How you can help

Support a family through FamilyWise this holiday season. Registered sponsors will be matched with a family. Shop for and wrap the gifts for families and bring them to the Minneapolis office. www.familywiseservices.org/

Assist Mothers Against Drunk Driving as an underage drinking prevention coordinator. Make and manage presentations about underage drinking and facilitate discussions around the issues. Flexible schedule. Virtual opportunities available. madd.org/minnesota

Work as a group in a Bridging warehouse in Bloomington or Roseville. The group size is five to 25 and the shift is 2-3 hours Tuesday-Thursday. Must be at least at age 14. Sort donations, load/unload trucks, roll linens and stock shelves. www.bridging.org/

The American Bear Association is dedicated to promoting a better understanding of black bears and all wildlife through education, observation and experience. The center in Orr, Minn., has a range of tasks, including guest service, office, maintenance, event management and fundraising. www.americanbear.org/

Assist the Sanneh Foundation every Friday to help with setup, distribution, restocking and cleanup activities from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in south Minneapolis. thesannehfoundation.org/about-us/our-mission/

The Birthday Party Project hosts parties at homeless and transitional living facilities every month to celebrate birthdays of the kids staying there. Decorations, activities, crafts, games, cupcakes, gifts and party favors are provided. Help to host the parties. www.thebirthdaypartyproject.org/

Blood donors are needed at one of Memorial Blood Center’s donor centers. 1-1½ hours each time. Call 651-332-7000 to determine eligibility. Minimum age is 16. www.mbc.org/

Bridge to Basics deals with hygiene poverty by collaborating with local nonprofits to provide clients with daily essentials. Hold a drive in your workplace, faith community or other group to collect such items as soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toilet paper. www.bridgetobasics.org/

Assist the Somali Youth & Family Development Centers with crafting stories to demonstrate the impact of programming. Create a monthly newsletter and develop content. somfam.org/

African Career Education & Resources works for systemic change that advances racial and economic equity in our communities. Variety of volunteer opportunities available. www.acerinc.org/

Help River Valley Riders provide therapeutic horseback riding opportunities for people with special needs. At the riding sessions, the main jobs are for horse leader and side walker. No experience with horses is needed — just a willingness to learn. Must be comfortable around horses and training will be provided. www.rivervalleyriders.org/

MBMentors works with small and startup businesses to foster success and growth. Provide mentoring and coaching to entrepreneurs and small business owners through a variety of programs. It involves 10-15 hours a month. www.mbmentors.org/

Catholic Charities seeks groups of 10-15 adults to paint residential hallways at the Dorothy Day Center in downtown St. Paul. The weekday shifts are five to six hours. If possible, a contribution toward supplies would be appreciated, but not required. www.cctwincities.org/

Good in the Hood collects gently used and new shoes for its Shoe Away Hunger program and sells them at various locations. Sort the shoes at the warehouse in Minneapolis. Noon-3 p.m. Mon., Wed. & Thu. Can be a great group opportunity. goodinthehood.org/