The Holidays are an important time for friends, family, and other loved ones. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to give or receive gifts, or even have food to eat. Here are a few ways you can help bring the joy of the holiday season to others this year:
Groove Performing Arts Pajama Drive
Throughout the month of December, Groove will be collecting PJ’s in support of the Pajama Program, a non-profit that provides new pajamas to children in need.
108 Chatsworth Ave
Larchmont
(914) 834-3383; findgroove.com/parties_groove.asp, pajamaprogram.org
Habitat for Humanity Westchester
HFH runs a program all December long called “The Homes for Holidays Campaign,” which asks participants to build 10 homes and raise pledge money in time for the holidays. HFH will also host a party at New Rochelle High School where families can contribute to their foreclosure fund.
524 Main St
New Rochelle
(914) 636-8335; habitatwc.org
Open Door Family Medical Centers Gift Wrapping
Beginning in November through mid-December Open Door Family Medical Centers is asking for help wrapping donated toys for children in need. Donations of holiday gift-wrap and batteries are appreciated.
165 Main St
Ossining, NY 10562
(914) 502-1468; opendoormedical.org
Assist Santa
The Tarrytown Community Opportunity Center needs assistance handing out presents to children. Volunteers interested are encouraged to contact Nancy Justiniano for more information.
105 Wildey Street
Tarrytown
(914) 631- 7340; westcop.org/tarrytown-c-o-c
Give a Child a Gift this Christmas
On December 20, The Salvation Army of White Plains is holding a Christmas party where you can help distribute gifts to about 400 disadvantaged children.
16 Sterling Ave
White Plains
(914) 949-2908; easternusa.salvationarmy.org/use
Giving Tuesday
Volunteer New York is calling on people all over to consider making any kind of donations on December 2nd. Through social media, Volunteer New York hopes to make #GivingTuesday a national moment, like Black Friday, but dedicated to giving.
220 White Plains Rd
Tarrytown
(914) 948-4452; volunteernewyork.org/givingtuesday
Westchester Christmas Dinner
Every year, St. Mary’s School holds a big dinner on Christmas day for over 300 of Westchester’s most needy individuals and families. This dinner requires hundreds of volunteers who will fulfill roles of all kinds.
99 Valley Rd
Katonah
(914) 767-0900; westchesterchristmas.org/home
Feed a Hungry Family for Christmas
On December 22, 300 families in need will arrive at the Salvation Army of White Plains to receive a Christmas ham and some other fix-ins. The Salvation Army needs volunteers who can help set up the distribution, clean up afterwards, and maintain crowd control.
16 Sterling Ave
White Plains
(914) 949-2908; easternusa.salvationarmy.org
Grace Church Community Center Christmas Performance
Grace Church needs a volunteer to sing, play piano, or bring other instruments suitable for a performance. The volunteer will be required to perform during Holiday meals on Christmas day, and New Years day.
35 Orchard St
White Plains
(914) 949-3098; gracecommunitycenter.org
Three Kings Toy Drive
Westchester’s 100 Hispanic Women chapter is holding a toy drive at Don Coqui on December 3. Admission is $35 plus one unwrapped gift for a child.
115 Cedar St
New Rochelle
(914) 376-6500; 100hispanicwomenofwestchester.org/our-events/toy-drive-networking-reception-2
Let Them Know It’s Christmas Time
Located just over the Connecticut border in Fairfield County, Save The Children is one of the world’s leading international aid organizations focusing on children and families. Browse their Holiday Gifts of Joy catalog to find how you can help provide aid, gifts, education, and health supplies to children in need across America and abroad.
501 Kings Highway East
Fairfield, CT
1 (800) 999-2445; gift.savethechildren.org/site/c.dvKSIbOSIlJcH/b.6885579/k.BFD5/Home.htm
Play It Forward!
As part of the national launch of DreamWorks Animation‘s The North Pole Adventure, Westchester’s Ridge Hill announced a seasonal toy drive to benefit three regional Boys & Girls Clubs: Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester, Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon, and Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. The toy drive will be conducted throughout the holiday season at Ridge Hill from Thursday, November 6 through Sunday, December 14. Participants are asked to donate new, unwrapped toys appropriate for children ages 3-12. Donations may be dropped off at the Holiday Tree in the lobby of the WESTMED building at Ridge Hill
73 Market Street (For accurate GPS instructions, use 1 Ridge Hill Blvd)
Yonkers
(914) 848-8073; westchestersridgehill.com
