Christmas Volunteer Guide for Greater Milwaukee Families
Looking to serve this Christmas? Greater Milwaukee offers dozens of meaningful ways to volunteer on December 24-25, from serving holiday meals at downtown Milwaukee's largest community feast to delivering hot dinners to seniors in their homes. This guide covers confirmed opportunities for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025 across Milwaukee, Waukesha, and surrounding communities—organized by type so you can find the right fit for your family.
The most volunteer-ready opportunities include the Salvation Army Christmas Family Feast (400+ volunteers needed to serve 4,000 guests), Community Projects for Seniors meal delivery (200 drivers needed), and the Milwaukee Rescue Mission holiday programs. Many positions fill weeks in advance, so registering early is essential.
Major community meal events on Christmas
Salvation Army Christmas Family Feast ★ TOP PICK
This is Milwaukee's largest public Christmas celebration—a sit-down feast serving 4,000 guests at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee. The 2024 event served 3,200 meals, and the 2025 edition runs December 20-25 with the main event on Christmas Day.
Location: Baird Center, 750 N. 6th Street, Downtown Milwaukee
Christmas Day hours: Doors open 10:30 AM; meals served 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Volunteers needed: 400+ across multiple shifts and roles
Available positions include:
Kitchen prep (December 23-26) – must be 18+, no exceptions
Wait staff and beverage servers
Guest hosts and registration
Gift Corner helpers (distributing presents to children)
Setup, decorating, and table reset crews
How to sign up: Register at http://bttr.im/z7xtn or through the volunteer portal at salarmy.us/VolunteerMKE
Contact: Nettie Perry, Director of Volunteer Services | (414) 302-4300 | Nettie.Perry@usc.salvationarmy.org
Family-friendly: Yes, for most positions (kitchen prep is adults only)
Milwaukee Rescue Mission Christmas Celebration
The Milwaukee Rescue Mission has served the community for over 130 years and hosts one of the city's most meaningful Christmas programs. They serve approximately 44,000 meals during the holiday season and typically need 100+ volunteers for Christmas Day meal service.
Location: 830 N. 19th Street, Milwaukee (corner of 19th and Kilbourn)
What volunteers do: Serve meals, wrap Christmas gifts, sort donations, facilitate children's activities
Sign up: Create a profile at milmission.vomo.org, then select available shifts
Contact: volunteer@milmission.org | (414) 935-0241
Age requirements: Under 18 requires signed parental consent form
Important guidelines: No photos of guests online; dress modestly; maintain confidentiality. This is a faith-based organization with comprehensive volunteer policies.
Senior meal programs needing Christmas volunteers
Community Projects for Seniors – Christmas Day Delivery ★ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR FAMILIES
This Waukesha-area nonprofit coordinates 200 volunteer drivers to deliver hot Christmas dinners to 4,000+ low-income seniors in subsidized housing across 8 southeastern Wisconsin counties. Families can deliver together, making this an excellent choice for parents wanting to include children in meaningful service.
When: Christmas Day morning, approximately 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Pickup location: Oak Creek, WI
Delivery area: 50 cities across 8 SE Wisconsin counties
Requirements: Valid driver's license, proof of insurance, personal vehicle required
Mandatory orientation: 55-minute session in early December (required before Christmas)
Age policy: Children under 18 can accompany parents on deliveries
Contact: (414) 444-6544 | CPforSeniors@gmail.com
Office: 3073 S. Chase Avenue, Milwaukee
Website: CPforSeniors.org
Eras Senior Network (partnering with St. Williams Church)
The organization mentioned in the community Facebook post—St. Williams Church on Moreland partners with Eras Senior Network for senior meal service. Eras coordinates meal sites across Waukesha and Milwaukee counties where volunteers serve as meal packers, servers, and delivery drivers.
Waukesha Office: 2607 N. Grandview Blvd., Suite 150, Waukesha | (262) 549-3348
Milwaukee Office: 2448 S. 102nd Street, Suite 275, West Allis | (414) 488-6500
St. Williams Parish: 440 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha | (262) 547-2763
Volunteer opportunities: Meal packer, meal server, meal delivery driver (pickups by 11:00 AM)
Sign up: Visit eras.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities and complete the volunteer interest quiz
Note: Background check required for direct client contact. Contact Eras or St. Williams directly to ask about specific Christmas meal volunteer needs.
