how to donate a christmas present

15 Ways to Donate a Merry Christmas: Ideas for Giving and Volunteering

1. Help a Needy Family. When I was a kid, my Dad would take me to the homeless shelter every Christmas. We'd find a...
2. Visit Your Local Pediatric Wing. My son was in the hospital for a long time when he was in kindergarten. One of the...
3. Donate Your Hair. My Dad used to have gorgeous hair. He...

Full Answer

Where can you donate Christmas items?

Dec 28, 2015 · Hospitals — blankets. Schools – school supplies, children's clothing, and books. Libraries — Books, of course, and gift cards. Animal shelters — blankets and gift cards. Homeless shelters — clothing, toiletries, food, and giftcards. Women's shelters — cell phones, clothing, toiletries, food, any items for children.

Why to donate to US at Christmas?

Donate toys to foster parents or daycare centers. If you have extra toys in the living room after Christmas morning, you’re in the perfect position to continue spreading holiday cheer for kids ...

How can I donate Christmas decorations to a charity place?

Dec 02, 2021 · Where to donate toys for Christmas 1. Salvation Army. Every year, the Salvation Army run a Christmas Present Appeal in churches and centres across the UK. They collect new, unwrapped toys and gifts, wrap them up and donate them to children who may not otherwise get a Christmas present.

What event initiated giving presents on Christmas?

Dec 12, 2019 · Donate to the selected charity through its typical donation process. Many charities accept donations through the mail, by phone or online. Give your identifying information just as if you were the official donor so the organization can let the person who requested donations know about your involvement.

How do I donate as a gift?

If you are wondering how to give a donation as a gift:Make sure the recipient will be comfortable receiving this as a gift.Pick a charity that supports something that is meaningful to them.Write a card that highlights why you selected this certain charity for them.More items...

How can I donate my kids for Christmas?

Contact your local Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services or Salvation Army or visit volunteermatch.org to be matched with your recipient(s), ideally similar in age to your own children. After you learn the specifics about your recipient(s) (age, gender, etc.), brainstorm gift ideas with your family.

How do you give back for Christmas?

7 Ways You Can Give Back this Christmas SeasonMake donations. If you'd like to help, you can make a donation to give Ohio families, children and veterans a brighter holiday season. ... Visit Us. ... Donate clothes and blankets. ... Give gifts and toys. ... Adopt a family. ... Create your own donation idea. ... Donate your car.Nov 18, 2018

How can I help the less fortunate at Christmas?

Perform simple, random acts of kindnessGive a generous tip to a friendly customer service worker like a waiter or barista.Buy a homeless person a sandwich and a hot drink.Help someone who's struggling with their luggage on public transport.Give up your seat to someone on busy public transport.More items...

Is Toys for Tots a good charity?

Did you know that Toys for Tots is a top rated charity? 97% of your donation goes to our mission of providing toys, books and other gifts to less fortunate children. The 3% spent on support principally covers fundraising expenses – not one donated dollar goes to pay for salaries or any other manpower costs.

Where can I send my Christmas list?

The letters had to be addressed to Santa's official US Postal Service address: 123 ELF ROAD, NORTH POLE 88888. Packages could be shipped from 19,000 post offices around the country.

What can I do to give back to the community?

7 Ways to Give Back to the CommunityDonate Your Time. ... A Random Act of Kindness for A Neighbor. ... Participate in Fundraisers and Charity Events. ... Help a child in need. ... Volunteer at your local senior living community. ... Plant a tree. ... Recycle your Plastic at a local Recycling Center.Feb 20, 2019

How can I give on holidays?

Seven ways to give back during the holidaysSet up a holiday food drive. Get your neighbors together and start a neighborhood food drive. ... Teach your kids about hunger. ... Give a gift that gives back. ... Volunteer! ... Express your gratitude. ... Make a difference online. ... Send warm holiday wishes to a family facing hunger.Dec 4, 2019

Can gray hair be donated?

Adults and children can donate hair. You may need to find out if an organization will or will not take hair that's been colored, permed, highlighted, bleached, or dreadlocked. Also, some organizations accept gray hair or hair with a certain percentage of gray in it, while others don't accept it at all.Apr 26, 2018

Is it too late to donate to Toys for Tots?

Q: What ages are supported by Toys for Tots? Most campaign sites are able to assist children up to age 12, but in many local communities, local support is such that the age limit may be extended. Check with your local campaign for age limits.

Why You Should Think About Donating an Unwanted Christmas Gift

If you donate your unwanted gifts, you'll decrease clutter. Cutting clutter has emotional benefits that I don't understand, but I feel better when my life and environment are clear.

What Should be Donated?

If you're donating unwanted gifts, they're most likely new and still in the package. (Whether you should give used presents is a topic for another time.)

