In the midst of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, there's another day to keep on your mind this holiday season. Giving Tuesday, which falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year, is a global movement designed to bring people together and find simple ways to give back to local communities. From food and toy drives to volunteer opportunities, here are just a few ways you can support The Woodlands this year.

 

HUMANITARIAN AID

The MoCo Food Bank is a tan-brick building a mural of the food bank logo (a minimalist apple with a red circle, green stem, and green leaf). The Sales & Marketing Committees are standing in front of the mural with signs that read, "I FED HOPE TODAY," "MONTGOMERY COUNTY FOOD BANK | Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope," and "TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER."

Visit The Woodlands and key partners volunteer at MCFB

MONTGOMERY COUNTY FOOD BANK

Nourish local families at the Montgomery County Food Bank this year. Just $1 can provide up to four meals, which you can donate directly or by shopping the food bank's Amazon Wish List. If you're able, consider becoming a sponsor for this year's Holiday Helpings Food and Funds Drive. You can also volunteer to sort goods in the Produce Rescue Center or deliver groceries to seniors in need.

 

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Empower yourself and your community this season through Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, TX. Volunteers are needed for construction, admin duties, and shopper assistance at the ReStore community hub. If you feel called to donate, their website lists resources that each dollar amount provides!

 

A bright red sports car is parked along the sidewalk at Market Street. The trees are bright green. People relax under patio umbrellas in the background.

Cars & Coffee for a Cause

Market Street Change for Charity Recipients Q2 2023

Change for Charity | Photo courtesy of Market Street

CHANGE FOR CHARITY

Market Street may be known for luxury shopping and top-tier dining, but it is also a major philanthropic entity. The Woodlands Car Club and local auto enthusiasts partner with Market Street on the first Sunday morning of every month to host Cars & Coffee for a Cause, a popular event that raises funds for non-profit organizations across Montgomery County. All collections from Market Street parking meters also contribute to the Change for Charity program.

 

MEALS ON WHEELS

Help seniors maintain their independence with Meals on Wheels Montgomery County. Regular meal deliveries ensure reliable nutrition needs are met and reduces social isolation, so consider a donation or take a look at the many flexible volunteer opportunities available.

 

A young woman with dark hair and an olive-green blouse gasps for joy as she lifts up a fluffy pink coat at the Junior League Holiday Market.

Making a difference at the Junior League Holiday Market

JUNIOR LEAGUE HOLIDAY MARKET

Junior League of The Woodlands is a women's leadership organization that aims to create a positive impact on the Montgomery and North Harris Counties. Their annual Holiday Market is your chance to stock up on boutique gifts and holiday decor while also serving the community. All proceeds go directly to programs addressing food insecurity, teen empowerment, and family services.

 

SALVATION ARMY

The Conroe Center of Hope by Salvation Army provides emergency shelter for single individuals as well as other social services for the Montgomery County community. Give the gift of hope this season through their holiday assistance program, which offers food, gifts, and other essentials to families in need.

 

MORE HUMANITARIAN OPTIONS
ORGANIZATION SERVICES
Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless Helps community members find affordable housing and advocates for systematic change.
Child Advocates of Montgomery County Connects court-appointed volunteers to children in need.
Montgomery County Women's Center Provides emergency housing, counseling, and legal services to women in crisis.
FAITH "Fighting Cancer" in Montgomery County Offers care and comfort to cancer patients and their families.
Soldiers' Angels Supports active servicemen, veterans, and military families.
 
TOY DRIVES
INTERFAITH OF THE WOODLANDS

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit agency that offers a variety of services from food assistance to personal finance classes to disaster response. Make this season a little brighter for local families by collecting non-perishable holiday foods or toys for kids of all ages. Personal care items and gift cards to grocery or toy stores are also welcome. Shopping ideas and wish lists are available on their website.

 

ANGEL TREES BY SALVATION ARMY

Fulfill a child's Christmas wish this year at one of several Angel Tree locations around The Woodlands. Each tree is decorated with letters (some angel-shaped) describing the child's gender, age, recommended gifts, and instructions for drop off. Locations for 2025 include The Salvation Army Conroe Community Center, Woodlands Church, and Sts. Simon and Jude. You might find more angel trees at other local churches, libraries, community centers, and chain retailers.