Church-based meal programs serving Christmas dinners
St. Vincent de Paul Meal Program ★ EXCELLENT FOR FAMILIES
Operating for over 42 years, St. Vincent de Paul runs two community kitchens that serve 150-200 meals nightly. They explicitly welcome families with children over age 8, making this one of the most family-friendly options.
Cross Roads Kitchen: 931 W. Madison Street | (414) 649-9555 | crossroads@svdpmilw.org
Harambee Kitchen: 2600 N. 2nd Street, Milwaukee | (414) 249-3866 | harambee@svdpmilw.org
Meal times: 5:30–6:15 PM daily (check holiday schedule)
What volunteers do: Prepare and serve meals, set up dining room, light cleaning
Sign up: SignUpGenius links available at svdpmilw.org/meal-program.aspx
Council contact: (414) 462-7837 | council@svdpmilw.org
Capuchin Community Services (St. Ben's Community Meal)
The Capuchin friars have served Milwaukee's hungry since 1968. St. Ben's is one of the city's largest free meal programs, and their warming room operates every night December through March, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
St. Ben's Community Meal: 930 W. State Street, Milwaukee | (414) 271-0135
House of Peace: 1702 W. Walnut Street, Milwaukee | (414) 933-1300
Volunteer opportunities: Meal prep, floor serving, beverage service, table clearing, warming room support, clothing closet sorting
Special holiday programs: Holiday food box distribution, Christmas toy drive ("Santa's Workshop")
Sign up: thecapuchins.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/Wisconsin
Contact: ccsvol@thecapuchins.org | capholidaydrives@thecapuchins.org
The Gathering of Southeast Wisconsin
This volunteer-powered nonprofit serves 80,000+ meals annually across four locations. They've operated since 1981 and rely entirely on volunteers.
Running Rebels site: 1300 W. Fond du Lac Ave. – Breakfast M-F 8:30-9:30 AM; Saturday lunch 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Ascension Lutheran Church: 1236 S. Layton Blvd. – Dinner Mon/Wed 4:30-5:30 PM
Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church: 8424 W. Center St. – Saturday lunch (2nd & 4th Saturdays)
How to sign up: thegatheringwis.org/volunteer | soulfood@thegatheringwis.org
Group size limit: Maximum 8 volunteers per shift
Note: Check with organization for specific Christmas/holiday schedule
Homeless outreach and warming center opportunities
Street Angels Milwaukee Outreach
Founded in 2016, Street Angels operates mobile outreach buses that visit 70-90 stops per night—homeless encampments, park-and-ride lots, and areas under bridges. Their website confirms: nighttime outreach WILL occur on Christmas Day (though the office is closed December 24-26).
Office: 125 North 120th Street, Wauwatosa
Outreach hotline: (414) 374-1971
Office phone: (414) 930-0028
Email: info@streetangelsmke.org
Website: streetangelsmke.org/volunteer
Regular outreach nights: Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings
Christmas 2025: Office closed December 24-26, but Christmas nighttime outreach confirmed
Volunteer opportunities: Kitchen meal prep, donation sorting, nighttime outreach rides
Training required: Yes, before participating in street outreach
Note: Street outreach involves direct interaction with individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges—better suited for adults or older teens.
Repairers of the Breach – Daytime Shelter & Emergency Warming Room
Milwaukee's only daytime homeless shelter open 6 days per week, Repairers of the Breach also operates an emergency warming room every night through March 31—including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Location: 1335 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee (across from King Park)
Center phone: (414) 342-9323
Office phone: (414) 934-9305
Email: repairersmke@gmail.com
Website: repairers.org
Hours:
Daytime sanctuary: Monday-Saturday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM
Emergency warming room: 7:00 PM nightly through March 31
Volunteer opportunities: Breach Café meal service, clothing bank sorting, warming room support, garden work
Sign up: VolunteerMatch, United Way Volunteers United, or contact directly
Executive Director: Rev. James West
White Stone Warriors
This grassroots nonprofit serves hot meals and bulk food to homeless individuals in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Dane, and Ozaukee counties. They operate on a "shoestring budget" and run outreach even in extreme weather.