How to Determine the Best Place to Donate a Gift

First, if you want to deduct your donation (s) on your tax return, some of these institutions or entities are not qualified organizations. In other words, don't pick an unqualified organization if you want to deduct your donation.

How long does hair have to be to be a gift?

If you'd like to give a child the gift of hair, all you have to do is follow these guidelines: Hair must be a minimum of 10 inches long . Hair must be tied in a ponytail or a braid before cutting. Hair must be clean and dry before it's put in an envelope. Colored, permed out gray hair can be donated.

How to send a ponytail to Locks of Love?

Just place the ponytail or braid inside of a plastic bag, and then inside of a padded envelope. If you would like to be acknowledged for your donation, write your name and e-mail address or mailing address on a full size separate sheet of paper and place in envelope . Send it to: Locks of Love.

What are the needs of the Humane Society?

One place that always has needs is the Humane Society. They take in so many animals and most rely on donations to keep going. What I love about the Humane Society is that literally anyone can do their part to help. Money is their number 1 need, but there's so many other ways to donate. You can volunteer your time, as little or as much as you want. You could also donate supplies. Blankets, food bowls, toys and collars are always in short supply.

When did Kristen from Boston say Christmas 2012?

Kristen from Boston on December 30, 2012: Christmas may have passed for this year, but most of your great ideas are perfect for year round giving. If you're fortunate enough to get a year end bonus, or maybe a tax refund, giving to one I these great causes is so rewarding...no matter what time of year.

When was Make a Wish Foundation created?

Make a Child's Dream Come True. The Make A Wish Foundation was created in 1980 with a simple mission. That children of the past, present and future will have an opportunity to share the power of a wish. Today, almost 33 years and over 201,000 wishes later, that mission is still holding steady.

Is blood donation a good gift?

A blood donation is the perfect gift. It costs nothing but a little time. And the rewards are unbelievable. Just think about it. You giving up a half hour of your life to donate blood could potentially mean giving somebody years that they wouldn't have otherwise had.

Is Wish Upon a Hero a non profit?

Have you ever heard of The Wish Upon a Hero Foundation? It's a tax-exempt non-profit organization that works to support the online community of individuals who grant the needs and wants of others making a wish. They believe in three things:

Where is the Christmas tree stashed away?

The Christmas tree is stashed away in the basement until next year, you’ve hung a crisp new calendar on the wall, and all that’s left of the holiday rush are warm memories—and a growing pile of gifts that need to be dealt with in some way. Giving and receiving presents at Christmas is part of the joy of the season.

Where is Leandra Beabout?

Leandra Beabout is a freelance journalist and branded content writer with a BA in English education from Indiana University. She writes about travel, health, and literature for Reader's Digest, Lonely Planet, CNN, and Literary Hub, among other publications. She is also a regular contributor to Greatist.com. Leandra is based in Indiana. Follow her on Instagram @LeandraBeabout and LinkedIn Leandrabeabout

How to teach kids to give to others?

Teach your children the value of giving to others during the holiday season by donating to a charity that provides gifts for needy children. Your kids may enjoy selecting presents for other children who are the same age as them. Choose from a variety of national charities or look for a local organization that's providing Christmas cheer ...

What is Operation Christmas Child?

A program run by Christian organization Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child that takes a collection of shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, apparel, candy, and a personal note. Select a child's age group and fill the box with items consistent for that age group.

How to support Toys for Tots?

There are a number of ways to support Toys for Tots' mission, including purchasing a toy and donating it at a local toy drop location, shopping for a toy to donate via the Toys for Tots website, or donating money online.

What does Make a Wish Foundation do?

The Make-A-Wish Foundation helps children throughout the year, but it also partners with companies to raise money specifically during the holiday season. If you drop off a letter to Santa at any Macy's location, the store will donate $1 per letter to Make-A-Wish.

What is the Angel Tree in prison?

The Christian charity Prison Fellowship Organization offers an Angel Tree program that help children who have at least one parent in prison. Through the program, volunteers deliver a gift and a message from both the Gospel and the child's incarcerated parent.

Who is Apryl Duncan?

Apryl Duncan is a writer for the Spruce covering lifestyle and family. She has over 20 years experience in freelance writing. Teach your children the value of giving to others during the holiday season by donating to a charity that provides gifts for needy children.

Does Walmart have angel trees?

The Salvation Army also has an Angel Tree program in collaboration with Walmart. The stores have Christmas trees that have tags on them. Each tag has a wishlist of a specific child. Donors pick an angel tag, shop for gifts (not necessarily at Walmart), and drops of the gifts for the Salvation Army to distribute.

What is a crisis Christmas?

A gift of a Crisis Christmas will give someone who is homeless access to essential food and festive treats, a place to stay over Christmas, as well as year round support, education and training.

What is Oxfam gift card?

