With the holiday season in full swing, we’re excited to decorate our houses and indulge in our favorite treats and traditions. The holidays tend to be a season of gift-giving, and, while making our shopping lists and placing gift orders, making time to give back to our community can be a really valuable experience as well, especially during this time of year. For those of us in Boston, here are three ways you can get involved and give back to the community this holiday season.
Christmas in the City
CITC is a non-profit organization in Boston that organizes holiday events for children and families in poverty and continues to serve the community throughout the year. The organization runs with the help of volunteers and donors in the area. This year, CITC is looking for new, unwrapped toy donations from their “Most Wanted List” to be given out at their Jake’s Toy Mania event. Find more information about deadlines and drop-off locations here.
Coats for Kids and Families
Coats for Kids and Families aims to provide a winter coat to anyone in need of one. They have various collection locations in the New England area, several of which are located in Boston. Their coat drive is happening now, through January 8. Find more information about donating coats and collection locations here.
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is an organization that aims to send a message of hope to less fortunate children in America through delivering the gift of new toys. The organization’s local campaign serves Greater Boston, specifically Norfolk, Suffolk, and Northern Plymouth county. The campaign is looking for toy donations at various drop-off locations until December 9th. In addition, volunteers are needed as well for the process of receiving, compiling, and delivering toy orders. Find more information here.
By donating our toys, coats, or time, we can make a difference for children and families in our community. While enjoying your traditions and festivities, make some time this season to give back and contribute to the mission of these organizations: spreading joy for all during the holidays.