 

TOYS FOR TOTS

Since 1991, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves has collected Toys for Tots to ensure every child can experience the magic of Christmas. Join their efforts by donating online or delivering new, unwrapped toys at one of several drop-off locations around town.

 

ARTS & CULTURE

A wide-angle view of The Pavilion from the back of the lawn facing the left side of the stage. The entire audience is packed with people of all ages, many holding thick glowing wants. The underside of The Pavilion tents are lit up pink, blue, and purple.

The Star-Spangled Salute, a free Houston Symphony performance at the CWMP

THE CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION

Cynthia Woods Mitchell, wife of The Woodlands founder George Mitchell, was a fierce advocate of the arts and making them accessible to all. The Pavilion, named in her honor, is a non-profit organization committed to making that dream a reality—but they need your help! Donations cover everything from operating costs to student scholarships to free-to-view performances by The Houston Symphony.

 

SOUTH MONTGOMERY COUNTY FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

The South Montgomery County Friends of The Library (SMCFOL) is a non-profit organization that supports libraries within the Montgomery County Library System, including the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library and the new Kevin Brady Library and Community Center. If you've ever enjoyed a book club, game night, dance class, or job fair at your local library, consider returning the favor with a donation or check out their flexible volunteer opportunities!

 

The interior of The Woodlands Children's Museum. The walls are painted purple and decorated with children's artwork. Light displays look like clouds and paper lanterns. There are exhibits with toy trains, a farmer's market, ships on the ocean, and more.

Inside The Woodlands Children's Museum

Inside TWCM is a stage set up to look like The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, complete with tent awning and a tri-paneled mural with iconic landmarks around The Woodlands. The audience is full of families with young kids, all listening to a woman reading a children's book on the stage.

Storytime at TWCM | Photos by Mario Santos

THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

Founded in 2001, The Woodlands Children's Museum creates opportunities for children to learn and explore in ways that excite their curiosity. Support the artists and scientists of future generations by visiting the museum, volunteering your time, or donating to their Thanks Giving Tree.

 

ART IN THE WOODS

Support the arts while enjoying all the good things The Woodlands has to offer at the Art in The Woods monthly art market. In collaboration with Ardest Gallery, this upcoming holiday market is poised to feature the works of 20+ local artists as well as 60+ artists from across the state—all within walking distance of Third Gen Coffee, Buy The Book, and other hidden gems of The Woodlands.

 

Two women volunteers at the WWAF (wearing matching, bright blue, "20 Years" shirts for the festival) smile for the camera as they work at a wine tasting booth.

Volunteers at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

THE WOODLANDS ARTS COUNCIL

The Woodlands Arts Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching The Woodlands community through the support of the visual, performing, and literary arts. Contributions are used for the operation and growth of an art gallery, major art shows like The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, microgrants, educational outreach programs, and one of the largest public arts projects in the state.

 

ANIMAL SERVICES

Nick Wolda, wearing a pale blue shirt and navy shorts, kneels down to pet his fluffy brown dog, Graham. The dog is wearing a blue bandana with rocket ship printing around his neck.

Nick Wolda, President of Visit The Woodlands, and his dog, Graham

MONTGOMERY COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

The Montgomery County Animal Services is always in need of a helping hand! Treat a kitten to its forever home this holiday season, consider fostering a pup until they can find a family, or volunteer for care duties at the shelter. You can even sign up for dog-walking shifts or see their Amazon Wish List for donation ideas.

 

ANIMEALS

A little-known fact about Meals on Wheels is that they provide food for homebound seniors AND their pets! The AniMeals program is 100% donation based and delivered by volunteers once a month. If you'd like, you can even donate in memory of a furry friend who has crossed the rainbow bridge.

 

A bird is perched on a thin tree branch, preparing for flight. The bird has a dusty brown head and wings, a mousy brown chest, and a white stripe between them. The tree is mostly bare but budding green for spring.

Northern Mockingbird at Hughes Landing

A Great Blue Heron bird takes flight over the water at Rob Fleming Park.

Great Blue Heron at Rob Fleming Park

FRIENDS OF TEXAS WILDLIFE

Friends of Texas Wildlife is an organization of trained and permitted volunteers who provide around-the-clock care for native wildlife that wind up injured, displaced, or orphaned in Montgomery County. This non-profit depends entirely on the generosity of fellow wildlife-lovers, so sponsor an animal, attend a fundraising event, or see their donation wish list online.