THANKSGIVING WEEK VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Boston Rescue Mission - Day of Thanks

Sunday, November 24, 2025, starting at 12:00 PM

Location: 39 Kingston Street, Boston

The annual Day of Thanks takes place the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Volunteers help serve complete Thanksgiving dinners to hundreds of homeless and hungry community members. Families also receive turkey baskets to take home. This is one of Boston's longest-running Thanksgiving volunteer events.

Volunteer Info: brm.org

United Way Thanksgiving Project

Various dates through Thanksgiving week

90-minute family-friendly packing shifts assembling holiday food bags for families in Attleboro, Chelsea, Dorchester, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Quincy, Roxbury, and Taunton.

Contact: mcheek@supportunitedway.org | Website: unitedwaymassbay.org

Boston Cares Volunteer Opportunities

Multiple Thanksgiving-related volunteer opportunities available

Website: bostoncares.org/calendar

Community Servings

Monday-Friday volunteer shifts available

Jamaica Plain-based organization preparing nutritious meals for the critically ill

Website: servings.org

HOLIDAY SHOPPING & EVENTS

SoWa Winter Festival - Opening Weekend

Black Friday, November 28: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Opening Day)

Saturday, November 29: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday, November 30: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Location: SoWa Power Station, 550 Harrison Avenue

10th Anniversary Celebration featuring 125+ local vendors with handmade art and holiday gifts, specialty foods and cocktails, live music (including Matt Koelsch, Rich Dimare, Maddi Ryan, Better Late Boston, Gabby Patrice, and more), special appearances by Buddy the Elf (Nov. 29), and food trucks.

Admission: $10 (Children 12 and under free)

Parking: $10 cash at multiple South End locations

Website: sowaboston.com

ONGOING EVENTS

SoWa Artists Guild Open Studios

Every Sunday, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 450 Harrison Avenue. Over 80 professional studio artists open their doors year-round. Browse studios, meet artists, and buy art directly from makers. FREE.

Website: sowaartists.com.

Community Music Center of Boston Programming

Registration open for fall 2025 lessons and classes. 109-year-old accredited music school providing equitable access to music education. Location: 34 Warren Avenue. Website: cmcb.org.

Age Strong Commission Programming

Union Church, 485 Columbus Avenue. Programs for older adults including fitness and social activities. Contact: 617-635-4505

Youth Flag Football

Saturdays, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Carter Playground Bubble, 709 Columbus Avenue. Free co-ed program for ages 8U, 10U, 12U, and girls 15U.

Registration: boston.gov/sports

DECEMBER 6

SoWa First Friday (December)

Friday, December 6, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Location: 450 Harrison Avenue & SoWa District. Monthly art walk with open studios, galleries, and special events during the Winter Festival season. FREE

JANUARY 16

Boston Symphony Orchestra Community Chamber Concert

Thursday, January 16, 2026, 1:00 PM. Location: Community Music Center of Boston, 34 Warren Avenue. FREE chamber music concert (reservation required). Website: bso.org.

COMMUNITY SERVICES & PROGRAMMING

Boston Public Library Programs

Note: South End Branch closed for facilities issues - residents can access services at Central Library in Copley Square