What’s the best gift you can give during the holiday season? Your time.
Gifts, money, and food are all wonderful acts of generosity, but nothing compares to the impact – and the personal reward – of giving your time to someone who needs it. The holidays can be busy and overwhelming, but they also offer the perfect reminder that real joy comes from service. And with Giving Tuesday Military coming up on Dec. 2, it’s the ideal moment to jump in. (But truly, any day works.)
No matter your schedule, skills, or age, everyone has time to give something. This year, gather your family, start a new tradition, and choose a volunteer opportunity that brings meaning to your holidays. Here are some great ways to donate your time on Minot AFB and throughout the local community:
American Red Cross
Make a meaningful impact by volunteering or giving a financial gift through the Minnesota and Dakotas Region.
Learn more: RedCross.org/MNDAKS
Contact: Lorie Herbel, Regional Program Manager, Service to the Armed Forces
Minot AFB Child Development Center
The CDC needs helping hands for light but meaningful tasks, including organizing supply areas, labeling shelves, and tidying shared spaces.
POC: Claribel Luna Torres
Front Desk: 701-723-3750
Northern Paradise AMC
The Airman Ministry Center in the Bistro/Brew building creates a welcoming place for Airmen to relax, complete with massage chairs and a movie room. Volunteers are needed to help staff the center.
Email: nathan.haugen.1@us.af.mil
Safe Rides (AADD) Program
Safe Rides is seeking volunteers to help keep Airmen safe during nights out.
POC: MSgt Nataja Cummings
nataja.cummings@us.af.mil
701-723-1124
Central Middle School – Bulldog Buddies
Spend time with students of all abilities through games, crafts, and activities that promote inclusion and belonging.
Time: 8:40–9:20 a.m.
Next Date: January 30
Contact: Lynn Whitesell – lynn.whitesell@minot.k12.nd.us
Glenburn Public Schools
Volunteers are needed to officiate school sporting events throughout the year.
POC: Emilie Walker – emilie.walker@k12.nd.us
Roosevelt Park Zoo
The zoo welcomes volunteers to help with education programs, animal handling support, and outreach to schools and senior centers. Squadrons and groups are also encouraged to volunteer together.
Volunteers who complete 15 hours or four events may earn an LOA.
Signup: www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45AEAC2FA7FCC52-54165159-volunteer#/
POCs: SSgt Brendan Miller & SSgt Malcom Williams
Civil Air Patrol – Magic City Composite Squadron
Serve your community through aviation, emergency response, cyber education, and ground search and rescue. Volunteers can teach, mentor cadets, or participate directly in missions.
Meetings: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., AvFlight Minot
POC: Maj. Jeffrey Slocum – 021cc@ndwg.cap.gov
Junior Achievement
Help local students learn financial literacy, work readiness, and practical life skills by teaching a weekly, one-hour JA lesson for five weeks. All materials and training are provided.
Contact: Carla – 701-857-8205 | carla@minotchamberedc.com
Citizens Alley
Looking for people to help manage skate rentals, art projects, ice bumper cars and more!
Sign up here: www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C45AAA922A2F8C61-60621140-downtown#/:
Caring Edge Hospice
Provide comfort and support to patients and families through companionship, conversation, and care.
POC: Danielle Hilzendeger – Danielle.Hilzendeger@caringedge.com
Giving Tuesday on Minot AFB, December 2
While Giving Tuesday is all about giving your time, Minot AFB is also giving back to you this year.
Here’s what’s happening Tuesday, Dec. 2 according to organizer Carrie Driver:
~ First Command is helping decorate dorms as well as sponsoring the bar at Rockers during the After Party.
~ MAFB Housing Office will hand out free bracelets, grab one for yourself and one to gift.
~ The Adopt-a-Dorm Program invites the community to help Airmen decorate their dorms for the holidays. Volunteers can sign up, choose items to bring, and join in the decorating fun. www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CABAF29A5FFC70-60657446-adopt?useFullSite=true#/
Volunteering isn’t just good for others, it fills you up too. Helping someone organize a room, spending time with a child, offering a safe ride home, supporting a family in hospice care, or lending your skills to a nonprofit, it all counts. Every act of service strengthens our community, builds connection, and reminds us what the season is truly about.
So consider this your holiday nudge: get up, give your time, and show someone you care this season. You might brighten someone else’s day, but you’ll likely brighten your own as well.
