The holiday season is all about showing our appreciation for friends, family and community, so why not take the time to give back a ‘lil this year.
Though volunteering at a shelter or soup kitchen on Thanksgiving or Christmas is a popular option – and something you should definitely consider! –sometimes what a service organization needs the most isn’t more boots on the ground, but donations themselves.
Here are 9 awesome places to donate food, clothing and more this winter in Chicago.
The Salvation Army
Photo Credit: The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides funds, clothing, food and much, much more to people in need all around Chicago. As many of us prepare to totally pig-out on November 23rd, The Salvation Army reminds us that homeless and impoverished peoples across the city are in desperate need of food on a daily basis. Make a one-time or monthly donation towards hunger relief programs through the SA by heading here.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository
Photo Credit: The Greater Chicago Food Depository Instagram
Chicago’s largest food bank offers dozens of opportunities to give back this season. From repackaging food to making monetary gifts, The Greater Chicago Food Depository allow community members to affect real change on the hungry crisis in Chicago. This holiday season, consider running in their Turkey Trot 5k and 8k Run, donating canned food, or contributing to their virtual food drive here.
Lakeview Pantry
Photo Credit: Lakeview Pantry Facebook
Did you know that 1 in 9 people in the Northside suffer from food insecurity? Donate directly to this community by hosting your own food drive, making a financial gift, dropping off food or other goods at their Sheridan site or participating in the Lakeview Pantry virtual food drive. To see the most-wanted donation items, check out their wish list here.
Feeding America
Photo Credit: Feeding America Instagram
The US Hunger Relief Organization’s headquarters, Feeding America, is right here in Chicago. Help to give back to families in need all across the country by making a donation, becoming an advocate or by joining the Feeding America Hunger Council. For more information on how to give, head to their website here.
Toys for Tots
Photo Credit: Toys for Tots Facebook
Donate children’s toys, clothing, financial gifts or even your car to children in need via the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. For more information, click here.
One Warm Coat
Photo Credit: One Warm Coat Instagram
It’s no secret that Chicago gets wayyy cold in the winter, so give back this year by donating coats, hats, gloves and other clothing through One Warm Coat. You can also donate funds, donate directly to shelter or organization or even hold your own coat drive to help keep people warm throughout the season. To do so, head to the One Warm Coat website here.
Meals on Wheels
Photo Credit: Meals on Wheels Chicago Instagram
Meals on Wheels Chicago curates and delivers food to thousands of people and shelters across the city. You can give to the cause via their planned giving program, their virtual donation fund or by making a matching gift here. You can also get involved by delivering meals yourself, or by attending any number of Meals on Wheels Chicago’s annual events.
Sarah’s Circle
Photo Credit: Sarah’s Circle Facebook
Sarah’s Circle is a Chicago based organization committed to serving women who are homeless or otherwise in need of a safe-space. Working with women who have survived domestic abuse, interpersonal violence and other potentially harmful situations, Sarah’s Circle is open to any woman in need and offers them physical, emotional, and economic support. Donations to Sarah’s Circle can be made to support transportation, housing, rent case management and other daily needs. The organization also accepts unused toiletries, household goods, clothing and more. For information on where and when to make your donations, go here.
Care for Real
Photo Credit: Care for Real Facebook
Care for Real aims to feed Chicago communities, neighborhoods and individuals via direct donations, giving and gifts. Make your donation of healthy food, clothing, non-perishables, personal care and home items here.