🎁 Many hands make the holidays brighter. Here are some ways Linn County neighbors can give, volunteer, or ask for help this season. Dates and needs change, so please check each organization’s own page before you go.
⏰ Coming up soon: KCRG Coats for Kids closes October 31. Salvation Army toy and ham registration runs October 26 to November 17.
Toys & Gifts
Salvation Army Christmas Toy & Ham Assistance
Free toys and a ham for eligible Linn County families with children from birth through age 14 on December 25, 2026. Families register online or call to book an appointment, and bring photo ID and a document for each child. Registration is Oct 26 to Nov 17, with toy pickup on Dec 8 or 9.
Where: 1000 C Ave NW, Cedar Rapids (weekdays 8 AM to 4 PM)
Phone: 319-364-9131
Marine Toys for Tots, Linn County
Donate a new, unwrapped toy or give online through the national Toys for Tots site. Local drop-box spots change each year, so use their “Find a Local Campaign” tool or check the local Facebook page. Families who need help can apply through the Salvation Army program.
Willis Dady Holiday Giving
Willis Dady is collecting 200 filled backpacks (with a wallet, winter hat, gloves and hand warmers) and gift-wrapped clothing for neighbors experiencing homelessness. Aim to drop items off by Dec 18. Blankets, soap, trash bags and toilet paper are always welcome.
Where: 1247 4th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
Phone: 319-362-7555
Coats & Winter Gear
KCRG Coats for Kids
Give new or gently used coats, or donate money through Operation Warm, to keep Eastern Iowa kids warm. The drive ends October 31, 2026. Drop-off spots include KCRG TV-9 (501 2nd Ave SE), Mercy Hospital entrances and Mercy Urgent Care clinics in Cedar Rapids and Marion, and Dave Wright Subaru/Nissan in Hiawatha.
Questions: 319-399-5999
Food & Meals
Salvation Army Community Holiday Meals
Free holiday meals around Thanksgiving and Christmas at 1000 C Ave NW in Cedar Rapids. Dates and times vary each year, so please call 319-364-9131 to check. You can ask about volunteer shifts, too.
Phone: 319-364-9131
Mission of Hope
A faith-based Cedar Rapids ministry serving a daily hot lunch and running a food pantry at 1700 B Ave NE. Groups and families can sponsor a meal, and pantry helpers ages 10 and up are welcome on weekday and Saturday afternoons. Non-perishable food donations are welcome too.
Volunteer meal sponsorship: call 319-200-6143
Linn Community Food Bank
An all-volunteer food bank in the lower level of First Presbyterian Church, 310 5th St SE, Cedar Rapids. Open Mon, Wed and Fri 1 to 3 PM for food and cash donations. Volunteers 18 and up help with distribution. Email them if you’d like to host a food drive.
Phone: 319-364-3543
Catherine McAuley Center
Supports adult learners, refugees and women experiencing homelessness. Their pantry shelves are running low, and they welcome food drives plus volunteers for the pantry, tutoring and front desk. Closed Nov 25 to 28 and Dec 24 to 25.
Where: 1220 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
Phone: 319-363-4993
Ways to Volunteer
United Way of East Central Iowa
A searchable list of local volunteer openings, from food pantries to tutoring. A great place to find a fit for your schedule.
HACAP Food Reservoir
HACAP in Hiawatha welcomes volunteers to help sort and distribute food. Apply through their volunteer page.
Meals on Wheels, Horizons
Horizons Family Services is looking for volunteer drivers to deliver Meals on Wheels to Linn County neighbors.
Salvation Army Red Kettle
The familiar red kettles and bell ringers return each holiday season. Check the Cedar Rapids Salvation Army page or call them for current signup details.
Know of another way to help?
If your church, school, business or club is collecting for neighbors this season, tell us and we’ll share it. [email protected]