There’s no better time to give back to your community than the holiday season and non-profits need our help more than ever right now! So we rounded up a list of local non-profits that serve those in need in our community to inspire your family to give to a charity of your passion.
(This is a working list. If you know of a donation drive happening in our community, let us know at tips@metrofamilymagazine.com. Last updated Nov. 5, 2021)
If you’d like some ideas of ways to volunteer this holiday season, check out our list of volunteer opportunities in the metro.
Ongoing
WovenLife, formerly known as Easter Seals of Oklahoma, is collecting classroom supplies for students with special needs. Things like puzzles, play-doh, children’s books, markers, paint, scissors, cleaning products and other school supplies are always needed. They also need infant and toddler items like diapers, wipes, crib sheets and more. You can find their needs list at wovenlifeok.org/
Sharing Tree is collecting all types of new toys, hats, underwear, gloves, socks and new or gently used coats for their no-cost Christmas store. Drop off your items at 825 NW 24th St in Moore during regular business hours. For drop-off details and a list of much-needed items, visit sharingtreeok.org. You can also shop their Amazon wish list.
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma provides meals for children and families in central Oklahoma. Drop off donations during regular business hours or give online. For more details, visit regionalfoodbank.org.
The HOPE Center of Edmond accepts new toys and cash donations to help fill wish lists from their Christmas program through Nov. 30. Donations can be dropped off during regular business hours at 1251 N Broadway. For more details, visit hopecenterofedmond.com.
Toys for Tots Oklahoma City needs new, unwrapped toys for kids in need. Various businesses around the community are collecting toys for the program, who uses the gifts as a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters. To learn more and find a drop-off location near you, visit okc.toysfortots.org.
Citizens Caring for Children’s Joy 4 Kids program helps provide for children in foster care. Families can donate to help fulfill a child’s holiday wish list. cccokc.org/programs/joy4kids/
Catholic Charities OKC and Sunbeam Family Services have a variety of community programs families can help with during the holidays including toy drives, Angel Trees, the Red Andrew’s Christmas Dinner and more. Learn about all of their Holiday Help programs by visiting averygivingchristmas.org/holiday-help/.
Be a Christmas Heroes for The Children’s Center! The center is asking for financial contributions to help fulfill wish lists and meet needs this holiday season. Due to COVID-19 and the hospital’s safety protocols, they are limiting in-kind donations. Monetary donation creates flexibility to purchase developmental and basic needs items that benefit the individuality of every patient from newborn to young adult. Learn more at miracleshappenhere.org/ways-to-give/.
Each year, Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) collaborates with community organizations across the state to fulfill the holiday hopes of children and youth in state custody. Like all children, those in foster care anxiously await their visit from Santa or dream of that special gift waiting for them under the tree. Oklahomans interested in donating to Holiday Hope efforts this year may browse an interactive map to connect to opportunities in their home county or anywhere in the state. Support can be shown in many ways – shop for gifts on a child’s wish list, donate money/funds for gifts, or donate gift cards for children or youth who request them. Upon clicking the county of interest, a pop up will connect the donor to their local community coordinator. Donors who are unable to find the information needed or want other assistance should email HolidayHope@okdhs.org.
By date
Nov. 1 – Dec. 10
TEEM, an interfaith nonprofit that works to break the cycle of incarceration and poverty in Oklahoma, is collecting new toys for children with incarcerated parents during their annual toy drive. Needed items are electronics, dolls, art supplies, trucks, clothes, books, games and sports equipment. Drop off donations in person at 1501 N Classen Dr from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m, Monday-Friday. For more information, call 405-235-5671 or visit teem.org.
Nov. 25 – Jan. 2
The Downs family of Norman is collecting non-perishable food and money for the Regional Food Bank. Families are encouraged to stop by to enjoy their Christmas light display and leave a donation on the way out. For more information, visit the Downs Family Christmas Facebook page.
Nov. 26 – Dec. 31
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is a holiday tradition across the U.S. The iconic kettles and bell ringers bring cheer to holiday shoppers and encourage contributions that benefit the Salvation Army’s year-round efforts. Learn more and make your own online Red Kettle campaign at give.salvationarmyusa.org.
Nov. 30 – Dec. 15
Citizens Advisory Board’s Secret Santa benefits children and families in the Cleveland County Child Welfare system. Families can help by purchasing gift cards so foster families can shop for requested gifts for kids in foster care. For more details, visit www.cabok.org.
Jubilee Partners is collecting gift items for their Christmas Store. Parents and kids will be shopping for their families this holiday season so a variety of kitchen items, body wash sets, toys, puzzles, games, coloring books, arts & crafts kits, sports balls and books are needed to stock the shelves. For more information, call 405-888-1271 or email kristen@jublieepartnersokc.org.
Through Dec. 1
The Christmas Store of Cleveland County is collecting financial and in-kind donations. Needed items are toys, groceries, household goods and toiletries. Donate online or mail donations to PO Box 256, Norman, OK, 73070. Volunteer opportunities are available. Find all the details at christmas-store.org.
Dec. 1-31
Little Read Wagon is in need of new reading glasses of various strengths for adults and children, new coloring books, crossword puzzle books and word search books. In-kind donations and monetary donations are both welcome. To learn more, email LittleReadWagon20@gmail.com or text 601-667-9151. Donations can also be sent via Venmo (@Little-ReadWagon) and Pay Pal (PayPal.me/LittleReadWagon).
Dec. 6-20
The Children’s Hospital Volunteers’ toy drive encourages families to donate new toys such as rattles, teething rings, small LEGO sets, playing cards, art supplies, intricate coloring books and $25 gift cards to Wal-Mart, Amazon and gas stations to spread holiday joy to patients and families. Because the health and safety of the kids at the hospital is a priority, all donations must be new and unwrapped. Donation delivery times and locations can be found online. Make a gift online or learn more at OklahomaChildrens.org/Giving.
Dec. 7 – 11
Make wishes come true for the families living at City Rescue Mission. Their Christmas in a Box program helps provide festive Christmas items including table decorations, place settings and dessert. Items provided will be placed at Christmas Banquet tables to provide a full and festive holiday experience. Families can also help homeless parents “shop” for gifts for their kids. Donations of new, unwrapped toys are needed for children ages birth to 18. Toy donations are requested by Dec. 11. Visit cityrescue.org for all the details and a link to the wish list.
Through Dec. 23
Red Andrews Christmas Dinner, an annual tradition since 1947, is collecting food, toys and coats to distribute to those in need. The organization typically serves 7,000 citizens each year. This year no community meal will be served. Instead, families in need will be given ingredients for a family meal as well as toys and coats. Several donation locations are available around Oklahoma City and monetary donations can be mailed to 2513SW124th St, OKC, OK, 73170 (C/O Mary Blankenship Pointer).
If you’d like some ideas of ways to volunteer this holiday season, check out our list of volunteer opportunities in the metro.
