The holidays are a time for generosity, gratitude, and coming together as a community — and few places embody that spirit like Nashville. From local organizations making a real impact to small businesses finding meaningful ways to give back, there are countless opportunities to spread kindness this season. Whether you’re looking to support a cause, shop with purpose, or simply brighten someone’s day, here are some of the best ways to give back and share a little holiday cheer across Music City.
How To Start Giving Back!
The holiday season is all about connection, compassion, and community — and Nashville shines brightest when neighbors come together to give back. Here are five local organizations making a meaningful impact this December, along with simple ways to join in.
Thistle Farms — Empowering Women, Changing Lives
Founded right here in Nashville, Thistle Farms helps women survivors of trafficking, exploitation, and addiction rebuild their lives through safe housing, employment, and community.
How to contribute:
Shop their handmade candles, body products, and holiday gift sets — every purchase supports a woman’s path to healing.
Donate directly to fund housing and recovery programs.
🔗 thistlefarms.org →
YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee — Holiday Help for Families in Need
The YWCA provides domestic-violence shelter services, education programs, and youth empowerment initiatives. Their annual Holiday Help program delivers gift cards and essentials to families rebuilding after hardship.
How to contribute:
Send $25–$50 gift cards for Amazon, Walmart, or grocery stores.
Shop their Amazon wish list to provide direct assistance.
🔗 ywcanashville.com/holiday-help →
Family & Children’s Service (F&CS) — Holiday Assistance for Local Kids
F&CS provides counseling, crisis support, and stability services for families across Middle Tennessee. Their Holiday Assistance Program ensures every child they serve receives something special this season.
How to contribute:
Sponsor a child or teen — starting at $25 per gift.
Donate gift cards or new, unwrapped presents.
🔗 fcsnashville.org/holidays →
Operation Stand Down Tennessee — Serving Those Who Served Us
This veteran-led nonprofit helps military veterans and their families find housing, employment, and community support throughout the year.
How to contribute:
Donate warm winter gear, household goods, or monetary gifts.
Volunteer at their veteran resource center or events.
🔗osdtn.org →
Last Minute Toy Store® — Holiday Magic for Davidson County Kids
For families who miss early toy-drive deadlines, Last Minute Toy Store steps in to make sure every child still wakes up to holiday joy.
How to contribute:
Drop off new, unwrapped toys at partner collection sites or shop their Amazon Wishlist.
Volunteer mid-December to help distribute gifts to families.
🔗 lastminutetoystore.com →
Business To Support This Season!
This season is all about supporting one another, and Nashville’s small businesses are stepping up in inspiring ways. Below are some amazing local shops stepping up in our community. Don’t miss your chance to support them!
Humphrey’s Street Coffee — Brewing Opportunity
Every latte tells a story at Humphrey’s Street Coffee. Profits from each cup support youth development programs, job training, and scholarships for students in South Nashville. What began as a neighborhood coffee house has grown into a mission-driven enterprise pouring opportunity back into the community.
Give-back connection: 100% of profits fund mentorship and college-readiness programs.
Visit: 424 Humphreys St, Nashville | humphreysstreet.com →
Thistle Farms — Shop with Purpose
A Nashville original, Thistle Farms operates both a retail boutique and café, offering candles, skincare, teas, and home goods made by women survivors of trafficking and addiction. Their social enterprise proves that healing and empowerment can be built through community commerce.
Give-back connection: Every purchase supports survivor employment, housing, and recovery.
Visit: 5122 Charlotte Ave | thistlefarms.org →
The Café at Thistle Farms — Dining that Empowers
Step into a cozy café filled with warmth, purpose, and Southern hospitality. Serving locally sourced ingredients and house-made baked goods, The Café at Thistle Farms reinvests proceeds directly into its social mission of supporting women rebuilding their lives.
Give-back connection: Dine-in experiences help sustain programs that provide safe homes and steady employment.
Vi as sit: 5122 Charlotte Ave | cafe.thistlefarms.org →
ABLE — Fashion that Empowers Women
This Nashville-based ethical fashion brand creates beautiful apparel, jewelry, and leather goods — all produced by women overcoming poverty and inequality. ABLE champions transparency and pays fair living wages across its supply chain.
Give-back connection: Ethical employment for women globally, with a focus on empowerment and equity.
Visit: 5022 Centennial Blvd | ableclothing.com →
Musicians Corner — Where Music Meets Mission
More than just a live-music event, Musicians Corner hosts free outdoor concerts that raise awareness and funds for local nonprofits throughout the year. The community-driven series supports arts education, food security, and outreach programs.
Give-back connection: Partnerships with local charities make every show a platform for good.
Visit: Centennial Park | musicianscornernashville.com →
From the coffee you sip to the clothes you buy, Nashville offers endless ways to give meaning to your purchases. Supporting these local businesses isn’t just good style — it’s good stewardship of the community we love.