Nothing tops the look of gratitude on a loved one’s face when they receive a gift you thoughtfully planned and packaged. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities in and around Dublin to provide disadvantaged members of our community with the best gift of all this holiday season—to feel seen and supported.

If you’re someone who expresses their love through food, Culinary Angels welcomes volunteers to prepare nutritious meals for those battling cancer as well as donors eager to financially support their meal plans and the individuals they serve. Alongside their cost-free meal delivery across the Tri-Valley, Culinary Angels provides nutritional education to both cancer patients and their caregivers with the hope of instilling healthy habits that promote speedy recoveries and general wellness.

As we know, food is everything around the holidays. Fill the bellies of our local youth by dropping off nonperishable donations at the Children’s Emergency Food Bank in Dublin or organize a food drive of your own to encourage the charity of your friends and neighbors. Satiety for all, and for all, a good bite.

Assist the unhoused community by offering either one-time or monthly donations to Monthly Miracles. This Dublin-based non-profit is dedicated to helping those with uncertain and unstable housing situations get back on their feet, extending anywhere from a fresh pair of socks to a new apartment. By offering your time and change to Monthly Miracles, you can strive to strengthen the community you call home by uplifting those experiencing homelessness in the Tri-Valley area.

For those looking to support the new—or should I say newborn—residents of our community, Little Miracles is a Tri-Valley-based nonprofit that seeks to equip young struggling families with the supplies and skills necessary for parenthood—and babyhood.

Whether you donate assorted baby items, launder baby clothes or interact with new parents during volunteer shifts, your contribution to Little Miracles will help replace parental anxieties with holiday celebrations for those who just added a little miracle to their family.

For some festive barks and holiday tail wags, stop by Love and Second Chances to consider giving an abused pup the gift of home this holiday season. With options to adopt, foster, volunteer or donate to support neglected dogs, Love and Second Chances welcomes anyone eager to show some love to their rescues—and with their “never say no” policy, there are plenty of paws to be helped.

Celebrate your holiday with the gifts of generosity and care. With plenty of local charities to choose from, opportunities to give back to the Dublin community and beyond are right at your doorstep.