12/12/25

Around Town

’Tis the Season to Give Back: The Best Ways to Support Impactful Madison Charities

As we enter the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what makes our community strong: generosity, connection, and compassion. While the holidays often spark a spirit of giving, the needs in our community continue long after the decorations are packed away. Rising food costs, economic uncertainty, and increased demand for support services mean that local organizations rely on year-round engagement more than ever.

If you’re looking for meaningful ways to make a difference this season, starting local is one of the most powerful choices you can make. Below are some of Madison’s most impactful charities, and the many ways you can support them this holiday season and beyond.

Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin

Second Harvest continues to be a lifeline for thousands of families throughout Southern Wisconsin. With food insecurity remaining above pre-pandemic levels, the organization plays a crucial role in ensuring children, seniors, and families have access to nutritious meals.

What They Do

• Operate mobile food pantries that bring fresh, healthy food directly to communities
• Store and distribute millions of pounds of food annually
• Focus on fresh, nutritious options—not just shelf-stable items—to support whole-family wellness

Fast Facts

• Every $20 you give provides up to 5 bags of groceries to our neighbors facing food insecurity
• 26.3 Million pounds of food distributed in fiscal year 2025

How to Help

• Donate funds or host a food drive
• Volunteer at the warehouse or mobile pantries
• Participate in corporate giving or team-building volunteer days

Wisconsin Literacy

Wisconsin Literacy supports 80 community-based literacy programs throughout Wisconsin. They work to strengthen literacy through workforce connections, expert trainings, health literacy, and advocacy. Their programs provide literacy services to families and adults in communities across Wisconsin.

Fast Facts

• One in seven Wisconsin adults struggle with low literacy
• More than 1.5 million Wisconsin adults qualify for literacy support
• Serves students and families in 89% of Wisconsin counties

How You Can Help

• Serve as a tutor
• Assist with events
• Help with communications or office support
• Volunteer your marketing or social media skills
• Donate to expand local literacy programs

Project Home

Project Home provides affordable home repair, weatherization, and accessibility modifications for low- to moderate-income households. Their work is especially crucial as housing and energy costs rise.

Who They Serve

• Seniors
• Veterans
• People with disabilities
• Single-parent households
• Homeowners in need of essential repairs

Programs & Services

• Weatherization and energy-efficiency updates
• Home repairs and safety improvements
• Accessibility modifications
• Educational workshops on home maintenance and DIY projects

Donate funds to support their mission here.

The River Food Pantry

The River is South Central Wisconsin’s busiest food pantry, as well as a local, grassroots nonprofit. This means that gifts to The River stay right here in our community. Their services include free groceries for pickup or delivery, to-go meals, online grocery orders, mobile meals, and after-hours food lockers. The River also recovers food and resources, that would otherwise go to waste, from local retailers. They are constantly in pursuit of their vision: a fully nourished community.

Fast Facts

• The River serves over 3,500 people every week
• 93 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to the people The River serves
• The River is described as “South Central Wisconsin’s busiest food pantry”

Ways to Help

• Donate food or household items to support their distribution efforts
• Volunteer your time to help with distribution, packing, and mobile meal programs
• Make a monetary donation to aid their efforts

What’s Your Story?

Have you volunteered with any of these organizations or another local nonprofit? Your experiences matter. Sharing your story can inspire others, highlight community needs, and help these organizations grow their impact.

If you feel called to give, serve, or share, this is the perfect season to start!