It's that time of year again, guys. With the advent of the holiday season, like a Nor'easter decorated with metal wire, we found ourselves digging out wreaths, lights and reindeer. But when we start to focus on shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday this year, it is important to remember that many residents of Worcester County are working hard to ensure that their families have the most basic necessities.
Every year, Worcester Magazine’s "Gifts Donation" issue focuses on local charities and lists some of the most needed donations of the season. As autumn gives way to winter, a common clue in the annual request is...new clues-homeless shelters and refugee aid organizations require warm clothes and coats to protect against the cold. Although gift cards are considered an escape gift at home and social occasions, they are undoubtedly the favorite donations of charities, especially when buying food and other necessities, because they are not only flexible but also empowering .
Elgreen of the LGBTQ Asylum Working Group said: “We want to provide people with institutions to get what they need.” Direct donations of food or clothing may give you more warm and fuzzy feelings. "Managing actual groceries may be much more difficult," Green said. In fact, it may not be ideal when considering food allergies or dietary restrictions. He said: “Food prices have risen sharply in the past few months, so we have seen a lot of demand,” some of which have increased by 15% to 20% compared to last year.
This is not to say that food donations are not welcome under certain circumstances. Veterans’ companies are looking for turkey and non-perishable foods for their annual holiday harvest, such as canned cranberry sauce and gravy or fresh produce, when veterans’ families can come and choose food and everything for the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Accessories. However, gift cards still help a lot, in this case specifically for refueling. Christine Franks of the Veterans Company said: "Gift cards at gas stations are very useful for veterans starting a new job. They can really need help to get there."
Anh Sawyer of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Central Massachusetts said: “We want to give them something that can be used and protect their dignity. He is collecting donations for Haitian refugees fleeing social unrest in the country.” In addition, the Worcester Refugee Assistance Project is implemented. Director Lesa McWalters said many refugee families have not yet received SNAP benefits. In addition to the usual Target or Walmart gift cards, WRAP also requires grocery store cards that provide halal food to newly arrived Afghan refugees. WRAP holds an annual holiday party, and all the children of the family will receive a small gift and a book, so the children's picture book is also on the organization's holiday wish list.
Alyssa Dancause of Jeremiah's Inn, pantry and male substance abuse rehabilitation center said that even if SNAP benefits have been realized, there are still gaps. "The things we can really use are things that SNAP doesn't buy—anything you can't eat, such as detergent, dish soap, paper towels," she said, but you can buy them in grocery stores. "Those things are expensive-we like to prepare them for our customers."
Cleaning products are also at the top of Second Chance Animal Services' wish list. "This is the simple thing we have experienced the most," said CEO Sheryl Blancato. "We spent a lot of time cleaning up." In addition to supplies such as bleach and paper towels, printing paper is also a must for making adoption contracts. The organization is also preparing for another influx of kittens, as a large number of cats have been rescued from the hoarding situation. Several of them are pregnant and one has already given birth. According to Blancato, kitten food is a top priority.
Gift cards ensure that they are best for the recipient — literally, in terms of clothing — and are also a safer choice in terms of health. “It’s sometimes difficult to accept [donations] during COVID times,” said Sandra Flick, executive assistant at the Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Center, a residential treatment center in Rutland, for people under 22 with behavioral and emotional difficulties Provide services for young people.
Although vaccination rates continue to rise, we are still living in a pandemic, and donating a coat can spread more than goodwill. Melissa Powers of Homeless Outreach and Advocacy of Community Healthlink said that other clothing items include sleeping bags and backpacks, adding that they particularly lack underwear such as socks and underwear.
This year, the Latino Education Institute collaborated with Studio Theater Worcester to jointly promote their board game by making "Magic's Gifts." Executive Director Hilda Ramirez said: "We are always looking for board games that can bring families closer together." "So that families can sit together and play games during the holidays. "United Way connects LEI to the Worcester Studio Theater, where participants can bring their board game donations to the show — and will receive a $5 discount on the work of the Worcester Studio Theater in the future. For performance times and the holiday wish list compiled by United Way in Central Massachusetts (https://volunteer.unitedwaycm.org/), please see below.
Girl Scout Camp Laurel Landscape Trim
Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts | http://www.gscwm.org
Volunteers will trim the branches of the roadside to prepare for the winter. Volunteers will use pruning shears, trimmers and rakes. Volunteers are welcome at any time/date that suits your schedule.
Christmas Jeep Action: New Hope Project Company
Project New Hope, Inc. | https://www.projectnewhopema.org/
Donate non-perishable food and supermarket gift cards. Please send all donations to 70 James St., Suite 155, Worcester before December 17th.
