Community & Volunteering

Winter can be emotionally challenging, especially with shorter days and colder weather. Getting involved in your community through volunteering, local events, and opportunities to connect has been shown to support mood, reduce isolation, and foster a deeper sense of purpose. Below is a curated list of local Northern Nevada organizations and seasonal events that offer meaningful ways to give, serve, and connect.

Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra (WACCS)

Website: https://waccs.org/get-involved

Supports women and children in need through education, job readiness, and essential services.

Ways to help: donation sorting, tutoring, event support, supply drives.

The Community Food Pantry – Reno/Sparks

Website: https://www.thecommunityfoodpantryrenosparks.com/volunteer/

Provides healthy groceries to food-insecure families.

Ways to help: stocking, distribution days, family meal prep, holiday food drives.

Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada (CCNN)

Website: https://ccsnn.org/pages/volunteer

One of the region’s largest nonprofit service networks.

Ways to help: St. Vincent’s Food Pantry, dining room service, thrift store assistance, hygiene kit assembly.

South Creek Christmas Festival

Saturday, December 6
Website: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/south-creek-christmas-festival/

A festive community event featuring crafts, music, local vendors, and holiday cheer.

Sparks Annual Tree Lighting & Events

Thursday, December 4 – Saturday, December 6
Website: https://www.cityofsparks.us/business_detail_T4_R21.php

Sparks hosts parades, performances, and its beloved annual tree lighting ceremony.

Reno Aces – Home for the Holidays

December 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19-23
Website: https://www.milb.com/reno/events/home-for-the-holidays

Family-friendly seasonal celebration at Greater Nevada Field.

Silver & Snowflake Festival of Lights – Carson City

Friday, December 5
Website: https://visitcarsoncity.com/events/silver-snowflake-festival-of-lights-capitol-tree-lighting/

Carson City’s iconic downtown kickoff to the holiday season with lights, music, and the Capitol tree.

Christmas on the Comstock – Virginia City

December 1 – December 31
Website: https://visitvirginiacitynv.com/events/christmas-on-the-comstock-virginia-city/

An old-west holiday spectacular with parades, lights, concerts, and historic charm.