The Joy of Service: Lend a Hand in LKN

As the holiday season arrives, it brings the perfect opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and give back. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to volunteer, this is it. The LKN community is filled with meaningful ways to serve—whether you love hands-on events, helping local families, or supporting children in need. Below are three upcoming Lake Norman volunteer opportunities that make a real impact this season.

1. Angels & Sparrows 14th Annual Thanksgiving 5K (Huntersville, NC)

Best for: Anyone and everyone! Families, runners, walkers, community groups
Supports: Local hunger relief, homelessness prevention, community care

The Angels & Sparrows Thanksgiving 5K is one of Lake Norman’s most beloved holiday volunteer events. Each year, families, runners, walkers, and even dogs gather for a fun, meaningful Thanksgiving morning run that benefits neighbors facing homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity.

Your participation directly supports programs like community meals, housing assistance, job training, and emergency services.

Event Highlights:

• $25 registration (kids under 6 participate free)
• Dog-friendly and stroller-friendly
• Supports Angels & Sparrows’ year-round community programs

Register for the 5K: Click here

Volunteer at the race: Sign up here

Whether you run, walk, or volunteer, this event is one of the most impactful ways to kick off your holiday season.

2. Bags of Hope LKN – Weekend Food Bag Packing & Delivery (Cornelius, NC)

Best for: Groups, teens and adults, hands-on helpers
Supports: Childhood hunger prevention in Lake Norman schools

Bags of Hope LKN serves hundreds of local students each week by providing weekend food bags to children facing food insecurity. Their volunteer events are high-energy, community-focused, and make an immediate difference.

Ways to Volunteer:

• Packing Events: Help assemble 100–200 weekend food bags at a time.
• Delivery Drivers: Pick up pre-packed bags and distribute them to local schools.
• Support Roles: Sort donations, write thank-you notes, or help with food drives.

How to Sign Up: Fill out their online Volunteer Interest Form to receive updates on upcoming packing sessions and delivery needs.
Sign up here

This is one of the most accessible and impactful ways to support children and families directly in the Lake Norman area.

3. Lake Norman YMCA Angel Tree Program

Best for: Holiday volunteers, families, groups, gift-givers
Supports: Children and families in need during the holiday season

The Lake Norman YMCA Angel Tree is a cherished annual program that ensures local children receive gifts and essential items during the holidays. Volunteers help sort, wrap, organize, and distribute gifts donated by the community.

Volunteer Opportunities Include:

• Gift sorting
• Wrapping donated presents
• Organizing holiday packages
• Distribution day assistance

How to Volunteer: Sign up through the LKN YMCA’s VolunteerMatters portal to see current Angel Tree opportunities or email [email protected].

By supporting the Angel Tree, you’re helping local families feel seen, supported, and celebrated during the holiday season—not just with toys, but with thoughtful, practical gifts that truly matter.

Make an Impact in Lake Norman This Holiday Season

Volunteering in Lake Norman isn’t just about giving your time—it’s about building community, strengthening families, and creating meaningful traditions. Whether you join a 5K, pack food bags, or wrap gifts, your service makes a real difference.

If you’re looking for a way to connect, give back, and feel inspired this holiday season, these events are the perfect place to begin.