or Donna Martin at theholidayprojecthouston@yahoo.com

The Holiday Project - Volunteer Visits... on or near holidays to nursing homes and assisted living facilities....

Bring the Spirit of a Holiday to Those Who Otherwise Might Not Have a Celebration!

Make a Difference!! Brighten someone’s holiday and help them know they have not been forgotten.

Volunteers always share that they are blessed through their visits.

Volunteers will visit as a team with the residents in community areas and room to room.

Time spent at the facilities will vary, but generally the visits last from about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the facility and other circumstances unique to the team and the facility. (Sometimes the staff on duty want us to visit in a communal area of the facility such as a recreation room or dining hall. Other times we are invited to do both a communal visit and then break into small clusters to visit room-to-room for those persons who don't get out of their rooms. Which of these approaches is used also affects the total length of time we spend at a particular facility.)

Goal: To brighten up the holiday by passing out Thanksgiving cards, if cards are available, and visiting with the residents and rehab patients, spreading JOY through talking! 

Upon arrival: Meet in Lobby at Park Manor of The Woodlands until volunteers all arrive, typically by 10:10 am

Visit in a team...large groups can break up into smaller teams.

In the note section of this sign up, please add how many will be visiting.

See detailed instructions for day of visit below....

Visit Policies:
1. Remember that you are in a medical facility. Be aware and be careful.
2. Do not assist a resident in moving from or to a wheelchair. Ask an employee to help.
3. Do not feed or offer food to residents unless directed by an employee.
4. When entering a resident’s room, always knock and introduce yourself as a volunteer. Ask permission before entering.
5. Stay with the group as you move through the facility.
6. Do not go into isolation rooms, those rooms will be marked with a sign to see staff before entering. If you are passing out cards please give staff cards for residents in isolation rooms.
7. Because of HIPAA Privacy Rules most facilities require a signed photo release for pictures of/with residents. Therefore no pictures of resident's faces are allowed on The Holiday Project visits. The best way to take a picture is taking the back of the resident and the faces of the volunteers. The experience can still be documented in a picture without the resident's face.
8. It is not required but volunteers can make handmade Thanksgiving cards to pass out during the visit.
9. Have Fun! Together we CAN make a difference and REMEMBER...
"To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world!"

10. Any questions email Danny at ssanceman@gmail.com or Donna at theholidayprojecthouston@yahoo.com

Participant Notes:

Please make sure you are in good health for the visit and have not recently had Covid or the Flu or anything contagious!!

Thanks for sharing your time to brighten up Thanksgiving Day for the residents and rehab patients.

We encourage you to send follow up pictures and/or stories, to Danny after your visit. Stories and pictures are always appreciated....email him at: ssanceman@gmail.com

The Holiday Project's Thanksgiving Day Visit 

Thursday, November 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Meeting Location:

Lobby for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) 

The Village at Gleannloch Farms

9505 Northpointe Blvd.

Spring, TX 77379 

(281) 766-8148 (Facility)

Visit confirmed by

Pat Garner - Activity Director

And Lisa Arnold - Executive Director

Contact Person: Thanksgiving morning: Receptionist and The Holiday Project’s Team Leader Kevin Lam. 

Volunteers can make or purchase Thanksgiving cards if desired, to pass out to residents during visit.  

They have 67 residents (making or buying cards is only if you want to be guaranteed a card to pass out)

 Nursing Home - 35 residents

Assisted Living - 32 residents

Questions - email Danny Nguyen at: ssanceman@gmail.com or Donna Martin at theholidayprojecthouston@yahoo.com

The Holiday Project - Volunteer Visits... on or near holidays to nursing homes and assisted living facilities....

Bring the Spirit of a Holiday to Those Who Otherwise Might Not Have a Celebration!

Make a Difference!! Brighten someone’s holiday and help them know they have not been forgotten.

Volunteers always share that they are blessed through their visits.

Volunteers will visit as a team with the residents in community areas and room to room.

