Holiday Helpers

Spread Joy to our Neighbors this Holiday Season by becoming a Holiday Helper!

A four-panel collage showing various holiday activities. From left: a woman and child in pajamas wrapping a present by a decorated Christmas tree. Second: a group of people sitting at tables working on wrapping gifts. Third: two women pushing overflowing shopping carts in a Walmart aisle. Right: a young man in a kitchen placing dough on a baking sheet, with others preparing food in the background.

Each year, the University of Montana community joins together for Holiday Helpers – a campus-wide gift drive that spreads joy and support across Missoula.

This year, we’re partnering with the YWCA Missoula, The Poverello Center, and Missoula County Public Schools to share gifts with families, veterans, and students facing housing insecurity. We are also collecting toys and treats for dogs, cats, (and bunnies) waiting for their forever homes at the Humane Society of Western Montana.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Donate new, unwrapped gifts like coffee mugs, hot cocoa, and coloring books for local families residing in the YWCA’s domestic violence shelter and Family Housing Center.
  • Sign up to be paired with a veteran or high school student to fulfill their holiday wish list.
  • Pick up a toy or bag of treats for a cat or dog waiting for their forever home.
  • Spread the word – every effort makes a difference!

Sign up below to become a Holiday Helper, or reach out to jenah.mead@mso.umt.edu for more information.

Register Here to Become a Holiday Helper

Gifts are due Dec. 8th!

Experiential Learning and Career Success will host a holiday party and gift drop off in the DHC Lounge on Monday, Dec. 8th, from 3 to 5 p.m. Stop by to drop off your gifts and delight in sweet treats, live music, gift wrapping, and volunteer opportunities galore!

Earlier gift drop-offs can be requested. Email jenah.mead@mso.umt.edu for more information.