Christmas is almost here, and with it comes the end of most people’s holiday giving. But you might still be looking for a good cause to support as you get into the spirit of this season (especially if you’re just starting your gift shopping – but we won’t judge!). Don’t worry; even after the Christmas toy drives wrap up and the streetcorner donation kettles are packed away, charities of all kinds still require support throughout the winter and will graciously accept appropriate donations. If you are in the Greater Toronto Area, here are five local charities that are accepting various kinds of donations to help people in need. They are all great ways to give a gift to someone who needs a hand this holiday season.
Red Door Family Shelter – https://www.reddoorshelter.ca/
Red Door has been offering 24/7 emergency shelter to those who need it most since it first opened in 1982. Today, Red Door shelters over 500 families and individuals each year, including refugees and women fleeing violence. The shelter offers basic shelter and care essentials as well as counseling and transitional support.
Currently, Red Door is most in need of winter clothing, small kitchen appliances, non-perishable foods, sheets and towels, toiletries, baby items and others. Call 416-915-5671 or visit their website to donate.
Pegasus Thrift Store – http://www.pegasustoronto.ca/
A locally-operated thrift store designed to support adults with special needs. A wide variety of fine donated goods, as well as special handcrafted gift items, are sold to raise funds for Pegasus Toronto’s community projects. The Thrift Store accepts gently used donations of jewelry, books, clothing, antiques, DVDs, CDs, and other household items. Call 416-691-6835 or visit http://www.pegasustoronto.ca/about/thrift-store/ to donate.
Toronto Tool Library – https://torontotoollibrary.com/
This unique non-profit is dedicated to making tools and crafts easily accessible and learnable by anyone. Donated tools, building supplies and other materials are loaned to visitors who register, much like a conventional library. TTL also hosts frequent educational seminars on building methods that are low cost or even free. Their aim is to put to use tools that would otherwise be discarded and encourage sustainable use of resources. If you have extra tools or equipment, whether powered or unpowered, in good working condition, TTL will likely accept them. To inquire, email Contact@irbe.org or visit https://torontotoollibrary.com/about-2/locationsandhours/.
Daily Bread Food Bank – http://www.dailybread.ca/
Daily Bread is one of the GTA’s leading food banks, not only distributing packaged food items but cooking and supplying meals to over 200 food programs in Toronto. Daily Bread is actively working for long-term solutions to local poverty and hunger. Donations of non-perishable food are gratefully accepted at a number of locations across the GTA, including fire halls and select grocery stores. Consult their website for a full list of most-needed items and hours of operation here: http://www.dailybread.ca/.
Kerr Street Mission – http://kerrstreet.com
Kerr Street Mission is a leading non-profit in Oakville dedicated to helping families and individuals escape poverty through food support, financial counselling, and other practical and compassionate services and resources. Donations of food and clothing are gratefully accepted, but please contact KSM’s staff to consult on what is needed. Call 905-845-7485 or email admin@kerrstreet.comfor details.
These are only some of the ways that you can support people in need in your community. Let’s do our part to help these neighbours have a wonderful Christmas and a New Year full of new opportunities.
