Giving Back: How Target Shooters Can Make a Difference This Holiday Season
As target shooters, we pride ourselves on safety, discipline and a deep respect for responsibility. Beyond the range, these values extend to the way we connect with and contribute to our communities. The holiday season is a perfect time to turn our focus outward, using our passion for the shooting sports to make a meaningful impact.
Whether it’s mentoring a new shooter, volunteering your time or supporting programs that promote firearm safety and education, there are countless ways for target shooters to give back. This season, let’s show the world how much the shooting sports community cares and embody the spirit of generosity that defines us. Here are some ideas to get started.
Support Local Ranges and Shooting Organizations
Many ranges and shooting organizations host events during the holidays that give back to the community, such as charity shoots, food drives or toy collections. Participating in or volunteering for these events is a great way to show your support and contribute to their success. Find ranges near you.
If your local range doesn’t already have a holiday initiative, consider organizing one. A friendly shooting competition with proceeds going to a local charity or community project is a fun and impactful way to give back.
Introduce Someone New to the Shooting Sports
Sharing your love for target shooting with someone new is one of the best ways to give back. NSSF’s +ONE® Movement encourages shooters to mentor beginners, helping them build confidence and learn about safety, responsibility and sportsmanship. By mentoring a new shooter, you’re not just teaching skills — you’re creating a connection to a community that values camaraderie and respect.
Volunteer Your Time
Many organizations in the shooting sports depend on volunteers to run events, mentor youth or support outreach initiatives. This holiday season, consider donating your time to a local shooting league, youth program or club. Helping with events or offering guidance to beginners is a rewarding way to give back and strengthen your community.
Donate Gear to Those in Need
If you have extra shooting gear, consider donating it to someone just starting out or to organizations that provide equipment to youth shooting programs or veterans. Your gently used items could make a big difference for someone looking to pursue target shooting but lacking the resources to get started.
Contribute to Charitable Shooting Organizations
Numerous organizations within the shooting sports community focus on giving back. Whether it’s supporting youth shooting teams, funding conservation efforts or providing opportunities for veterans, these groups rely on donations and volunteers to continue their work. Consider contributing to an organization that aligns with your values and goals.
Support Firearm Safety
A cornerstone of responsible firearm ownership is ensuring safety at all times and one way to give back this holiday season is by supporting Project ChildSafe®. This initiative provides free firearm safety kits, including gun locks, and promotes secure storage to help prevent accidents and unauthorized access. By donating to or raising awareness for Project ChildSafe, target shooters can play a vital role in fostering safer homes and communities while demonstrating their commitment to responsible firearm ownership. Learn more and get involved at projectchildsafe.org.
Celebrate the Spirit of #GunOwnersCare
As a target shooter, you’re already part of a community that values responsibility, safety and sportsmanship. The #GunOwnersCare initiative highlights the positive contributions of gun owners across the country and this holiday season is the perfect time to amplify that message. Share your giving-back stories using #GunOwnersCare to inspire others in the shooting sports community to get involved.
Whether it’s mentoring a new shooter, supporting a local charity or volunteering at your range, every act of generosity improves our community and showcases the best of what the shooting sports have to offer.
You May also be interested in:
