Everyone is posting gift guides for this holiday season (myself included, so no shade!), but we can’t forget that there are many families that are struggling now more than ever. This pandemic has cost families their jobs, homes, and even worse, their loved ones.
So in the true spirit of Christmas and giving back, I want to highlight a few amazing organizations that are still accepting donations this year (pandemic or not), as they do every year. I’ve included organizations that I have donated to over the years, and will continue to donate to this year. If anyone knows of any other charities to donate to this holiday season, I would love to add them to this growing list, so email me at meg@allthepetitethings.com.
Toys for Tots
Run by the U.S. Marine Corp., Toys for Tots has been collecting new and unwrapped toys and distributing them to less-fortunate children since 1947. There are various ways to donate to this organization. You can purchase a toy and drop it off at a local toy drop location, shop for a toy to donate via their website or donate money online.
Operation Christmas Child
Run by the Christian organization Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child takes shoeboxes filled with goodies and donates them to children in need. On the website you choose a children’s age group and fill a shoebox with items consistent for that age group (such as school supplies, hygiene items, clothes, toys, candy and a personal note). A small donation is required to cover the shipping cost.
Make-A-Wish Foundation
This organization is well known for helping children throughout the year, but especially during the Christmas season they offer free ways to donate. You can drop off a letter to Santa at any Macy’s location and the store will donate $1 per letter to Make-A-Wish. You can also browse current promotions and if you shop them, the company that has partnered with Make-A-Wish will make a donation for your purchase.
Prison Fellowship Angel Tree
Run by the Christian charity Prison Fellowship Organization. Angel Tree helps children who have at least one incarcerated parent. Volunteers deliver a gift and a message from both the Gospel and the child’s incarcerated parent. Each family will also get a Bible.
Operation Christmas Spirit
You can “adopt” a military family and provide gifts or gift cards to them during this holiday season. You can also donate money online and allow volunteers to do the shopping for you.
Salvation Army Angel Tree
Run by the Salvation Army in collaboration with Walmart. Walmart stores have Christmas trees that have tags on them and each tag has a wishlist of a child. You will pick a tag, shop for the gifts (not necessarily at Walmart), and drop the gifts to the Salvation Army to distribute.
If you have the financial means to give back this holiday season, I urge you to donate to one of these organizations listed above. It would be amazing to put a smile on a child’s face this holiday season.
