Giving season is officially here, and there’s no better time to share a little kindness with your community. At Jeffrey Kwong Orthodontics, my team and I believe in the power of giving, whether it’s through time, resources, or a simple act of thoughtfulness.
This holiday season, we’re highlighting ways to give back to the community, so you can make a meaningful impact. From local nonprofits to community programs, there are plenty of opportunities to Live. Smile. Give. Repeat.
Ways to Give Back During the Holidays
1. Fulfill a Foster Child’s Holiday Wish With the JKO Giving Tree
Up first in our ways to give back to the community this holiday season is the annual JKO Giving Tree! This tradition has been going on for almost 10 years to help local foster children.
Stop by our El Dorado Hills orthodontic office in December and choose an ornament from the tree. Each ornament contains the holiday wish of a local foster child.
Purchase the gift on the ornament and return the unwrapped gift to our office by December 10, 2025. Child Advocates of El Dorado County (CASA) will collect and deliver the gifts to the children.
2. Support the El Dorado County Food Bank
Hunger affects thousands of families and individuals throughout our community. The Food Bank of El Dorado County works with a network of local charities to make every donation go further and ensure contributions reach those who need them most.
Here’s how you can help:
- Monetary Donations: Your financial gift can provide a week’s worth of groceries for a family or ensure a child receives a nutritious meal.
- Donate Food: Both perishable and non-perishable items are welcome. Every item counts in the fight to end “hidden hunger.”
- Host a Food or Fund Drive: Organize a drive in your workplace, school, or community group. The El Dorado County Food Bank will help ensure your contributions are put to immediate use.
- Planned Giving: Include the Food Bank in your estate planning to create a lasting impact for families in need.
- Donate Hygiene Supplies: Items like soap, sanitizers, and toothbrushes are in high demand and help support local families.
Every act of holiday giving in El Dorado County helps transform lives and strengthen the community. To learn more about ways to give or find a food distribution site near you, visit the Food Bank of El Dorado County.
3. Volunteer at the Sacramento Children’s Home
Looking for hands-on holiday volunteer opportunities in Sacramento? The Sacramento Children’s Home (SCH) offers a variety of options for individuals and groups that allow you to help at-risk children and families in the community.
This holiday season, SCH is especially in need of holiday volunteers for their Holiday Giving Program (December 10–22, 2025). Volunteers help set up and take down donation sites, greet donors, and sort and track donations, ensuring that every child receives a gift and every family experiences a joyful holiday.
To sign up as a volunteer, visit the Special Event Volunteer Sign-Up Form.
4. Join the Santa Run Holiday Heroes Toy and Food Drive
Another of our favorite ways to give back to the community is by participating in a toy drive in Sacramento, El Dorado Hills, or the surrounding area.
To spread cheer locally, don’t miss the El Dorado Hills Fire Department’s Santa Run Holiday Heroes Food and Toy Drive! This cherished tradition has been bringing joy to families in need for over 60 years, and your support can make a big difference.
From December 6–12, 2025, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their playful elves will visit the Town Center for the tree lighting, as well as local neighborhoods, collecting new, unwrapped toys for Shriners Children’s Northern California and non-perishable food donations for the El Dorado County Food Bank.
You can also drop off donations at any of the five El Dorado Hills fire stations. Monetary donations are welcome too and can be made directly to Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Food Bank of El Dorado County.
5. Attend or Volunteer at the Homes for the Holidays Tour
Kick off the holiday season with a festive and heartwarming experience by participating in the Assistance League Sierra Foothills’ annual Homes for the Holidays Tour.
This winter fundraiser showcases beautifully decorated private homes throughout El Dorado County. Proceeds from the tour help enhance the lives of children and adults through the League’s volunteer-led initiatives.
The tour takes place on Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7, and tickets can be purchased in advance. Whether you attend or volunteer, your participation helps make an impact. Volunteers can assist in a variety of roles during the tour from 10 am–4 pm, ensuring guests have a memorable experience.
Sign up to volunteer here and stay tuned for tickets to go on sale.
6. Participate in Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity, and this year it falls on December 2, 2025. It’s a simple but powerful idea: every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.
Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger, supporting a cause you care about, or donating resources to those in need, your actions make a difference.
Looking to support area charities this Giving Tuesday? Residents of El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties can find and donate to local nonprofits through GivingEdge.
7. Serve a Meal With Sacramento Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes is another organization that offers holiday volunteer opportunities in Sacramento. The nonprofit’s dining room serves up to 800 warm, nutritious meals daily to adults and families in need. The dining room is open 364 days a year (every day except Thanksgiving).
Volunteers are the heart of the operation, with over 4,000 people from the Sacramento area contributing annually. Opportunities include preparing, cooking, and serving meals. Program hours for the dining room are Monday–Friday 11:30 am–1 pm, and Saturday–Sunday 11 am–12:30 pm.
To sign up for an orientation or learn more, contact (916) 637-2444 or email Volunteers@sacloaves.org.
