Giving Thanks by Giving Back: Meaningful Ways to Support Our Community this Season
- The Orlando Foundation for Architecture
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we hope you’ll have some time to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. This season naturally draws our attention to gratitude. And for many, it’s also a time to give back in ways that strengthen our community, uplift families in need, and support the environments we all share.
For everyone passionate about architecture, design, housing, and placemaking, the season offers countless opportunities to channel that passion into service. Whether it’s supporting neighbors experiencing homelessness, restoring natural spaces, or helping families find stability, giving back strengthens our sense of connection and belonging as a community.
While intentions and goodwill are valuable, real change takes shape when we put those intentions into action. Research shows that people who regularly help others often experience greater well-being and fulfillment—a reminder that kindness strengthens us individually and collectively, creating a stronger and more caring community for everyone.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here are several opportunities throughout Central Florida where your time, skills, or resources can make an impact this season and beyond.
Ways You Can Give Back in Central Florida This Season (2025)
Charity or Volunteer Opportunity | Dates | Organization | Type | County / Region |
OCAD Volunteer Kick-Off Meeting | Dec 3, 5:30-6:30 | Orlando Foundation for Architecture | Volunteer | Central Florida |
Dec 2025 | Habitat for Humanity | Housing Build / Repair | Orlando | |
Dec 2025 | Habitat Seminole | Home Repair / Build | Seminole | |
Dec 2025 | HomeAid Orlando | Homelessness / Housing Support | Orlando | |
Dec 2025 | Coalition for the Homeless | Homeless Services | Orange | |
Dec 2025 | HOPE Helps | Homeless Prevention | Seminole | |
Dec 2025 | Orange County Government | Environmental / Nature | Orange | |
Ongroing | City of Orlando | Environmental / Nature | Orlando | |
Dec 6, 2025 | City of Orlando | Environmental / Nature | Orlando | |
Dec 2025 | Hands On Orlando | Community Build/Environment | Orange | |
Dec 5,12,19 2025 | IDignity | Homeless Documentation Support | Orlando | |
Dec 2025 | United Against Poverty | Low-Income Support | Orange | |
Ongoing | City of Orlando | Environmental Volunteer | Orlando | |
Dec 2025 | Second Harvest Food Bank | Food Drive | Central Florida | |
Ongoing | Second Harvest Food Bank | Volunteering | Central Florida | |
Online thru Dec 1, 2025; Drop-off thru Dec 8, 2025 | Orange County Government | Toy Drive | Orange County | |
Dec 2025 | Nathaniel’s Hope | Toy Drive / Volunteering | Orange County | |
Thru Dec 15, 2025 | New Hope for Kids | Toy Drive | Orange/Seminole | |
Now–Dec 31, 2025 | UCP of Central Florida | Toy Drive / Family Support | Orange/Region | |
Now–Dec 31, 2025 | Christian HELP | Toy & Food / Volunteering | Seminole County | |
Dec 14, 2025 | Promenade at Sunset Walk | Toy Drive Event | Osceola County |