WORCESTER—As the season of giving fast approaches, there are so many people in need of additional support particularly in the form of holiday gifts, winter clothing and food.
Below are ten organizations around the city that are accepting donations, and would surely appreciate your help:
1. 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. It’s also an option to adopt a family or a single child for which gift suggestions are provided. 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, said Kathy Odgren, office manager. Friday, Dec 15, is the last day for donations at their main facility at 65 Boys & Girls Club Way. Call 508-754-2686.
2. 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. “We designate a day for the women to pick up and choose what they need,” says Kathleen Suchenski, volunteer coordinator. Suchenski said the group is currently working with 50-75 women and their children. Abby’s House is located at 52 High St. Call 508-756-5486.
3. Friendly House
Friendly House hosts its annual holiday party on Dec, 17, at which 500 gifts are expected to be given out to children 0-17.
“We do look for things for teens,” said Leslie Garcia, case manager. “Those are the ones we have a hard time getting things for.”
Traditionally gifts that are donated are for younger aged children, but Garcia said items such as basketballs, makeup, movie theater gift cards and games are all greatly appreciated by teens around the holidays. The organization provides youth services, emergency shelter and advocacy.
All donations must be received at the main office before Dec. 17 and can be delivered Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and no appointment is needed. 36 Wall Street. Call 508-755-4362.
4. 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. The most requested items include winter clothing for all ages; gift cards to Target, Walmart, Dollar Tree and Market Basket; toiletries; arts and crafts supplies for all ages; board games; and books. Those interested can also “adopt” a family or an individual as well. Donations are accepted until Dec.15. Those looking to adopt a family or individual can reach out to the YWCA’s Development Office at development@ywcacm.org. 1 Salem Square. Call 508-767-2505.
5. 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.
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 (WooCares, 67 Millbrook St., Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01606) or dropped off by Jan. 5. Call 508-756-1545.
6. Toys for Tots
The Worcester Fire Department, Worcester Red Sox (WooSox) and the United States Marine Corps have teamed up to collect toys for children in need. Collection boxes are at each of the ten fire stations around the city as well as at the WooSox Team Store. All donations of new, unwrapped toys will be collected through Dec. 20.
7. T&G Santa Fund
Started in 1938 and in its 85th year, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette collects monetary donations each year to purchase toys and gifts for children in need. Last year, in partnership with the United Way, they provided more than 6,900 gifts for children. The number is expected to grow this year. Monetary donations are being accepted online and through the mail.
8. 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 51st annual holiday party and toy drive on Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Worcester Fitness (440 Grove Street). This a fundraising event to ensure even more gifts can be bought for those in need. Planting the Seed partners with organization to distribute gifts. Drop off locations and the group’s Amazon wish list can be found online.
9. 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,” says 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. 22, 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.
Bridget Samburg is a freelance editor, reporter and ghostwriter. She has written for Boston Magazine, The Boston Globe and Yankee Magazine, among other outlets. She can be reached at bsamburg@comcast.net
