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 lindsay@metrofamilymagazine.com. Last updated Nov. 6, 2020)
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 our needs list at 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 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. They also have an upscale, resale shop, HOPEfully Yours. where families can donate items to be resold or shop for clothing, furniture, household items and gifts. The proceeds from the sale of these items help fund a 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 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.
OK Foster Wishes coordinates with OKDHS to fulfill foster children’s holiday wish lists from all over the state. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and caseworkers working remotely this year, gift delivery is nearly impossible. Therefore, OKDHS has asked families to help raise funds to purchase 2,500 gift cards at $75 each for foster families to use to buy gifts themselves this year. For more details, visit 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.
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/.
By Date
Nov. 10 – Dec. 4
Be a Christmas Heroes for The Children’s Center! The center has set up a special wish list at Target where families can shop for gifts and much-needed items and have them shipped directly to the rehabilitation hospital. Staff will wrap the gifts and deliver them to the patients at their unit Christmas Party currently scheduled for the week of Dec. 14. Financial contributions are also welcome. Find out all the ways your family can help at miracleshappenhere.org/ways-to-give/.
Through Dec. 6
The Christmas Store of Cleveland County is collecting cash or credit card donations in lieu of toys, gifts for teens, groceries, non-perishables and household goods in order to reduce the COVID-19 infection risk for volunteers and recipients. Donate online or mail donations to PO Box 256, Norman, OK, 73070. Volunteer opportunities are available. Find all the details at christmas-store.org.
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. 26 – 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. 27 – 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. 11
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 235-5671 or visit teem.org.
Nov. 30 – Dec. 18
The Children’s Hospital Volunteers’ toy drive encourages families to donate new toys such as plastic baby dolls, rattles, teething rings, board books, small LEGO sets, 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. Donations dropped off times are Monday – Friday from 2-6 p.m. at 1200 Children’s Ave. There will be a booth set up near the main atrium. To schedule drop off at another time, email belinda.anderson@oumedicine.com. For more information or a list of top needs, visit volunteeratchildrens.org.
Dec. 7 – 23
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. 10
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.
If you’d like some ideas of ways to volunteer this holiday season, check out our list of volunteer opportunities in the metro.
