Where to help

Want to lend a helping hand to those in need, but not sure where to start? There are plenty of opportunities to give back to the community this holiday season. Here are just a few places that can benefit from some extra help and holiday cheer.

Loaves and Fishes: The long-established resource center for homeless folks faces plenty of challenges as the holidays approach and cold weather returns. You can sign up to help serve food for their big Thanksgiving meal on the Nov. 26, or donate items listed on their website. 1351 North C St., (916) 446-0874, sacloaves.org.

River City Food Bank: For more than 50 years, River City Food Bank has provided emergency food and other services to struggling families and individuals. As a volunteer, you can assist with food distribution, community education and other tasks needed to keep the bank up and running. 1800 28th St., (916) 446-2627, rivercityfoodbank.org.

Sacramento LGBT Center: If your Thanksgiving Day is open, you can cook a dish to share at the LGBT Center’s annual Friendsgiving celebration. The holidays aren’t always easy, but Friendsgiving is a great chance for LGBTQ folks and allies to come together to celebrate community and found family. 2012 K St., (916) 442-0185, saccenter.org.

WEAVE, Inc.: The nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault, sex trafficking and intimate partner violence is always looking for help from the community. Its Holiday Shop opens Dec. 2, so take a look at the wish list and consider donating new, unwrapped gifts for kids, teens and adults in need. 1900 K St., (916) 448-2321, weaveinc.org.