There’s no better time to give back to your community than the holiday season! 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 lindsay@metrofamilymagazine.com. Last updated Nov. 5, 2019)
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 classrooms supplies for students with special needs. Supplies like diapers, baby wipes, puzzles, art supplies, and school supplies are always needed. You can find our needs list at www.wovenlifeok.org/
Sharing Tree is collecting all types of new and gently used clothing, toys and household items for their no-cost Christmas store. Drop off your items at 5827 S. May Ave during regular business hours. For drop off details and a list of much-needed items, visit sharingtreeok.org.
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 www.regionalfoodbank.org.
HOPEfully Yours is an upscale, resale shop, organized by the Hope Center of Edmond. Families can donate items to be resold or shop their selection of clothing, furniture, household items and gifts. The proceeds from the sale of these items help fund our food pantry program emergency financial assistance program and the HOPE Center Health Clinic’s prenatal program. The store is at 908 N Broadway in Edmond and is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Donation should be dropped off at 1251 N Broadway. For more details, visit www.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.
The HOPE Center of Edmond accepts new toys and cash donations to help fill wish lists from their Christmas program. Donations can be dropped off during regular business hours at 1251 N Broadway. For more details, visit www.hopecenterofedmond.com.
OK Foster Wishes coordinates with OKDHS to fulfill foster children’s holiday wish lists from all over the state. Families can purchase a child’s wish list, averaging about $75, or contribute financially to the program. For more details, visit www.oica.org/okfosterwishes/
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.
The Children’s Hospital Volunteers “Give & Inspire” drive encourages families to donate new plastic baby toys, rattles, teething rings, board books, small LEGO sets, fuzzy posters, playing cards, art supplies and intricate coloring books to spread holiday joy to patients and families. Being a patient can be scary so these items can help kids smile, laugh, cuddle, play and create while at the hospital. Because the health and safety of the kids at the hospital is a priority, all donations must be new. For more information or a list of top needs, visit www.Facebook.com/OUChildrensVolunteers.
Through Dec. 6
The Christmas Store of Cleveland County collects new, unused children’s toys, gifts for teens, groceries, non-perishables and household goods. Drop off donations at 641 E Robinson St in Norman or mail monetary donations to PO Box 256, Norman, OK, 73070. Volunteers opportunities are available. Find all the details at christmas-store.org.
Through Dec. 12
Teachers and counselors at ASTEC Charter Schools have identified 50 students in need. Organizers are asking for cash gifts to help purchase items from the children’s wish list, many of which included basics such as socks and gloves. Tax deductible gift of $50 (any amount is appreciated) either by a check made out to ASTEC Holiday Angels can be mailed to ASTEC Charter Schools, 2401 NW 23rd Street, OKC, OK., 73107, or made online.
Nov. 18 – 23
The Edmond Fire Department is collecting winter coats for local elementary schools. Donations accepted include coats, jackets, hoodies, hats, scarves and gloves. Drop off your donations at any Edmond fire station. For more information, visit the department’s Facebook page.
Nov. 28 – Jan. 1
Be a Holiday Helper for The Children’s Center! From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, local businesses, schools, churches, civic clubs and families are invited to meet the material needs of patients by purchasing items ranging from diapers to specifically requested toys and therapeutic items. Find out all the ways your family can help at www.miracleshappenhere.org/ways-to-give/holiday-helpers/.
Nov. 24
Paycom HoliDazzle Coat Drive at Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl). Bring a new or gently used child- or adult-sized coat or cash donation to receive a photo with Santa, access to the HoliDazzle hot cocoa bar and $5 off that day’s admission to the museum. During HoliDazzle, guests also can meet KFOR on-air personality Scott Hines, score prizes by playing Spin to Win and tour KFOR’s in-action satellite truck, Big Blue. Activities will take place between 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Nov. 28 – Jan. 1
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. 29 – 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.
An entire city block on Markwell Avenue invites the community to enjoy their Christmas light display set to music and drop off canned food donations. Tune in to 107.1 FM to enjoy the show! For more information, visit the Markwell Lights Facebook page.
Nov. 29 – Dec. 6
Catholic Charities OKC and Sunbeam Family Services is collecting toys, bikes, bike helmets, and household items to stock the shelves of their St. Nick’s Shoppe. Find a full shopping list and drop off details at www.averygivingchristmas.org. Volunteer opportunities for individuals, families and groups are also available and will include decorating St. Nick’s Shoppe, greeting families, helping families select their gifts or wrapping their gifts.
Nov. 29 – Dec. 16
Make wishes come true for the families living at City Rescue Mission. Their Wish Store allows homeless parents to “shop” for gifts for their kids. Shop their Amazon Wish list, which includes a selection of presents for kids of all ages. Visit www.cityrescue.org for all the details and a link to the wish list.
Nov. 30 – Dec. 31
Downtown Edmond businesses are collecting food for the HOPE Center of Edmond. Stop by just about any downtown area businesses to drop off soup, canned meats, canned meals (ravioli, spaghetti-os, etc) peanut butter and any type of canned vegetables or fruits. For more information, visit www.downtownedmondok.com or Downtown Edmond’s Facebook page.
Nov. 28 – Dec. 13
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. Donate through TEEM’s official Amazon wish list or drop off donations in person at 1501 N Classen Dr. For more information call 602-0391 or visit www.teem.org.
Through Dec. 13
Citizens Advisory Board’s Secret Santa benefits children and families in the Cleveland County Child Welfare system. Families can help by purchasing gift cards or shop for requested gifts for a child in a specific age range. For more details, visit www.cabok.org.
Through Dec. 31
City Rescue Mission is also filling its pantry with traditional holiday food to serve at their holiday banquets. Drop off frozen turkeys, ham, stuffing mixes, onions, celery, gravy mixes, cranberry sauce, canned green beans & corn, sugar, coffee and tea at 800 W. California Ave. Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visit www.cityrescue.org for all the details.
If you’d like some ideas of ways to volunteer this holiday season, check out our list of volunteer opportunities in the metro.
