You can help brighten the holidays for Hamilton County families
The Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County (GSN) is putting out an urgent call for nearly 3,000 volunteers to help serve local families in need through its 2025 Holiday Assistance Program, one of the largest community outreach efforts in central Indiana.
Each year, GSN coordinates massive holiday distribution events that provide food, household essentials, and Christmas gifts for thousands of Hamilton County families facing economic hardship.
This year’s events include GSN’s annual Thanksgiving Distribution, where food boxes are distributed to Hamilton County families who have signed up for holiday assistance in advance. Additionally, a community-wide Thanksgiving Day meal is available by drive-up only, serving three Hamilton County locations.
The most demanding number of volunteer fulfillment is for the Christmas Distribution, where Hamilton County families who have signed up in advance can receive food boxes, household items, clothing, and toys. The final event of the season is the annual Christmas Eve meal deliveries to shut-in and immobile families who have signed up in advance.
Chance
“Behind every smiling child or relieved parent at our events is a volunteer who made it possible,” GSN Executive Director Nancy Chance said. “We simply can’t do it without our volunteers. Whether you’re sorting food, loading vehicles, helping guests shop for toys, or sorting and preparing items for the events, your hands bring hope to families right here in Hamilton County.”
Volunteers are needed for a wide variety of roles, from setup and distribution to hospitality and cleanup, both before and during the main events. Families, church groups, businesses, schools, and civic organizations are all encouraged to participate.
“This is truly a county-wide effort,” Chance said. “When we come together, we remind our neighbors that no one is forgotten during the holidays.”
How to get involved
While walk-in volunteers are welcome, GSN prefers advance registration. Online signup is now open for various dates and times before and during each event. Individuals must be 16 years or older to serve, individually or in a group, or they must be accompanied by a responsible adult who will oversee them.
Volunteer opportunities include General Support, Site Prep Teams, Food/Meat Box Distribution, Drop’n Go Delivery Team, General Cleanup, Client Assistance for Food, Toys, and Clothing, Meal/Plate Preparation, Cooking Assistants, Kitchen Crew, Dishwashing, Crowd Control, and Security. Specific tasks may require lifting.
- Sign up at gsnlive.org/volunteer.
- Volunteer opportunities: Individual and group tasks are available throughout November and December.
Events
- Thanksgiving Assistance – 20 to 22: Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds and the Noblesville High School parking lot
- Thanksgiving Day – 25 to 27: White River Christian Church, Noblesville
- Christmas Assistance – 8 to 13: Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds
- Christmas Eve Meal Deliveries – 24: White River Christian Church, Noblesville
For more information about programs and services, and for iVolunteer opportunities or ways to donate, visit gsnlive.org or call Good Samaritan Network at (317) 842-2603 ext. 200.