Sully's veterans pantry: Volunteers will sort out food orders and place groceries in veterans' cars on the side of the road.
LGBT Asylum Working Group Holiday Donations
Hardwin Park Congregational Council-LGBT Asylum Working Group | http://lgbtasylum.org
Walmart and Price Chopper gift cards are preferred. Visa and MasterCard gift cards are also very popular. Please donate at Clover St. 6 in Worcester by December 8.
Holiday Wish Program Donation: Jeremiah’s Hotel
Jeremiah Hotel | http://www.jeremiahsinn.com
For winter clothing and holiday gifts for program participants and their children, please send all donations to Jeremiah's Inn at 1059 Main Street, Worcester by December 16.
Dismasis House, Massachusetts | http://www.dismasisfamily.org
Donations requested: quilts, blankets, towels, toiletries, men’s winter clothes, or Wal-Mart/Target gift cards for purchasing these items. Please drop in at Dismas House, 30 Richards Street, Worcester by December 31st.
Why Me and Shirley’s House | http://www.whyme.org
We are seeking donations of pajamas (4T-size M for adults) for children and teenagers; there are also slippers of various sizes suitable for children and teenagers. At 1152 Pleasant St., Worcester, before December 13, donations will be made from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 3 pm. Call 508-757-7734 to set an alternative donation time.
Adolescents' Home Behavior/Mental Health Treatment Winter Program
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health | https://www.devereux.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=ma_index
Need winter jacket, wool, boots. Deliver donations on 60 Miles Road in Rutland by December 15th.
Yes, we care about the food distribution plan
Belmont AME Zion Church | http://www.belmontamezion.com
We are the food distribution center for the community and the entire city. We need volunteers to assist in loading and unloading trucks, organizing food, preparing food boxes and general clean-up work.
Holiday Gift Card Drive: Open Sky Community Service
Open Sky Community Services | https://www.openskycs.org/
Seek $10 or $20 gift cards from Target or Walmart for individuals who have not received gifts from family and friends. Please submit your donation at the main Open Sky office at 4 Worcesterman Street before December 1st.
COVID-19 vaccination site support (non-clinical)
Worcester Department of Public Health | https://commed.umassmed.edu/vaccine-corps
The Worcester City Department of Public Health and the Worcester Federation of Health are looking for regular and reliable volunteers to assist in completing non-clinical tasks at COVID-19 vaccination sites. Volunteer tasks include staffing, Spanish and Vietnamese translation, helping to fill out registration forms, and disinfecting chairs between appointments. The clinic hours are usually from 9 am to 5 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Holiday meals for residents of Worcester Housing Authority
Worcester Housing Authority | http://www.worcester-housing.com
Starting after Thanksgiving and continuing until Christmas, 15 locations in Worcester & Holden provide residents with holiday meals. Volunteers are required for 2 hours to assist with setup, service and cleanup. Contact Erin from Resident Services to determine the date and time.
Holiday donation: Worcester Boys and Girls Club
Worcester Boys and Girls Club | http://www.bgcworcester.org
The plan is to provide gifts to children, to provide a $25 gift card to teenagers, and to provide support for parents (holiday meals, grocery gift cards, etc.). Donate gift packaging supplies. Donate to the Worcester Boys and Girls Club at 65 Boys & Girls Club Way by December 17.
Holiday Toy Assistance: Catholic Charity
Catholic Charity in the Diocese of Worcester | http://www.ccworc.org
Required donations: Provide holiday gifts for children from newborn to adolescence. Children’s toys, books and/or crafts. Youth products, such as sporting goods, age-appropriate games and crafts. Donate at 10 Hammond Street, Worcester by December 12.
Thanksgiving basket and holiday toy assistance
Catholic Charity in the Diocese of Worcester | http://www.ccworc.org
Volunteers needed to pack Thanksgiving food baskets, distribute food baskets, fill out holiday toy assistance requests, and distribute holiday toy assistance requests.
Worcester Family Health Center in-kind donation needs
Worcester, Inc. Family Health Center | http://www.FHCW.org
Request donations of new items, such as gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, blankets, socks, and underwear; grocery store gift cards; newborn and pregnancy supplies; household first aid kits; cosmetics; and cleaning supplies. Donated items are provided to patients in need, including low-income families, refugees, asylum seekers, newborns and their mothers, and students receiving care in our school's medical center.
Community Health Link | http://www.communityhealthlink.org
Homeless Outreach and Promotion Project: Men’s and women’s clothing, socks, underwear and jackets are required.
Children's service clothing donation: clothing and winter clothes for children aged 3-17.