1. Fulfill a Foster Child’s Holiday Wish With the JKO Giving Tree
Up first in our ways to give back to the community this holiday season is the annual JKO Giving Tree! This tradition has been going on for almost 10 years to help local foster children.
Stop by our El Dorado Hills orthodontic office in December and choose an ornament from the tree. Each ornament contains the holiday wish of a local foster child.
Purchase the gift on the ornament and return the unwrapped gift to our office by December 10, 2025. Child Advocates of El Dorado County (CASA) will collect and deliver the gifts to the children.
2. Support the El Dorado County Food Bank
Hunger affects thousands of families and individuals throughout our community. The Food Bank of El Dorado County works with a network of local charities to make every donation go further and ensure contributions reach those who need them most.
Here’s how you can help:
- Monetary Donations: Your financial gift can provide a week’s worth of groceries for a family or ensure a child receives a nutritious meal.
- Donate Food: Both perishable and non-perishable items are welcome. Every item counts in the fight to end “hidden hunger.”
- Host a Food or Fund Drive: Organize a drive in your workplace, school, or community group. The El Dorado County Food Bank will help ensure your contributions are put to immediate use.
- Planned Giving: Include the Food Bank in your estate planning to create a lasting impact for families in need.
- Donate Hygiene Supplies: Items like soap, sanitizers, and toothbrushes are in high demand and help support local families.
Every act of holiday giving in El Dorado County helps transform lives and strengthen the community. To learn more about ways to give or find a food distribution site near you, visit the Food Bank of El Dorado County.
3. Volunteer at the Sacramento Children’s Home
Looking for hands-on holiday volunteer opportunities in Sacramento? The Sacramento Children’s Home (SCH) offers a variety of options for individuals and groups that allow you to help at-risk children and families in the community.
This holiday season, SCH is especially in need of holiday volunteers for their Holiday Giving Program (December 10–22, 2025). Volunteers help set up and take down donation sites, greet donors, and sort and track donations, ensuring that every child receives a gift and every family experiences a joyful holiday.
To sign up as a volunteer, visit the Special Event Volunteer Sign-Up Form.
4. Join the Santa Run Holiday Heroes Toy and Food Drive
Another of our favorite ways to give back to the community is by participating in a toy drive in Sacramento, El Dorado Hills, or the surrounding area.
To spread cheer locally, don’t miss the El Dorado Hills Fire Department’s Santa Run Holiday Heroes Food and Toy Drive! This cherished tradition has been bringing joy to families in need for over 60 years, and your support can make a big difference.
From December 6–12, 2025, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their playful elves will visit the Town Center for the tree lighting, as well as local neighborhoods, collecting new, unwrapped toys for Shriners Children’s Northern California and non-perishable food donations for the El Dorado County Food Bank.
You can also drop off donations at any of the five El Dorado Hills fire stations. Monetary donations are welcome too and can be made directly to Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Food Bank of El Dorado County.
5. Attend or Volunteer at the Homes for the Holidays Tour
Kick off the holiday season with a festive and heartwarming experience by participating in the Assistance League Sierra Foothills’ annual Homes for the Holidays Tour.
This winter fundraiser showcases beautifully decorated private homes throughout El Dorado County. Proceeds from the tour help enhance the lives of children and adults through the League’s volunteer-led initiatives.
The tour takes place on Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7, and tickets can be purchased in advance. Whether you attend or volunteer, your participation helps make an impact. Volunteers can assist in a variety of roles during the tour from 10 am–4 pm, ensuring guests have a memorable experience.
Sign up to volunteer here and stay tuned for tickets to go on sale.
6. Participate in Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity, and this year it falls on December 2, 2025. It’s a simple but powerful idea: every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.
Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger, supporting a cause you care about, or donating resources to those in need, your actions make a difference.
Looking to support area charities this Giving Tuesday? Residents of El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties can find and donate to local nonprofits through GivingEdge.
7. Serve a Meal With Sacramento Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes is another organization that offers holiday volunteer opportunities in Sacramento. The nonprofit’s dining room serves up to 800 warm, nutritious meals daily to adults and families in need. The dining room is open 364 days a year (every day except Thanksgiving).
Volunteers are the heart of the operation, with over 4,000 people from the Sacramento area contributing annually. Opportunities include preparing, cooking, and serving meals. Program hours for the dining room are Monday–Friday 11:30 am–1 pm, and Saturday–Sunday 11 am–12:30 pm.
To sign up for an orientation or learn more, contact (916) 637-2444 or email Volunteers@sacloaves.org.
Looking for More Ways to Give Back to the Community This Holiday Season?
No matter how big or small, every act of giving makes a difference. From donating items to volunteering your time, the holiday season is the perfect opportunity to support the people and causes that make our community shine.
For even more ways to get involved, check out our updated list of Greater Sacramento youth volunteer opportunities—ideal for kids, teens, and families. Let’s make this season one of joy, connection, and generosity!
And, as always, if you’re ready to give yourself or your child the gift of a healthy, confident smile, book a complimentary consultation at Jeffrey Kwong Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills today!