Throughout the year, Oxfam offer gift cards that can be purchased for the value of, for example, safe water, education for girls, food for a family, chicken and goats. The money spent on each gift card supports Oxfam in it's fight against poverty, providing hope, joy and brighter futures.

What is SSAFA charity?

The SSAFA is a military charity supporting the military community and veterans alike. The charity has revealed that nearly a quarter of polled service personnel are experiencing loneliness in the lead up to Christmas this year – with well over two thirds saying that they felt lonelier than usual at Christmas.

How many animals were taken to the RSPCA in 2019?

During the 2019 Christmas period, more than 2,500 animals were taken into the care of the RSPCA. Christmas is a common time for animals to be abandoned, and for owners who are struggling with the costs of looking after their animals to seek help.

When are donations open for the Rough Sleepers?

Donations are open until mid-December. The charity has also warned that 2020 is set to be the hardest Christmas for rough sleepers in years, due to many night shelters being forced to close because of Covid-19 safety concerns.

Is Christmas the loneliest time of the year?

Christmas is the loneliest time of the year for over 1.5m older people, particularly those who have lost their partner. Age UK is working to change this, making sure that no one is alone on Christmas.

What animals can you gift WWF?

How to Gift: Through the WWF website, gifters can “adopt” a wild animal like a bonobo, an elephant, a polar bear, or a koala, among others, and get a stuffed animal, an adoption certificate, and an information kit about the animal they adopted.

What is Oceana's gift?

How to Gift: For the ocean-obsessed, Oceana sells T-shirts, baseball caps, and other apparel, as well as a reusable straw kit that comes with a baggie, a straw cleaner, and two reusable straws. For those who would really like a stuffed animal, Oceana has “adoption gift packs.”.

What is National Geographic's mission?

National Geographic is not just a television channel or the long-time publishers of one of the best nature magazines in the world — the organization is also working hard to protect wildlife in the oceans, minimize the harm of plastic pollution all over the planet, and help save rhinos and other endangered animals from extinction, among other things. Alongside their top-notch environmental and global reporting, National Geographic runs a great television channel with nature documentaries that build awareness about the state of the planet.#N#How to Gift: National Geographic has a ton of gift guides for adults, spouses, and parents. The proceeds of those gifts go straight back to NatGeo. One super-cool present (especially for kids) includes 10 break-open geodes that can be smashed open with a hammer. The kit also comes with geode stands and a learning guide that can help kiddos learn much more about geodes.

What is the largest nonprofit dedicated to saving the world's oceans?

Oceana bills itself as the largest international advocacy nonprofit dedicated only to saving the world’s oceans. Oceana, founded in 1999, has since protected 4.5 million square miles of previously unprotected oceans, helps endangered aquatic species, and is working to save these masses of water from global warming, plastic, and oil pollution.#N#How to Gift: For the ocean-obsessed, Oceana sells T-shirts, baseball caps, and other apparel, as well as a reusable straw kit that comes with a baggie, a straw cleaner, and two reusable straws. For those who would really like a stuffed animal, Oceana has “adoption gift packs.” For example, adopting an Octopus costs about $80 and comes with an octopus cookie cutter, an octopus plush toy, and a personalized adoption certificate. There are many more types of aquatic animals that are adoptable: puffins, penguins, sea otters, sea turtles, clownfish, and more.

How does Heifer help women?

Heifer works with farmers and their communities, help women get work in small-scale farms that are sustainably built and harvested, helps provide food security by donating livestock and other animals to those across the world, and are extremely interested in investing in women’s social mobility and capital .

What is Heifer International?

Heifer International helps provide those across the world with the real supplies that they need in order to survive and ultimately thrive. Heifer’s main goal is to give people a faster path to what they refer to as a “living income” — in other words, a life free from hunger, poverty, and homelessness.

How does Oxfam help the world?

As such, Oxfam helps provide sustainable livelihoods, access to essential services, and basic social safety nets.

What to include in a donation note?

Include a note with your donation that identifies the person for whom you are making the donation, including contact information. This allows the charity to send a card or certificate to that person, letting him know that someone has made a donation on his behalf.

Can you donate to a charity on your own?

Some people choose to make donations to a charity on their own accord, but others make donations on someone else's behalf. For instance, a couple who is getting married and does not want gifts may ask that guests donate to a favorite charity in the couple's name.

Many Salvation Army churches and centres across the UK will be running a Christmas Present Appeal, collecting donated presents until mid-December

Please support your local Christmas Present Appeal by finding your nearest appeal and donating new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas present.

How to find your local appeal

To find out where to donate your gift or for more information on the Christmas Present Appeal please contact your local Salvation Army church or centre.

Find your local Salvation Army

Many centres run Christmas present appeals. Find out if your local one is running one.

Suggested Gift List for Children and Young People

We believe every child deserves a new gift at Christmas so we are unable to take used or second hand items for the Christmas Present Appeal.