How to donate or volunteer

Philadelphia has long been a city defined by a sense of community and resilience, where neighbors come together to support each other in times of need. Across the city, a diverse network of organizations are working tirelessly to solve some of the most pressing issues facing residents today. From addressing food insecurity and homelessness to providing companionship, educational support and financial assistance, these groups play a critical role in strengthening the fabric of our city.

Despite some progress, challenges remain: poverty still affects almost everyone 30% of children and a significant proportion of other vulnerable populations, while The number of unsheltered homeless people has increased dramatically in recent years. These organizations step in to provide meals, housing, support and necessary resources to help fill gaps and improve quality of life.

Whether you want to volunteer your time, donate funds or otherwise, there are countless opportunities to get involved and make a difference. Here’s a guide to some of the amazing local organizations making an impact in Philadelphia and how you can support their efforts.

Pantries, drives and community refrigerators

There are over two dozen community fridges actively serving Philadelphia neighborhoods. Refrigerators stocked with fresh food help feed those who don’t have regular access to (or can’t afford) traditional grocery stores. Some carry refrigerators and freezers, while others are simply dry food pantries.

Since 2020, Double Trellis has prepared over 100,000 high-quality meals for us West Philadelphia residents. Volunteers are needed for cooking, kitchen help, grant writing and administrative assistance.

Become a volunteer or make a donation: : doubletrellis.org/get-involved.

Care, support and companionship

This national nonprofit organization connects medical students with hospitalized children and isolated seniors. The Penn chapter partners with local hospitals and offers programs such as Senior Buddy Program to help combat loneliness and provide companionship.

To volunteer: Register for volunteer opportunities on the site students-care.org/get-involved. To make a donation: Send money via Venmo: @students-care; Mail checks made payable to “StudentsCare” to 10840 SW. 113th Pl., Miami, FL 33176; or give as a gift on the Internet.

Philadelphia Branch Ronald McDonald Charities provides critical support to families through their children’s medical journey, offering them a home away from home during difficult times. Volunteers may engage in long-term roles such as helping to prepare culinary meals, maintaining facilities, or providing administrative support. For those looking for short-term opportunities, the organization accepts donations of $500 or $1,000 to cover the cost of ingredients, as well as practical help with meal preparation, cleaning, organizing space or attending special events. Every effort helps ease the burden on families when they need it most.

To volunteer: Fill in web application. To make a donation: Visit link to donate for Ronald McDonald House programs and camps.

Philadelphia Community Bail Fund Advocates the abolition of cash bail and provides financial assistance to residents who cannot afford to pay it. Donations currently support the Youth Holiday Bail Out program, which helps release children from pretrial detention during the holiday season.

To make a donation: Visit the donation link at phillybailout.allyrafundraising.com.

The mission of the Collective Success Network is to support first-generation and low-income college students. Offers mentoring, leadership development and networking opportunities. Volunteers may mentor students, take on leadership roles, or help with fundraising.

Volunteer: Fill out web application. To make a donation: Checks should be mailed to “UAC/The Collective Success Network” at 1818 Bethlehem Pike, PO Box 623, Flourtown, Pa. 19031 or make a donation on the Internet.

This organization supports older Philadelphians by providing nutritional assistance and food delivery. Volunteers can help with deliveries for local adults or at the warehouse where they store meals and other supplies.

Volunteer or make a donation: : westmutualaidcollective.org/volunteerwithus.

Homelessness

The organization, formerly Broad Street Ministry, is a drop-in center for people experiencing homelessness, offering meals, hygiene facilities, postal services, and legal and medical assistance. Volunteers are essential in delivering meals and performing other support tasks.

To volunteer: : broadstreetlove.org/volunteer. Give: : broadstreetlove.org/donate.

Led by Roz Pichardo, a renowned harm reduction advocate, this organization provides food, harm prevention services and community spaces for people experiencing homelessness and addiction.

Volunteer: Call 856-745-6045 or email [email protected]. Give: Visit the donation link at operationssaveourcity.org.

Prevention Point Philadelphia has been on the frontlines of preventing HIV/AIDS, public health crises and homelessness in Kensington for over 30 years. Volunteers and donations are needed for daily assistance, weekly food drives, community cleanups and much more.

To volunteer: : ppponline.org/services/cevs. Give: : ppponline.org/donate.

Philly Unknown has been serving the Kensington community and the broader Philadelphia community for years, offering a community garden, transitional housing, food drives and more.

Volunteer: Contact Philly Unknown at [email protected]. Give: Visit the donation link at phillyunknownproject.org.