By Makayla Rosales, Coordinator, Opportunity & Impact
Average reading time: 3.5 minutes
As the holiday season approaches, it’s natural for business leaders to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and the path ahead. But this time of year offers more than just a moment for reflection; it’s an opportunity to foster a sense of community, both within your workplace and beyond. The culture you cultivate in your office sets the tone for collaboration, connection, and shared purpose among your team, but true leadership extends that spirit outward. Engaging with your broader community – whether through local initiatives, volunteer efforts, or neighborhood partnerships – creates a meaningful impact that resonates far beyond the walls of your organization. Now, more than ever, companies and leaders have the chance to strengthen bonds, inspire engagement, and leave a lasting mark on both their teams and the city they call home.
Workplaces have an opportunity to make a real difference by intentionally setting aside time for employees to volunteer with local non-profits and support community initiatives. Whether it’s contributing to a donation drive, participating in neighborhood events, or lending a hand to organizations already serving those in need, these moments create meaningful connections that extend far beyond the office walls. Planning a quarterly volunteer calendar for the year ahead ensures that this spirit of giving doesn’t fade after the holidays.
Engage in the workplace
One meaningful way to foster a sense of community during the holiday season is through a staff appreciation note activity. Each employee receives a personalized bag with their name on it, and colleagues are invited to write notes of gratitude and recognition to one another. Making the activity interactive by incorporating time for employees to decorate their bags and write notes turns it into a fun, engaging celebration. You can enhance the experience further with seasonal treats or by scheduling the activity during lunch. To ensure everyone is included, consider having a committee or a representative from each department assign who writes to whom, providing clear guidance while leaving space for genuine, heartfelt messages. This approach not only encourages connection and appreciation but also creates a festive, memorable moment for the entire team.
A meaningful way to bring employees together during the holiday season is by partnering with a local nonprofit or community organization for volunteer opportunities or on-site donation drives that support the surrounding community. Whether your team joins an existing event or organizes a dedicated day of service, sharing background information about the organization in advance helps staff understand its mission, impact, and connection to your company’s values. When employees clearly see how their time and participation contribute to a larger purpose, their engagement and sense of belonging naturally grow. A coordinated, company-wide effort not only strengthens team morale during a busy season; it also builds lasting relationships with community partners and lays the groundwork for continued service throughout the year.
Finally, another impactful way to foster community in the workplace is through an end-of-year recognition that celebrates employees’ contributions during the holiday season. By inviting staff to nominate peers for awards reflecting excellence, innovation, leadership, adaptability, or alignment with company values, you highlight achievements that might otherwise go unnoticed. Showcasing these recognitions, whether at an all-staff meeting, holiday gathering, or company-wide announcement, reinforces a culture of appreciation, strengthens engagement, and encourages ongoing excellence.
Plan to volunteer
If you are interested in bringing your team, friends, or family to local volunteering opportunities this holiday season, please consider the following:
DRC Volunteer Opportunity with Puede Network: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 18, Puede Network, 1113 E. Jefferson Blvd Dallas, TX, 75215
Join the DRC to assist with setup and gift wrapping ahead of The Puede Network’s annual Posada celebration. You are welcome to sign up for one-hour volunteer slots based on availability here. Lunch will be provided.
Volunteer with Minnie’s Food Pantry: 661 18th St., Plano, TX, 75074
To learn more about volunteer opportunities for the month or what items to gather for a food drive, click here.
Minnie’s Food Pantry offers volunteers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need, beyond just providing food. Opportunities include on-site shifts, off-site activities like food drives or creating toiletry and birthday bags, and representing the organization as a Hunger Advocate. Groups are all welcome to volunteer, with advance scheduling required, to help build a stronger, more engaged community.
Volunteer with The Stewpot: To learn more about volunteer opportunities for the month or how to schedule with a group, click here.
The Stewpot provides a welcoming, supportive community for individuals and families experiencing poverty or homelessness in Dallas. Volunteers can help by assisting with meals, making snack bags, helping in the art studio, and more. By contributing time, volunteers play a vital role in ensuring neighbors receive the resources and care they need.
Volunteer with Texas Trees: To learn more about volunteer opportunities for the month or how to schedule your own corporate volunteer outing, click here.
Texas Trees Foundation relies on volunteers to create a greener, healthier North Texas. Opportunities include planting trees in neighborhoods, assisting at the TXU Energy Urban Tree Farm, or supporting educational events. Individuals, school groups, corporate teams, and community organizations are all welcome to get involved and make a lasting impact.
Volunteer with Jubilee Park and Community Center: To learn more about volunteer opportunities for the month or how to schedule your own corporate volunteer outing, click here.
Volunteers are essential to Jubilee Park making a lasting impact by supporting services like clinic assistance, student tutoring, and community events. Their time and dedication help strengthen the neighborhood and ensure vital resources reach those who need them most. With opportunities ranging from assembling snack bags to helping at special events, there are many meaningful ways to get involved.