Thanksgiving is almost here, and it's an opportunity not only to express gratitude for all we have but also to help those in need. This holiday season, our real estate agents are happy to share some unique opportunities to give back to the community here in New Orleans. 

Volunteering in NOLA for the Holidays

From donating food and making financial contributions to giving the gift of your time and energy, these are some of the most important programs and organizations that need your help in New Orleans this holiday season. 

City Park Conservancy - New Orleans, LA

Address: 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124

New Orleans City Park is a stunning 1,300-acre public park that provides incredible opportunities for NOLA residents and visitors to experience nature in the heart of the city. The park is tended solely by the City Park Conservancy, an organization that largely relies on volunteers to help with the park's upkeep and day-to-day operations. Depending on the day, volunteers can contribute by:

• Helping to clean up and revitalize the park
• Restoring hiking trails
• Clearing away vines and removing invasive plants

Second Harvest Food Bank - Elmwood, LA

Address: 700 Edwards Ave, Elmwood, LA 70123

Second Harvest Food Bank is a truly essential organization, with multiple locations that help provide food to those in need throughout Louisiana. The New Orleans location of Second Harvest Food Bank, located in the NOLA suburb of Elmwood, is always in need of volunteers to work kitchen shifts, pack boxes, work the mobile grocery market, and a wide range of other jobs (see the full schedule here). Financial contributions are also greatly needed.

Audubon Nature Institute - New Orleans, LA

Address: 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118

One of Louisiana's premier nature and wildlife attractions, the Audubon Nature Institute is much more than just a zoo—it's a family of parks and museums dedicated to conservation and community outreach. Audubon's Volunteer Program in New Orleans offers an opportunity to make a real impact, working alongside Audubon staff in various capacities, including:

• Food preparation and animal habitat cleaning as an Animal Care Aide at the Audubon Zoo
• Horticulture, including planting, weeding, mulching, and watering
• Staffing education stations and talking to guests as an Interpretation Guide 

GiGi's Playhouse - Metairie, LA

Address: 1023 Ridgewood Dr, Suite 2, Metairie, LA 70001

Providing programming and support for individuals with Down syndrome & their families, GiGi's Playhouse is an invaluable nonprofit organization in the New Orleans area. A variety of Volunteer opportunities at GiGi's Playhouse are available, including working as a program leader, greeter or assistant. High school volunteers are also needed for teen peer program participation, tutoring, and administrative tasks. See a full overview of volunteer needs at GiGi's Playhouse here. 

Broadmoor Improvement Association - New Orleans, LA

Address: 2021 S Dupre St, New Orleans, LA 70125

Since 2012, the Broadmoor Food Pantry has been helping fight hunger in New Orleans while also promoting wellness, dignity and self-sufficiency. Operating out of the Broadmoor Community Church on Dupre Street, the food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 am to 12 pm and Wednesdays from 1 pm to 3 pm. Volunteers are essential to keeping the program running, from picking up donations to assembling and distributing pantry boxes. The food pantry is also accepting food donations for the holiday season, including:

• Pull tab canned vegetables
• Stuffing
• Boxed potatoes
• Rice
• Cooked/frozen turkeys

Contact us today to learn more about volunteer opportunities in New Orleans, and talk with our real estate agents about searching New Orleans homes for sale during the holidays.