This holiday season, several Memphis organizations are hosting gift and donation drives to brighten the holidays for local families. From toys and clothing to meals, here are some of the wonderful ways you can contribute and make a difference.
Chuck Hutton Toyota Paws for a Cause
Dates: Through December 13
Drop-off Locations: Chuck Hutton Toyota, 4601 Hutton Way; all Mempops locations; Mid-South Hobbies
More Info: Facebook
Chuck Hutton Toyota’s newest and fluffiest (canine) team member, Taco, inspired the auto dealership’s 2024 Winter Drive! You can join his mission to bring warmth and joy to the animals at the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County this holiday season by donating toys, treats, cozy blankets, and nutritious food at multiple drop-off locations.
One by One Ministries Christmas Blessing Day
Dates: Through December 5
Drop-off Location: One by One Office, 1355 Lynnfield Rd.
More Info: onebyoneusa.org
One by One Ministries offers new moms friendship, hope, support, and parent education through mentoring.
For the holiday season, the faith-based organization is accepting $25 Walmart gift cards, activity sets, gift sets, household items, Christmas decor, Christmas books, ornaments, and new or gently used baby clothing, equipment, accessories, toys, or books. Moms enrolled in One by One have a fun time “shopping” on Christmas Blessing Day!
DeNeuville Learning Center for Women Holiday Campaign
Dates: Through December 5
Drop-off Locations: You can drop off items online, by mail, or in person at the DLC office, 190 S. Cooper St.
More Info: dlcmemphis.org
Using a holistic, individualized approach, DeNeuville Learning Center for Women provides educational programs and support services to adult female students with limited resources.
This holiday season, DLC is raising funds to provide toys for the children and Kroger gift cards for the moms enrolled in the program. Donations for the holiday campaign end on December 5, but funds are gratefully accepted all year to further the DLC mission of empowering women to improve their lives through education and community.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Holiday Shop
Drop-off Location: Order online to ship directly to the hospital
More Info: stjude.org
Every year, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital provides a shopping opportunity for patient caregivers who remain on campus during the holiday season. You can easily donate toys to bring the holiday cheer to St. Jude patients and their families through a provided wishlist.
You won’t have to worry about getting your donation to the hospital, as the gifts will ship directly.
Forrest Spence Fund Christmas Toy Drive
Dates: Through December 12
Drop-off Location: Forrest Spence Fund Office, 2112 Court Avenue
More Info: forrestspencefund.org
The Forrest Spence Fund is spreading holiday cheer by collecting new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for children (plus their siblings and caregivers) who will be spending Christmas in the hospital. The website has a helpful Christmas Wishlist and Amazon Smile Wishlist for gifts to purchase for each age group. Your donation will help bring a smile to a child’s face during the holiday season!
Memphis Family Connection Center Red Tub Day
Dates: Through December 8
Drop-off Location: Multiple – see website!
More Info: memphisfamilycc.org
In collaboration with community partners, Memphis Family Connection Center is hosting its 14th Annual Red Tub Day, where over 1,000 children in foster care will be presented with holiday gifts.
A donation of $250 supports families in two ways: $125 goes towards filling a red tub with requested gifts for an individual child. The second $125 supports Memphis Family Connection Center’s high-quality, integrated therapeutic services for Memphis area families throughout the year. To participate in the 2024 Red Tub Day, sign up online to fill a tub with gifts for a specific child or make a monetary donation.
Meritan Silver Bells
Dates: Through December 11
Drop-off Locations: See website for multiple locations, or donate online.
More Info: meritan.org
Our senior citizens love the holidays, too! You can support Meritan’s low-income, homebound clients by adopting a “Silver Bell” this holiday season. Make a senior’s holiday wishes come true by providing them with wrapped, labeled gifts of clothing, books, toiletries, home goods, blankets, and gift cards. Online monetary gifts are also very welcome.
Porter-Leath Toy Truck Drive
Multiple dates and drop-off locations throughout December
More Info: porterleath.org
For more than two decades, Porter-Leath’s Toy Truck Drive has provided gifts to thousands of children in need. Each holiday season, their goal is to fill a truck with new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children served by Porter-Leath. Monetary gifts are also welcome, and every dollar donated is matched by a “Secret Santa,” doubling your impact and helping children across the city.
Salvation Army Angel Tree
Dates: Through December 6
Drop-off Location: Multiple
More Info: tsamm.org
You can be a part of a beloved tradition through the Salvation Army Memphis’s Angel Tree! Since 1979, generous donors have selected angels and purchased the perfect gifts to make the holidays special for a child or senior adult. Find your angel at one of many locations throughout Memphis, or adopt a child online.
MIFA Holiday Meals
Dates: Ongoing. Sponsorship support will extend beyond the holidays to help MIFA serve seniors throughout the year.
More Info: mifa.org
A holiday tradition since 1984, MIFA Meals on Wheels delivers special holiday meals, gifts, and holiday cheer to 1,200 seniors across the community. The holiday meals are made possible through generous sponsors and donations. If you want to take a more hands-on role, volunteers are needed to deliver hot meals and gifts to senior clients on Saturday, December 21.
Agape Child and Family Services Secret Santa Holiday Drive
Dates: Through December 11
Drop-off Location: Agape Office, 3160 Directors Row
More Info: Facebook
Help make this holiday season memorable by adopting a student’s wishlist. Agape Child and Family Services provides gifts for Pre-K to 12th-grade students who need your support. Visit the Facebook page for information on how to receive a student’s wishlist.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis Holiday Gift Drive
Dates: Through December 6
Drop-off Locations: Multiple
More Info: bgcm.org
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis are on a mission to provide a holiday gift for each of their young members. Collection boxes are set up at various locations throughout Memphis, making it easy to drop off a toy that will bring holiday cheer to a child. BGCM staff and volunteers will sort through the gifts and deliver them to their 20 Club sites just in time for their holiday parties!
LeBonheur Children’s Hospital Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees
Dates: Through December 29
Location: Museum of Science and History – Pink Palace
More Info: lebonheur.org
While not a donation or gift drive per se, the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees is a longstanding and much-loved tradition in Memphis. The always-charming, magical event benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. It’s a perfect holiday tradition for the whole family to enjoy!
Each of these organizations makes an incredible impact on Memphis families, and they’re ready to welcome your support this holiday season. Whether you’re inspired to give a toy, coat, or monetary contribution, every donation will make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
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