’Tis better to give than to receive. Spread some holiday cheer with these local volunteer opportunities for families.

Grant a Wish
Be Santa to neighbors in need. The Compass Community Services’s Adopt-a-Family program matches you up with a family and provides guidelines and a wish list. Fulfill as many wants as your budget allows (adding festive extras like stockings) and drop off by December 12.

Play Elf to Elders
Put small hands to good use at Little Brothers. On December 24, volunteers of all ages will assemble surprise packages (flowers, utensils) to be delivered to seniors on Christmas Day. Sign up at 415-771-7957.

Do a Good Deed
Families with minis ages 7 and up can assemble holiday baskets at the Jewish Family and Children’s Services’s Afternoon of Mitzvot on December 4. The hampers will go to those with chronic illnesses and disabilities, families in need, and seniors. To register, contact Debbi Goodman (deadline is Tuesday) at 415-449-3832 or debbig@jfcs.org.

Pass It Along
Your in-house experts can decide which new or gently used and under-loved playthings are ready for new owners. Drop donations at Sprout San Francisco by December 12, and the boutique will get the goods to Walden House.

Feel the love.

LISTEN
Pauline Tsui Reads from Grandpa’s Treasure Box
What: The author and toy designer regales with her account of Bobo and Tashi’s adventures.
Why: Do we have to dragon you out?
When: Sat., 11 a.m.
Where: Gump’s, 135 Post St., b/t Grant & Kearny Sts. (800-766-7628). Reservations recommended to 415-984-9250.

ENJOY
Mark Foehringer Dance Project’s Nutcracker
What: Clara, the sugarplum fairies, and even the orchestra dance in this new, abbreviated take on the classic holiday ballet, produced with families in mind.
Why: Get nutcrackin’.
When: Fri.-Dec. 20.
Where: Zeum, 221 Fourth St., b/t Howard & Folsom Sts. (415-820-3320‎). Tickets online at tix.theatrebayarea.org.

DO
Japanese Tea Party + Folksy Family Day
What: An afternoon of artsy fun featuring illustrations from Tomoko Maruyama, origami and metalgami demos, and sips and snacks.
Why: Let’s get tea-gether.
When: Sat., 1-3 p.m.
Where: Museum of Craft and Folk Art, 51 Yerba Buena Ln., at Mission St. (415-227-4888).

Photo: Getty Images