It’s the last full week before Christmas. If you’ve been meaning to do something (donate, volunteer, help a neighbor) there is still time. Here are five ways to give back in Lancaster County, each one still accepting help right now:

1. Feed a family this weekend

The Lancaster County Food Hub is serving more neighbors than ever, a 28% increase over last year. Half of everything they distribute comes directly from community donations, which means what you drop off this week could be on someone’s table by Christmas.

What they need: Non-expired, unopened food items. Canned goods without major dents.

Where to drop off: 812 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, at the Dock B entrance. Monday-Friday, 9:30 am-3:30 pm (afternoons are best). Back your car up to the garage door, and a motion sensor will alert staff that you’re there.

If you want to do more than drop off, the Lancaster County Poverty Network needs 10-20 volunteers this Saturday, December 20th, from 7-10 am to pack food boxes for holiday deliveries. Email lcpnfightinghunger@gmail.com or call (223) 361-6313.

2. Help someone stay warm

Tenfold’s winter shelter opened on December 1st and was at capacity within four days. They’re open every night through March 1st, providing 40 beds for neighbors who would otherwise be outside in the cold. They need volunteers and supplies.

Volunteer shifts available:

• Morning (8:30-9:30 am): Help with cleanup, restocking, bedding changeover
• Evening (6:30-10:00 pm): Greet guests, keep food and water stocked, help maintain a calm environment

You can volunteer once or sign up for multiple shifts. Must be 18+. No experience required.

What they need: Sleeping bags, warm hats and gloves, socks, hand warmers, individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, crackers), instant coffee ,and cup-of-soup packets.

To sign up: Fill out the volunteer form at wearetenfold.org/temporary-shelter or contact Julie Ritchey at JRitchey@WeAreTenfold.org.

3. Stock someone’s pantry through the holidays

Water Street Mission’s food drive runs through December 22nd—just a few days left. This season alone, they’ll serve nearly 27,000 meals to people experiencing homelessness and give thousands of bags of groceries to families in need. Their goal: 80,000 pounds of food.

What to donate: Canned vegetables, fruit, soup, and meats. Peanut butter and jelly. Pasta and sauce. Cereal and oatmeal. Rice. Coffee. Pancake mix. No glass containers.

Where to drop off: Weis Markets, Sharp Shopper, M&T Bank, Bomberger’s Store (Lititz), or directly at Water Street’s dock at 210 S. Prince Street, Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm.

They’re also accepting clothing donations—but only specific items: new underwear and undershirts, solid-color t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatpants (no logos), coats, and cold-weather gloves and hats. Drop off at 275 S. Water Street.

4. Clear a walkway for a neighbor who can’t

Here’s one you might not have heard of: Lancaster County Snow Angels. They provide free snow removal for veterans, seniors, and people with mobility challenges, and they need volunteers for the winter season.

How it works: You choose the area you want to serve, how many addresses you can handle, and when you’re available during snow events. All supplies are provided, including shovels, salt, and even a snowblower if needed.

Who can help: Anyone age 10+. Families and teams welcome.

To sign up: Visit the United Way of Lancaster County volunteer portal or search “Lancaster County Snow Angels” to register for the 2025-2026 season.

5. Donate something that keeps giving

Those things sitting around your house could make a big difference for a family who needs them.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts furniture, appliances, cabinets, building materials, and more. Everything they sell funds Habitat’s home-building work in Lancaster and Lebanon counties. It’s a way to clear out your house and help someone else build theirs.

What they take: Couches, dressers, tables, chairs, working appliances (ranges, refrigerators, washers, dryers), cabinets with doors attached, hand and power tools, and complete windows.

What they don’t: Mattresses, particle board, flooring, tile, exercise equipment, anything with rips, stains, or pet damage.

Where: 1061 Manheim Pike, Lancaster. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-6 pm. Or schedule a pickup at lancasterlebanonhabitat.org.

One more thing

If you can’t donate items or time this week, money works too. Every organization listed here accepts financial contributions, and for most of them, a few dollars goes further than you’d think. The Food Hub stretches every $1 into $6 worth of food. Water Street is feeding 27,000 meals this season. Tenfold is keeping 40 people off the streets every night.

Pick one. Do something. It counts.