WORCESTER—As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving takes on even greater importance, especially for those in need of extra support. From families seeking holiday gifts for their children to individuals in need of warm winter clothing and food, many in Worcester face challenges that community generosity can help alleviate.
#GivingTuesday, a global movement to inspire charitable giving, is an ideal time to lend a hand. Across Worcester, numerous organizations are welcoming donations to make the holidays brighter for those they serve. Whether it’s contributing toys, clothing, food, or monetary support, your help can make a meaningful difference this season.
Here are some local organizations accepting donations that would greatly appreciate your support:
Boys & Girls Club of Worcester
The Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, which serves more than 2,000 children and families, holds a traditional holiday toy drive each year and specifically asks for unwrapped toys so that families can do their own wrapping. Options include adopting a family, teen or child, or hosting a drive at a local business and, of course, monetary donations. The organization is very much in need of gift cards for teens, who get to then “shop” for the gift cards and other teen appropriate gifts that are donated. Friday, Dec 13, is the last day for donations at their main facility at 65 Boys & Girls Club Way. Call 508-754-2686.
Abby’s House
This organization, which supports women and their children through affordable housing and shelter, advocacy and an emergency shelter, is accepting donations for the holidays and all wish lists can be found online. “With the renovated shelter now open, doubling our capacity, we’re grateful for the donors and volunteers whose generosity helps make the holidays magical for the women and children at Abby’s House,” said Michelle Duong, development and communications manager. Abby’s House is located at 52 High St. Call 508-756-5486.
Friendly House
Friendly House is holding its annual Thanksgiving Food drive on Friday, Nov. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stop & Shop on Grafton Street and Market32 on Pullman Street. The donations collected at this event contribute to Friendly House’s annual food distribution Nov. 25-27.
“We anticipate providing over 700 families with a Thanksgiving meal, as well as new kids for coats (donated by Harr Motor Group) and gently used coats for adults (from various coat drives),” said Jodi Briggs-Pickett, director of development.
Friendly House also hosts its annual holiday party on Friday, Dec. 15, from 2-4 p.m., when 500 gifts are distributed to children ages 0-12. The celebration includes dancing with DJ Chuck Chillin’, photos with Santa, hot cocoa, cookies, and a toy and stuffed animal for each child.
“With so many families struggling to make ends meet, we are thankful for the generous community members who help bring real joy to hundreds of children and their parents across Worcester,” said Trish Appert, executive director of Friendly House.
New toy donations can be dropped off during the Toy Drive co-sponsored by 104.5 XLO at Chick-fil-A, Worcester, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, or at Friendly House’s 36 Wall St. location, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., no appointment needed. Donations should be made by Friday, Dec. 13.
Friendly House provides youth services, emergency shelter, and social services advocacy. Call 508-755-4362 for more details
YWCA of Worcester
The YWCA provides gifts around the holidays to families and children in need. Throughout the year the organization serves hundreds of individuals, many living in crisis. Currently, the organization is seeking in-kind donations to support the diverse needs of the girls, women and families it serves through this multi-service agency.
“Our programs reach school age youth, survivors of abuse, housing-insecure individuals/families, and young children,” said Alyssa Mancinelli, the YWCA’s development and marketing specialist. “Many of these individuals face significant challenges and donated items such as winter clothing (new), personal care products, school supplies, household essentials can make a meaningful difference in their lives.”
Other items needed: new board books and floor puzzles for children, art (markers, construction paper, paint) and craft supplies (rubber bands, embroidery floss, pony beads, hot glue guns), writing journals, board games, and food/grocery gift cards. Drop-off location is YWCA Central Massachusetts, 1 Salem Square, Worcester, during normal business hours. For more information contact info@ywcacm.org or 508-767-2505, ext. 108.
Elder Service of Worcester Area
WooCares is a winter card writing project that started out of Elder Services a few years ago to reach seniors who are isolated. The organization collects handmade and handwritten cards to be delivered to thousands of seniors.
“It’s a great way to reach out to the older, isolated people in the community,” said Amy Lubowicki, volunteer coordinator at Elder Services, which delivers 2,000 meals every day to area seniors. Lubowicki said the cards will be delivered between Thanksgiving and the second week of January to those receiving meals.
These non-denominational cards should be in an unsealed envelope, have a generic greeting such as “Dear Neighbor” or “Hello,” they should be signed with a first name only and should not be holiday specific.
Cards can be mailed (Elder Services of the Worcester Area, 67 Millbrook St., Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01606, Att: Holiday Cheer) or dropped off by Jan. 3. Call 508-756-1545 or email alubowicki@eswa.org. Promote the goodness by tagging @ESWAorg and @WooCares4U
Toys for Tots
Last year, the Toys for Tots Worcester County drive collected 46,442 toys, benefiting 16,178 Worcester-area children and families. The initiative is back this year, with numerous drop-off locations throughout Worcester and Worcester County during November and December. Worcester drop-off sites include the Good Feet Store, Uncaged Fitness, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Girls Inc. of Worcester, Sherwin Williams, Edward Jones, Worcester Public Market, Worcester Common Fitness, Assumption University, and the Willows at Worcester. New, unwrapped toys for children of all ages can be donated at these locations. For a complete list of drop-off points, visit the campaign’s website.
T&G Santa Fund
Started in 1938 and in its 86th year, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette collects monetary donations each year to purchase toys and gifts for children in need. In partnership with the United Way, they provide thousands of gifts to kids each year. The number is expected to grow this year. Monetary donations are being accepted online and through the mail.
Planting the Seed
This all-volunteer organization is collecting new, unwrapped gifts for children newborn to age 18 and collection locations are throughout the city. The group is also hosting its 52nd annual holiday party and toy drive on Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Worcester Fitness, 440 Grove St. This a fundraising event to ensure even more gifts can be bought for those in need. Planting the Seed partners with organizations to distribute gifts. Drop off locations and the group’s Amazon wish list can be found on its website.
St. John’s Food for the Poor
What started as a holiday gift for the people who came in for a meal has become an annual tradition of passing out winter coats, boots, scarves, gloves and hats to those in need. “It’s our Christmas giving thing for our guests,” said Father John Madden of St. John’s Church. In 2012, the church was serving 125 guests a meal each day and now, at the adjacent St. Francis Xavier Center, Madden says they serve 1,000 meals every day. New or gently used winter outwear will be collected at the rectory (44 Temple St.) and the Xavier Center (20 Temple St.) until Dec. 20, when everything will be distributed. Call 508-756-7165.
Veterans Inc.
The Holiday Gift Giving Project reaches hundreds of children of veterans during the holiday season. Individuals may support a family or an individual or simply donated a new gift. The organization has an Amazon Wish List and signups are available online at their website. Veterans Inc. is located at 69 Grove St. Call 508-791-1213.
Mechanics Hall
In the spirit of the season, Mechanics Hall has partnered with Friendly House Inc. and the Worcester Area Mission Society to host a Winter Coat Drive. Donations of new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, and scarves can be dropped off at Mechanics Hal, 321 Main St., through Dec. 31. Contributions are distributed to refugee and migrant families adjusting to New England winters.
Worcester is home to many organizations making a difference during the holiday season, providing opportunities to support a variety of causes. From helping local families in need to supporting community programs, there are countless ways to give back.
If you have a cause to suggest, please send it to Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org. The Worcester Guardian will continue to update this list throughout the holiday season, helping connect residents with meaningful ways to make an impact.