Address: 1444 S. West Avenue, Unit B, Waukesha
Phone: (262) 391-1165
Email: whitestonewarriors@yahoo.com
Website: whitestonewarriors.com/sign-ups-&-volunteers
Regular meal service locations:
Location Address Day/Time St. Joe's Church, Waukesha 818 N. East Ave. Mon-Fri 11-11:30 AM Kosciuszko Park, Milwaukee 2201 S. 7th St. Saturdays 8-9 AM
Programs: Hot meals, bulk food drops, free bike program
Sign up: SignUpGenius (search "White Stone Warriors") or contact directly
Guest House of Milwaukee
Milwaukee's largest publicly funded homeless shelter serves 86 men nightly and operates permanent supportive housing for 450+ individuals. Volunteers can serve meals every night of the year, including Christmas.
Location: 1216 N. 13th Street, Milwaukee
Phone: (414) 345-3240
Email: info@guesthouseofmilwaukee.org
Website: guesthouseofmilwaukee.org/volunteer-inquiry
Volunteer opportunities:
Purchase, cook, and serve dinner for 86 guests (6:00 PM nightly)
Weekend breakfasts (Saturdays/Sundays at 8:30 AM)
Make sandwiches (can prepare at home and deliver)
Holiday Committee – host Christmas parties with games, snacks, music
Sort donations in their distribution center
Sign up: Complete the volunteer inquiry form online
Mr. Bob's Under the Bridge
Started in 2007 with just 6 backpacks, this entirely volunteer-run organization serves the homeless every Saturday at Kosciuszko Park in Milwaukee. Their Saturday outreach continues year-round, including holiday weekends.
Phone: (414) 207-6615
Email: mrboboutreach@gmail.com
Website: mrbobsunderthebridge.org
Donation drop-off: 2360 Dakota Drive, Grafton – Mondays 4-6 PM, Thursdays 5-7 PM
Sign up: mrbobsunderthebridge.org/forms/volunteer
Organizations from the Facebook post – quick reference
Beacon Ministries Inc.
This faith-based ministry hosts a confirmed Christmas Eve event each year. They organize regular food distributions and youth programs.
Phone: (414) 303-9577
Email: info@beacon-ministries.com
Website: beacon-ministries.com
How to volunteer: Contact directly by phone or email, or use the "Join Us" form on their website. Their 2025 Christmas Eve party invitation is posted on their site.
Hope Center Inc. (Waukesha)
The Hope Center operates Waukesha County's premier day center for homeless individuals, serving free breakfast and hot lunch daily Monday-Saturday, plus three evening meals per week. They have over 1,300 volunteers donating 33,000+ hours annually.
Address: 101 W. Broadway, Waukesha
Phone: (262) 549-8726
Website: hopecenterwi.org/volunteer-and-contribute
Current volunteer needs:
Project Move Program: Furniture pickup & delivery (must be 18+, valid license, able to lift heavy items)
Clothing shop assistance
Day center meal service
Donation hours: Monday-Friday 10 AM–4 PM; Saturdays 9 AM–12 PM
Note: Contact directly to inquire about specific Christmas Day volunteer needs
Waukesha County opportunities
Salvation Army – Waukesha County
Location: 445 Madison Street, Waukesha
Community meal times: Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday at 5:00 PM
Food pantry hours: Tuesday/Wednesday 1-4 PM; Friday 9 AM–12 PM
Volunteer opportunities: Dining room assistance, kitchen help, bell ringing (through December 24)
Sign up: centralusa.salvationarmy.org/waukesha/volunteer
Requirements: Background check and Safe From Harm online training
Under-18 contact: Amber at (262) 875-4568
Christmas Clearing Council of Waukesha County
This nonprofit coordinates holiday giving across the county, including family sponsorships and a community toy shop.
