The holiday season is a time for joy, gratitude, and generosity. For those in Savannah, Georgia, it’s also a season to give back to the community and help those in need. Whether you want to donate your time, resources, or money, there are plenty of ways to make a positive impact. Here are some of our favorite organizations and opportunities to give back in Savannah this holiday season.
Why Give Back? Giving makes you happier.
Did you know that people who give back to their communities often report greater levels of happiness? Positive psychology provides insights into why this happens. Acts of generosity, such as volunteering or donating, activate areas of the brain associated with reward and pleasure. When these areas are activated, it releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin.
These actions also foster a sense of purpose and connection, helping individuals feel more integrated into their communities. Giving back can also reduce stress and combat feelings of isolation, as it shifts focus away from personal challenges and toward the collective well-being. By contributing to something larger than themselves, individuals experience the profound joy that comes from making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
“To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.”
1. CURE Savannah
What They Do: CURE Savannah is a local chapter of CURE Childhood Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research and providing support to children and families battling pediatric cancer. Based in Savannah, this chapter plays a vital role in bringing hope and resources to affected families in the Coastal Empire.
How They Help: Through initiatives such as financial assistance, meal delivery programs, and emotional support services, CURE Savannah ensures that families facing the overwhelming challenges of childhood cancer never feel alone. The organization also contributes to groundbreaking research aimed at improving treatments and finding a cure.
Contact: Visit their website for more information and to donate today.
2. Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia
What They Do: Second Harvest is dedicated to fighting hunger in the Savannah area by distributing millions of meals to individuals and families in need.
How to Help: Volunteer to sort and pack food, or donate non-perishable food items and monetary gifts. Their holiday programs, like the Kids Café and food drives, are especially impactful this time of year.
Contact: Visit their website or call to learn about current opportunities.
3. Old Savannah City Mission
What They Do: Old Savannah City Mission provides food, shelter, and recovery programs for the homeless and those in need. Their mission is grounded in hope and renewal, particularly during the holiday season.
How to Help: Volunteer to serve meals, assist with holiday programs, or donate clothing, hygiene products, and financial support. They often host special events around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Contact: Check their website or call their office for more information.
4. Union Mission
What They Do: Union Mission focuses on ending homelessness in Savannah by providing emergency shelter, housing, and supportive services.
How to Help: Volunteers are needed for holiday meal preparation, gift wrapping, and organizing donation drives. Financial contributions help sustain their housing programs year-round.
Contact: Learn more at Union Mission Savannah.
5. Greenbriar Children’s Center
What They Do: Greenbriar offers shelter and support services for children and families in crisis. They provide early childhood education, residential care, and family counseling.
How to Help: Donate toys, clothing, or school supplies for children. Volunteering your time to help with events or mentoring programs can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
Contact: Visit Greenbriar Children’s Center for a list of current needs.
6. Savannah Humane Society
What They Do: The Humane Society works tirelessly to care for animals and find them loving homes. During the holidays, they often run special adoption and donation campaigns.
How to Help: Donate pet supplies, sponsor an animal, or volunteer your time at their shelter. Fostering pets during the holidays is another wonderful way to contribute.
Contact: Visit Savannah Humane Society for more details.
7. United Way of the Coastal Empire
What They Do: United Way partners with dozens of local organizations to address issues like poverty, education, and health.
How to Help: Participate in their holiday drives or volunteer with one of their partner agencies. Monetary donations are also a powerful way to support their broad range of programs.
Contact: Visit United Way of the Coastal Empire for a list of opportunities.
8. Coastal Pet Rescue
What They Do: Coastal Pet Rescue rescues and rehomes pets in the Savannah area.
How to Help: Volunteers can help with animal care, event planning, or fundraising. Donating pet supplies, food, or funds is also greatly appreciated during the holiday season.
Contact: Visit their website for more information.
9. The Salvation Army of Savannah
What They Do: The Salvation Army provides essential services, including food, clothing, and housing assistance to those in need. Their holiday programs, like Angel Tree and Red Kettle Campaign, are iconic ways to give back.
How to Help: Volunteer to ring the bell at a Red Kettle, adopt an Angel Tree child, or donate toys, clothing, and financial gifts.
Contact: Find out more at Salvation Army Savannah.
10. Senior Citizens, Inc.
What They Do: This organization focuses on enriching the lives of older adults in Savannah through programs like Meals on Wheels and social activities.
How to Help: Volunteer to ring the bell at a Red Kettle, adopt an Angel Tree child, or donate toys, clothing, and financial gifts.
Contact: Visit Senior Citizens, Inc. to get involved.
Start Receiving Support From Therapists in Savannah, GA
Are you looking for more ways to feel happy? Give us a call today, 912.319.5552. A licensed therapist or counselor can provide guidance, validation, and coping strategies tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. Therapy can offer a safe space to explore your feelings, fears, and uncertainties, as well as develop practical skills for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. Our team would be honored to offer support from our Savannah, GA-based practice. You can start your therapy journey by giving us a call at 912.319.5552 or emailing us at [email protected].
Other Services Offered With Water’s Edge Counseling
We understand that you may experience issues with more than one mental health concern at a time. This is why we are happy to offer support with a variety of mental health services. Our team is happy to offer support with multiple mental health services including online counseling, clinical supervision, coping after a cancer diagnosis, and SCAD student counseling. We are also happy to offer therapy for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, teen substance abuse, and counseling for men. In addition, we also offer counseling for teens, child counseling, family counseling, Christian counseling, grief counseling, and marriage counseling.
Please note: While this blog is designed to help people achieve their goals, the information within each post is not a substitute for therapy or medical advice given by a licensed professional.