October 13, 2025
Giving Thanks: Ann Arbor Area Nonprofits to Support This Season
As the air turns crisp and Ann Arbor’s trees blaze with autumn color, the season of gratitude invites us to slow down and reflect on what truly matters. Beyond festive gatherings and shared meals, this is also a time to recognize the power of giving – not just thanks, but support – to the people and organizations that help our community thrive throughout the year.
Giving back is one of the most meaningful ways to express gratitude. Across Ann Arbor, local nonprofits are working tirelessly to feed families, empower youth, create opportunities, and strengthen the bonds that hold our community together. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness, your generosity can help ensure that their good work continues long after the holiday season ends. Below are 10 Ann Arbor area nonprofits to support this season.
1. SOS Community Services
101 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti, MI 48197
SOS Community Services is a community-based nonprofit promoting housing stability and family self-sufficiency through collaboration, care and respect. They are dedicated to preventing and ending family homelessness in Washtenaw County through partnerships with caring individuals, local businesses and organizations, social service agencies and professionals.
SOS provides integrated services to homeless families, children and youth. They directly serve over 7,000 people annually, including families, individuals, and children, with comprehensive services that move them from homelessness to self-sufficiency and permanent, stable housing.
To support SOS Community Service’s efforts, view their Wish List here.
2. Food Gatherers
Food Gatherers is Washtenaw County’s leading food rescue and hunger relief organization, serving as both a safety net and a connector for local families in need. Since 1988, they’ve partnered with more than 140 community agencies to provide nutritious meals, rescue surplus food, and distribute millions of pounds of groceries each year. Their bright orange trucks are a familiar sight across the county, collecting food from restaurants, grocery stores, and farms that might otherwise go to waste.
The organization’s mission goes beyond simply feeding people – it’s about fighting hunger with dignity. Food Gatherers also advocates for systemic change, working to address the root causes of food insecurity. You can get involved by donating funds or food, volunteering in their warehouse to pack boxes, driving delivery routes, or even organizing a food drive with your workplace or neighborhood. Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure that everyone in our community has access to nourishing food this season and beyond.
If you’d like to support Reinhart Realtor’s food drive in support of Food Gatherer’s, please click on this link.
3. Peace Neighborhood Center
For over 54 years, Peace Neighborhood Center has provided a cornerstone of support and stability for families and individuals in Ann Arbor and throughout Washtenaw County. Founded on the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive, Peace offers a wide range of programs and vital support services that promote education, emotional well-being, self-sufficiency and positive community involvement. From after-school and summer programs for youth, with continued support through college, to wraparound support for families that include support groups and counseling, food, and emergency assistance—Peace has helped generations break cycles of poverty and build brighter, more secure futures.
Peace Neighborhood Center’s programming is designed to help young people, adults, and families gain the tools, options, and confidence to create lasting change in their lives. Peace embodies the spirit of community care, focusing on individual empowerment.
You can support Peace Neighborhood Center this Holiday Season by donating to their annual Holiday Campaign,; supporting Peace’s annual Holiday Gift drive via shopping from Peace Neighborhood’s Amazon Wish List, providing gift cards that help families shop for what they need — and/or volunteering to help support Peace’s youth and family programs. For more information, please visit peaceneighborhoodcenter.org.
4. Ann Arbor Community Center
Since its founding in 1923, the Ann Arbor Community Center (AACC) has been a beacon of support for individuals and families across Washtenaw County. With a mission rooted in equity and empowerment, AACC provides essential resources that help people meet their basic needs while building pathways to long-term stability. Through food distribution, youth mentorship, workforce development, and senior support, the center works tirelessly to uplift underserved members of the community.
What makes AACC especially impactful is its deep local connection – it’s not just an organization but a deeply concerned resource for many unmet needs. Volunteers can contribute their time in many ways, from delivering a bag of food to mentoring as needed to assisting with events or donation drives. Financial contributions are also vital to sustain the center’s outreach and programming throughout the year. Supporting AACC means helping to strengthen the social fabric of Ann Arbor, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunity, dignity, and hope.
5. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor
1600 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor
When families face the unimaginable stress of a child’s hospitalization, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Ann Arbor offers a comforting refuge close to care. Located near Michigan Medicine’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, RMHC provides a “home away from home” where parents and siblings can rest, eat, and find emotional support during difficult times. Since opening in 1985, the house has welcomed thousands of families, offering not just a place to stay but a sense of stability, community, and hope.
Supporting RMHC means helping families focus on what matters most – their child’s recovery. Volunteers play a vital role by preparing meals, assisting with household tasks, or offering companionship to families in need of comfort. Donations of household goods, grocery gift cards, and financial gifts all help keep the doors open to those who need them most. Whether you give your time, resources, or kindness, every act of generosity contributes to making the journey a little easier for families during their most challenging moments.
6. Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley
950 Victors Way Suite 50, Ann Arbor
Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley transforms lives through the power of affordable homeownership. By building, renovating, and repairing homes throughout Washtenaw County, the organization helps families achieve stability and self-reliance through access to safe shelter. Each home is built in partnership with volunteers, donors, and the future homeowners themselves, creating not only housing but also a deep sense of pride and community connection. For many, receiving the keys to their first home marks the beginning of a brighter, more secure future.
Supporting Habitat for Humanity goes beyond construction – it’s about building hope. Volunteers can lend a hand on home build sites, assist in the ReStore by helping sell donated goods that fund housing projects, or contribute financially to sponsor materials and renovation efforts. Every nail hammered and every dollar donated brings a family one step closer to having a safe, stable place to call home. This holiday season, giving to Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley is a powerful way to build homes, secure futures, and strengthen communities.
