Give Back This Season: Ways to Volunteer on Nantucket for Thanksgiving & Christmas
Beyond the festive celebrations of the holidays on Nantucket, this season is also a meaningful time to support the organizations and neighbors who make our community strong. Whether you have an hour to spare or want to dive into a bigger commitment, there are countless ways to give back this Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Here are some wonderful opportunities to volunteer, connect, and make an impact this holiday season on Nantucket.
1. Nantucket Food Pantry
Food access remains a critical need during the holidays, and the Nantucket Food Pantry welcomes support. Volunteers can help stock shelves, sort donations, prepare holiday meal boxes, or assist during distribution days. It’s a direct way to help families enjoy a warm, comforting holiday meal. Current options include Tuesdays through Thursdays for food distribution/bagging 2:00 – 6:00 PM. One hour feeds families for a week!
2. Meals on Wheels & Elder Services
Meals on Wheels & Elder Services delivers nutritious meals—and genuine human connection—to Nantucket’s seniors. Volunteers are needed to help assemble meals and deliver them around the island. A friendly face at the door can make all the difference during the colder, quieter months. Other volunteer opportunities involve assisting with transportation, friendly visits, errands, or special holiday preparations to help seniors feel supported and connected.
3. The Warming Place
The Warming Place provides a safe, warm environment overnight for those in need during the winter season and is Nantucket’s Only Overnight Shelter For The Unhoused. The Emergency Shelter is open November 1st – April 30th. Volunteers can help with staffing shifts, providing meals, or gathering essential supplies like warm clothing, toiletries, and blankets. Your time can offer comfort and stability during the coldest months.
DAY SHELTER
10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Serving Lunch
Distributing gift cards.
Monday and Thursday
Summer Street Church
OVERNIGHT SHELTER
6:00 PM–7:00 AM
Check in: 6–7 pm every night
Serving Dinner
Distributing gift cards
Sunday–Wednesday
First Congregational Church
Thursday–Saturday
Summer Street Church
4. Inky Santa Toy Drive
A beloved island tradition, the Inky Santa Toy Drive ensures every child on Nantucket receives a gift during the holidays. Volunteers can shop for gifts, donate items, or help with the big “wrapping days,” where the community comes together to organize and prepare gifts for families.
The community is invited to help wrap gifts at Great Harbor Yacht Club (96 Washington Street) on:
Wednesday, December 10 from 5:00pm-7:00pm
Thursday, December 11 from 5:00pm-7:00pm
Saturday, December 14 from 10:00am – until all gifts are wrapped!
5. STAR (Sports & Therapeutic Accessible Recreation)
STAR therapists, teachers, special educators and dedicated volunteers help individuals with special needs participate in a wide variety of sports, activities and recreational experiences in a supportive environment. They are always looking to add skilled staff and caring volunteers to their team. Volunteer and staffing opportunities are also available to support programs are flexible and varied, ideal for working around school hours or other employment.
6. December Delight
December Delight will be held on December 13, 2025. Raise funds for the NHS Class of 2026 at 10 Surfside Rd! Volunteers may help with setup, decorations, crowd support, or general coordination—perfect for anyone who loves festive events and wants to spread holiday joy.
7. Clean Team
Join the Nantucket Clean Team each Saturday up to and including Stroll Saturday. They meet in town at Handlebar Cafe at 8:00am. Help keep Nantucket beautiful! It’s especially appreciated during the busy holiday season.
Find them on Instagram @ackcleanteam
8. Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Morning
The annual Turkey Trot is a fun, energetic way to kick off Thanksgiving—and it supports local causes. Volunteers can help with check-in, handing out bibs, directing runners, or cheering participants along the course. It’s lively, community-driven, and a great way to give back with the Brant Point Runners Club.
9. Knights of Columbus Community Meal
Saturday, November 22nd in the Parish Center after the 5:00 pm Mass enjoy the popular Surf & Turf Dinner. Volunteers help prepare food, serve guests, assist with setup and cleanup, and offer warm hospitality. It’s a rewarding way to be part of a long-standing island tradition.
10. Scallop Strandings After Storms
During stormy weather, scallops often wash ashore and become stranded. Quick community response is essential—getting them back into the water helps protect this valuable local resource. Volunteers keep an eye out after storms and help return scallops safely to the harbor or ponds. It’s a uniquely Nantucket way to support the ecosystem.
Town of Nantucket Natural Resources Department
A Season of Community & Connection
The holidays remind us what makes Nantucket special—our willingness to show up for one another. Whether you’re delivering meals, wrapping gifts, helping the environment, or supporting holiday events, your time and energy help create a stronger, more compassionate island community.