Have a Holiday Idea? Submit and Get It Voted In!
Submit & Vote
.svg)
Make a difference this International Volunteer Day! Find local volunteer opportunities in your area and share your time, skills, and kindness.
Celebrate International Volunteer Day on December 5 by giving back to the community! This day has been around since 1985, when it was designated by the United Nations as a way to recognize and encourage volunteerism all over the world. It's also an opportunity for individuals and organizations alike to learn about different ways they can help out in their communities.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Designation</div><div class='timeline-text'>International Volunteer Day was first designated by the United Nations, acknowledging the role of people’s participation in making a difference locally and globally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First UN Volunteers</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme was created, encouraging global volunteerism for peace and development.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Year of Volunteers</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations designates 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers, further emphasizing the importance of volunteerism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Online Volunteering Launch</div><div class='timeline-text'>The UNV programme launches an online volunteering service, expanding the means of participating in volunteer activities internationally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>10th Anniversary Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 10th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers is celebrated, leading to renewed efforts for promoting volunteerism worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pandemic Volunteering</div><div class='timeline-text'>In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, volunteers around the world step up their efforts, showcasing the crucial role of volunteers in times of crisis.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a volunteer event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and organize a volunteer event at your local park, soup kitchen, or animal shelter. It's a great way to get involved in the community and make a difference.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you can't volunteer in person, consider donating to a charity that is making an impact in your area. Donations of money, goods, or services can go a long way in helping those in need.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread awareness by sharing information about International Volunteer Day on your social media accounts. Encourage your followers to join you in volunteering in their communities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a virtual event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>With the help of technology, you can host a virtual fundraiser or event in honor of International Volunteer Day. Collect donations through your website or through an online platform like GoFundMe.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write thank you notes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your appreciation for volunteers by writing thank you cards and sending them out on International Volunteer Day. This small gesture goes a long way in showing gratitude for all their hard work.</p></div></div>
<div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Giving back to the community</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>International Volunteer Day is a great opportunity to make a difference and give back to our communities. Whether it's through organizing volunteer events, making donations, or spreading awareness, every effort counts in making the world a better place.</p></div></div><div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Spreading positivity and kindness</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>Volunteering allows us to spread positivity and kindness to those who need it most. This International Volunteer Day, let's show kindness to one another and remind others of the goodness humanity is capable of through volunteer work.</p></div></div><div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Developing skills and understanding</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>Volunteering offers an amazing opportunity to expand our skills and understanding. It helps us learn about different people, challenges they face and how we can help solve these issues. Furthermore, volunteering enhances our own skills and introduces us to diverse outlooks.</p></div></div>
International Volunteer Day is celebrated on December 5th every year. In 2024, International Volunteer Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Dec 5
Tuesday
2024
Dec 5
Thursday
2025
Dec 5
Friday
2026
Dec 5
Saturday
2027
Dec 5
Sunday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