7. 826 Michigan
Eastern Michigan University’s College of Education, 955 W Circle Dr, Ypsilanti
826 Michigan is where creativity and learning come to life for young writers. Part of the national 826 network founded by author Dave Eggers, this Ypsilanti-based nonprofit provides free writing, tutoring, and publishing programs for students aged 6-18. Through engaging workshops, after-school sessions, and school partnerships, 826 Michigan helps kids discover the power of their own voices – building literacy skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of storytelling along the way.
The organization thrives on the belief that writing can change lives, opening doors to imagination, communication, and opportunity. Volunteers play a crucial role as tutors, mentors, and creative guides, helping students turn their ideas into published works. You can also support 826 Michigan by donating funds, supplies, or even purchasing student-written books from their quirky Liberty Street storefront, the Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair. Each contribution helps nurture the next generation of thinkers and creators right here in the Ann Arbor area.
8. Catholic Charities of Washtenaw County
Catholic Charities of Washtenaw County has been a trusted provider of social services for decades, offering support to those facing crisis, hardship, or life transitions. Their programs range from counseling and mental health services to domestic violence intervention, substance use support, and emergency assistance for families and individuals. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term well-being, Catholic Charities works to foster stability, dignity, and hope throughout the community.
Supporting Catholic Charities can take many forms. Volunteers can share their professional skills in counseling, legal aid, or outreach, help with food or clothing drives, or participate in holiday-specific programs that bring comfort to families during challenging times. Financial contributions also enable the organization to expand its programs and reach more people in need. This season, giving to Catholic Charities of Washtenaw County helps ensure that every individual in our community has access to the resources and care they deserve.
9. Friends In Deed
For more than 40 years, Friends In Deed has been a vital source of hope and assistance for residents of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti facing financial hardship. The organization works to fill critical gaps in support by providing emergency aid, furniture, transportation help, and programs that empower individuals to overcome poverty. Rooted in compassion and collaboration, Friends In Deed partners with local congregations, community groups, and volunteers to ensure that no one is left without help when times get tough.
There are many ways to get involved with Friends In Deed beyond traditional donations. You can volunteer at their furniture program, help organize household goods, or contribute to their Circles program, which pairs volunteers with families working to achieve long-term stability. Donations of money, household essentials, or time, all make a direct difference in the lives of local neighbors. Supporting Friends In Deed this season means offering more than material aid – it’s extending friendship, understanding, and a sense of community to those who need it most.
10. Ann Arbor Art Center
For more than a century, the Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC) has inspired creativity and connection through the power of visual art. Founded in 1909, A2AC serves as a cornerstone of Ann Arbor’s cultural landscape, offering art classes, gallery exhibitions, and community events for people of all ages and skill levels. From painting and ceramics to digital design and public installations, the center fosters self-expression and imagination while making art accessible to everyone. Its downtown gallery and studios are a vibrant hub where creativity thrives year-round.
Supporting the Ann Arbor Art Center is a wonderful way to invest in the community’s cultural and creative health. You can become a member, donate to fund scholarships or exhibitions, volunteer to assist with classes, or sponsor public art projects that beautify the city. Every contribution helps keep the arts alive and thriving, ensuring that Ann Arbor remains a place where inspiration and innovation are part of daily life. This season, consider giving the gift of creativity by supporting A2AC and the artists and learners it serves.
11. Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation, Inc.
100 N Staebler Rd Suite C, Ann Arbor
The Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation has a long-standing tradition of serving children, youth, and families throughout Washtenaw County. As part of the global Kiwanis network, this local chapter supports programs that provide education, scholarships, and emergency assistance while encouraging volunteerism and community engagement. Over the years, the foundation has awarded significant grants and scholarships, helping to create opportunities and improve the quality of life for countless residents.
Getting involved with the Kiwanis Foundation offers many ways to make a meaningful impact. Volunteers can help organize events, participate in the club’s annual thrift sale, or support youth and educational programs. Donations of funds, goods, or volunteer time all contribute directly to the foundation’s mission of helping children and families thrive. By supporting the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation this season, you’re investing in programs that strengthen the community and provide a brighter future for local youth.
12. Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV)
3100 Cherry Hill Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
The Humane Society of Huron Valley promotes the loving, responsible care of animals across Washtenaw County through adoptions, humane education, and a wide range of lifesaving services. In addition to sheltering and rehoming pets, HSHV operates a public, affordable veterinary clinic that provides vaccinations, spay/neuter, dental care, and more, helping keep pets healthy and with the families who love them. Their mission-driven work is rooted in compassion and close community partnerships.
HSHV is locally supported (not a branch of a national humane group), which means community donations and volunteer hours directly impact animals right here at home. From emergency rescues to behavior support and pet retention programs, their team works every day to reduce surrender, increase successful adoptions, and strengthen the human-animal bond.
How to help: Donate funds or wishlist items, volunteer at the shelter or clinic, foster animals awaiting adoption, attend fundraising events, or share adoptable pets on social media.
Spread Gratitude, Spark Change
The season of giving is the perfect time to turn gratitude into action. By supporting these incredible Ann Arbor nonprofits, you’re doing more than donating time or money—you’re investing in people, families, and the community as a whole. Whether it’s providing meals, shelter, creative outlets, mentorship, or scholarships, every act of generosity helps strengthen the bonds that make our community resilient and vibrant.
This year, let your thanks be tangible. Volunteer, give, or simply share the missions of these organizations with your friends and family. Each contribution, no matter the size, creates ripples of positive change that extend far beyond the holiday season. When we lift others, we make Ann Arbor not just a place to live, but a community where everyone can thrive.
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