Time spent at the facilities will vary, but generally the visits last from about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the facility and other circumstances unique to the team and the facility. (Sometimes the staff on duty want us to visit in a communal area of the facility such as a recreation room or dining hall. Other times we are invited to do both a communal visit and then break into small clusters to visit room-to-room for those persons who don't get out of their rooms. Which of these approaches is used also affects the total length of time we spend at a particular facility.)

Goal: To brighten up the holiday by passing out Thanksgiving cards if cards are available and visiting with the residents and rehab patients.

Upon arrival: Meet in Lobby at The Village at Gleannloch Farms Skilled Nursing until volunteers all arrive, typically by 10:10 am

Visit in a team...large groups can break up into smaller teams.

In the note section of this sign up, please add how many will be visiting.

See detailed instructions for day of visit below....

Visit Policies:
1. Remember that you are in a medical facility. Be aware and be careful.
2. Do not assist a resident in moving from or to a wheelchair. Ask an employee to help.
3. Do not feed or offer food to residents unless directed by an employee.
4. When entering a resident’s room, always knock and introduce yourself as a volunteer. Ask permission before entering.
5. Stay with the group as you move through the facility.
6. Do not go into isolation rooms, those rooms will be marked with a sign to see staff before entering. If you are passing out cards please give staff cards for residents in isolation rooms.
7. Because of HIPAA Privacy Rules most facilities require a signed photo release for pictures of/with residents. Therefore no pictures of resident's faces are allowed on The Holiday Project visits. The best way to take a picture is taking the back of the resident and the faces of the volunteers. The experience can still be documented in a picture without the resident's face.
8. It is not required but volunteers can make handmade Thanksgiving cards to pass out during the visit.
9. Have Fun! Together we CAN make a difference and REMEMBER...
"To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world!"

10. Any questions email Danny at ssanceman@gmail.com or the activity director, Pat Garner at 

garnerpatricia@villageatgleannloch.com

Participant Notes:

Please make sure you are in good health for the visit and have not recently had Covid or the Flu or anything contagious!!

Thanks for sharing your time to brighten up Thanksgiving Day for the residents!

We encourage you to send follow up pictures and/or stories, to Danny after your visit. Stories and pictures are always appreciated....email him at: ssanceman@gmail.com

Are you passionate about building a healthier, stronger community? The Houston Health Department (HHD) is calling on dedicated individuals like YOU to join our volunteer team!

Whether you're a student, retiree, professional, or simply someone who wants to give back, your time and talents can help improve lives across our city.

Why Volunteer with HHD?

Volunteer Opportunities Include:

Who Can Apply?

Anyone 16 and older with a heart for service! No healthcare background required—just a commitment to helping others.

At the JOGCC, we are proud to offer a variety of free services to the community, including  a catered meal, clothing, accessories, shoes, baby necessities, brand-new toys, health screenings, dancing, and free raffles with fantastic prizes. This event is a wonderful opportunity for families and individuals to enjoy a delicious meal, shop for essentials, and engage in fun activities while connecting with others in the community. 

Help spread Holiday Cheer – Volunteer with Upbring!

Cypress Assistance Ministries is putting on its annual Merriment at the Ministry, our Christmas toy and gift distribution.  Registered families sign up in advance and complete a form with their information and a wish list for each child.  For Merriment the families will come to Cypress Methodist Church, where will we use their Wishlist to shop from our selection of donated gifts.

We have a number of tasks we need help with during the week of Merriment.  This includes unloading and
unpacking donations, selecting gifts, checking in clients, loading presents into vehicles, etc.

Please use the link below to sign- up to volunteer.

Cypress Assistance Ministries: Merriment

This Holiday Season make a difference in a teen's life by SHAREing your heart & home with a high school exchange student! Volunteers, with or without children at home, are needed to host teenage boys and girls from Germany, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mongolia, Japan, and several other countries. Families can review student applications and choose the boy or girl that matches their family. SHARE! students speak English, come medically insured, and have their own spending money for personal expenses. They attend the host family’s local high school for a school year or semester.

iCurea Foundation is collecting nonskid socks for seniors in low-income nursing homes. Join us to bring holiday cheer along with a pair of new nonskid socks to warm the heart and the feet of our elderly. Please send us a message or text 832-945-8587 for the drop off location.