Upgrading RES Residences: Apply for home improvement supplies and gift cards to repair and upgrade rooms in collective housing. Please send all donations to 72 Jaques Avenue in Worcester, Massachusetts by December 8.
Holiday gifts for drug patients: small gifts such as socks, gloves, hats, inspirational books or puzzles.
Holiday gifts for young people in the inpatient treatment center: for young people aged 13-18, mainly men. Meditation picture books and colored pencils, markers, irritating toys, slippers, comfortable pajamas of various sizes. The stockings of 12 people will be greatly appreciated. Books in the treatment center library would also be greatly appreciated. -Inspiration, biography, fantasy, 12-step book, etc. There are also holiday decorations from different cultures.
Before December 8, all donations will be made to Community Healthlink at 72 Jaques Ave., Worcester.
Homeless shelter donates winter clothing to customers
Greater Worcester Housing Connection-SMOC | http://Smoc.org
Winter clothing, coats/jackets, sweatshirts, sweatpants, jeans, T-shirts, socks, underwear (new), gloves and hats. By April 2022, please place your donation at the Queen Street Shelter at 25 Queen Street in Worcester during the day.
Donated to DIY Paint n Skate Youth Program (Spring 2022)
Push Worcester | https://www.facebook.com/pushworcester/?ref=page_internal
Any and all skateboard related equipment (skateboards, helmets and pads, skateboard barriers, skateboard media-magazines, videos, stickers, etc.) art supplies, office supplies, bottled water, reusable water bottles, blank T-shirts (or other clothing) ) All materials used for screen printing) plan participants and plan activities. Send donations at 5½ Winslow St., Worcester.
Pernet Family Health Service | http://www.pernetfamilyhealth.org
Volunteers will help the food pantry to complete tasks such as organization and packaging.
Holiday donations: request Thanksgiving turkey and other Thanksgiving foods, and ask for a $10 gift card from the grocery store; Christmas: winter clothing, toys. Please go to the Pernet Family Health Service Center, 237 Millbury Street, Worcester, to make a donation.
Volunteers in street outreach or outreach centers
Children's Standup Worcester | http://www.standupforkids.org
Volunteers work in 2 or 4 hour shifts every Wednesday and Saturday at the outreach center. Introduction, background check (a processing fee of $18 is required). It takes a year's commitment and reliable transportation.
Helping the homeless on the street
During the day on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, assist Net of Compassion employees to arrange and distribute food and clothes for our pantry and wardrobe.
Volunteers also need to support Grace Pantry, closets, main street meal plans, Joshua's Showers and/or Hotel Grace.
Donations are also requested: men’s and women’s sweatpants and new underwear, please send donations to 674 Main St., Worcester before December 31st.
Girl's Inc. Holiday Wish List/Hoarding Books
Worcester Girls Company | http://www.girlsincworcester.org
Collect books, winter gear, and gift cards from popular food markets and join the annual Stocking Up On Books holiday party. Thank you for donating brand new books and winter equipment (coats, gloves, gloves, hats, scarves, skis and boots) to young people aged 5-18. Request the size and desire of the special request. Donations will be accepted until December 15. Visit our wish list online: www.girlsincworcester.org/wish list
Holiday wish list: Abbey House
Abby Kelly Foster House LLC | http://abbyshouse.org
Request for donations: new towel set, travel mug, small umbrella, slippers, bakeware, pot, pan, hair dryer, adult craft bag and cooking utensils. Please donate at Abby's House at 52 High St. Worcester by December 13th.
Mainidea Youth and Art | http://www.mainidea.org
Main IDEA collaborated with CC Lowell Art Store to provide art supplies to young people in Worcester. To donate, please visit https://cclowell.com/collections/donate-to-main-idea, or visit CC Lowell, 455 Pleasant St., Worcester.
Enhancing the holiday: the gift of choice
Live in freedom together (LIFT) | http://www.liftworcester.org
LIFT will accept gift cards worth more than $25 from Target, Walmart, Marshalls/TJ Maxx, CVS, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks. There are also high-quality travel-size hygiene products, such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lotion, body spray, deodorant, facial cleanser, facial mask). Please send your donation to 34 Cedar Str., Suite 201, Worcester by December 17.
YWCA Central Massachusetts | http://www.ywcacentralmass.org
Winter clothing for children, teenagers and adults (hats, gloves, scarves); gift cards from Wal-Mart, CVS, Target, grocery stores; cosmetics; arts and crafts supplies (construction paper, glue sticks, washable paint and markers, paint brushes) , Crayons); blankets; puzzles and games (young people of all ages); books (teen to 12 years old). Please submit your donation at YWCA at 1 Worcester Salem Square by December 13th.