Website: christmasclearingcouncil.org/volunteer
Email: info@christmasclearingcouncil.org
Note: 2025 volunteer opportunities typically posted by mid-October
What families need to know before volunteering
Age requirements vary significantly
Most meal programs and shelters have specific age policies. Here's a general breakdown:
Type of Opportunity Typical Minimum Age Food sorting/donation prep 10+ (with adult supervision) Meal delivery (riding along) Any age with parent Community kitchen service 8-13+ depending on organization Homeless shelter service 16-18+ for independent volunteering Street outreach Adults preferred due to nature of work Kitchen prep (Salvation Army) 18+ only, no exceptions
Organizations specifically welcoming families with younger children:
Community Projects for Seniors – Children can accompany parents on deliveries
St. Vincent de Paul – Welcomes families with children over 8
Kinship Community Food Center – Under 10 with parent; ages 10-13 with chaperone; 14+ independent
Sunbeam Kids – Designed specifically for families with children ages 3+
Registration timeline and tips
Critical: Christmas volunteer shifts fill quickly—often weeks before the holiday. Here's when to act:
September-October: Contact organizations about Christmas opportunities
November: Most organizations open holiday volunteer registration
Early December: Mandatory orientations for programs like Community Projects for Seniors
Mid-December: Many positions already full
What to expect when you sign up:
Create an account on the organization's volunteer portal (VOMO, VolunteerHub, GivePulse, etc.)
Complete required forms (background check for some programs)
Attend orientation if required
Select specific shifts and arrive 15 minutes early
Background checks and training requirements
Several organizations require background checks, especially for positions involving vulnerable populations:
Salvation Army: Required for food pantry and programs working with children
Eras Senior Network: Required for direct client contact
Street Angels: Training required before street outreach
Hospital programs: Extensive background checks, medical requirements, and training
Volunteer matching resources
For the most current listings, check these portals:
United Way Volunteers United: volunteer.unitedwaygmwc.org – Searchable database of Milwaukee-area opportunities
VolunteerMatch: volunteermatch.org/search?l=Milwaukee
211 Wisconsin: Dial 211 for referrals to current volunteer opportunities
Quick contact reference
Organization Phone Best For Salvation Army (Milwaukee) (414) 302-4300 Large-scale Christmas Day meal service Community Projects for Seniors (414) 444-6544 Christmas meal delivery to seniors Milwaukee Rescue Mission (414) 935-0241 Meal service, gift wrapping Capuchin Community Services (414) 271-0135 Meal service, warming room Street Angels (414) 930-0028 Homeless outreach (training required) Repairers of the Breach (414) 934-9305 Day shelter, warming room Hope Center (Waukesha) (262) 549-8726 Waukesha area service White Stone Warriors (262) 391-1165 Hot meals, food distribution Eras Senior Network (262) 549-3348 Senior meal site volunteering Guest House (414) 345-3240 Nightly meal service Beacon Ministries (414) 303-9577 Christmas Eve event
Conclusion
Greater Milwaukee offers remarkably diverse opportunities to serve on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day—from massive community feasts serving thousands to intimate meal deliveries that connect volunteers directly with isolated seniors. The most family-friendly options include Community Projects for Seniors (children can ride along for deliveries), St. Vincent de Paul's kitchens (welcoming families with children 8+), and most Salvation Army positions outside of kitchen prep.
The key insight for families planning to volunteer: register now, not later. Popular shifts—especially Christmas Day morning slots at the Salvation Army Christmas Family Feast and meal delivery routes through Community Projects for Seniors—fill weeks in advance. Call your top-choice organization this week to confirm availability and complete any required orientation or background check before the holiday rush.
For those seeking deeper engagement beyond Christmas Day, organizations like Street Angels, Repairers of the Breach, and the warming centers operate throughout winter and face ongoing volunteer needs that extend well past the holidays.
Greater Milwaukee offers dozens of meaningful ways to volunteer on December 24-25, from serving holiday meals at downtown Milwaukee's largest community feast to delivering hot dinners to seniors in their homes. This guide covers confirmed opportunities for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025 across Milwaukee, Waukesha, and surrounding communities—organized by type so you can find the right fit for your family.