AIDS Project Worcester, Inc. | http://www.aidsprojectworcester.org
Strong volunteers need to bring a turkey basket and all the fixed steps to provide to customers who come to the food bank to pick up the Thanksgiving basket.
Worcester Youth Orchestra http://worcesteryouthorchestras.org
The Worcester Youth Orchestra is looking for volunteers to help them check the audience's vaccine card and/or negative COVID test when they attend the annual family holiday concert on December 19.
Holiday donation: Saint Agnes Guild
Baby diapers, new clothes for preschoolers and school-age children, Target’s gift cards. Donate at 19 Harvard Street, Worcester by December 20th.
Latino Education Institute (LEI) board game
Studio Theater Worcester | https://www.studiotheatreworcester.org/
The Latino Education Institute is collaborating with the Worcester Studio Theater to ask people who participated in the production of "The Gift of the Magi" produced by STW to donate board games or other family time activities to LEI. The team also sought 1-3 volunteers for each performance to help collect board games. Donors will receive a $5 discount in future Studio Theatre Worcester productions. The performance will be held from November 18th to 20th at 7:30 pm and at 2 pm on November 21st at the First Baptist Church (Gordon Hall) at 111 Worcester Park Avenue.
Donate to help veterans and their families
Veterans Inc. | https://www.veteransinc.org/
Donate new socks and underwear (all genders and sizes), toiletries, towels, non-perishable food, supermarkets, discount stores, department stores, and gift cards for gasoline. Donated at the Veterans Corporation at 69 Worcester Grove Street.
Volunteers are welcome to support the Veterans Company food pantry and meal service. Please contact Kristen Franks (kristenfranks@veteransinc.org) for more information and voluntary services.
Veterans Inc. will also hold a holiday harvest event on November 23, requiring 10-15 volunteers to help. Sign up for various shift activities from 8 am to 4 pm. Volunteers are needed to help prepare for the event from noon to 6 pm on November 22.
Establishment and decomposition of festival craft festival
Worcester Craft Center | https://www.worcestercraftcenter.org
The Worcester Craft Centre needs volunteers to help set up, work and break down the festive craft festival. Monday to Wednesday, November 22-28. Email emckennayeaw@worcester.edu.
Plumley Village Children’s School Supplies in 2022
Community builder in Plumley Village | http://www.tcbinc.org
Required donations: school supplies, including backpacks (girls and boys), notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, pocket folders, etc. Please donate at the Plumley Career Center at 16 Laurel Street, Worcester by December 31st.
CASA Project in Worcester County | http://www.casaworcestercounty.org
Volunteers need help distributing coats, gloves, hats and boots to children in need in Worcester County.
Christmas wish list for low-income children
Rainbow Child Development Center | https://rainbowcdc.com/
Required items: children’s winter hats, gloves, boots, jackets, socks and winter pajamas for children aged 1-12. Please donate at 10 Edward Street in Worcester before December 10.
Elderly Services of Worcester Area, Inc. http://www.eswa.org
Volunteers assist the elderly in paying bills, checking checkbooks, sorting and reading mail for customers, and mailing monthly bills. Volunteers will visit their clients in the elderly for one to two hours every month, with flexible dates/times. Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers will be trained and then an elderly person will be assigned to assist.
Service area: Auburn, Barre, Boylston, Grafton, Hardwick, Holden, Leicester, Millbury, New Braintree, Oakham, Paxton, Rutland, Shrewsbury, West Boylston and Worcester.
Worcester Refugee Assistance Project Donation
Worcester Refugee Assistance Project (WRAP)
The requested donation includes Arabian floor pillows, double bed pillows and pillowcases. Send donations at the Ascentria Care Alliance at 11 Shattuck Street, Worcester by December 10.
Holiday gift tree: unaccompanied minor refugees: holiday gifts for unaccompanied minor refugee youths (over 15 years old) in the foster care program. Ask for Amazon or Visa gift cards, new winter jackets (male and female sizes), craft supplies (sketches, colored pencils, etc.) and sports equipment (football, jerseys, nets, etc.). Please send your donation to Ascentria's office at 11 Shattuck Street, Worcester by December 13.
Urgent need for blood donors
Red Cross Society of Central Massachusetts, USA | https://www.redcross.org/local/massachusetts
The Red Cross Society of Central Massachusetts is currently facing severe blood shortages. Hospital needs continue to exceed donations. Please visit www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to donate blood at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center at 381 Plantation St. An appointment is required.
Holiday donation: Worcester Housing Authority
Worcester Housing Authority | http://www.worcester-housing.com
The Family and Resident Services Department cooperates with various families, the disabled and the elderly. Various sizes of coats, boots, gloves and hats, and a gift card worth $25. Send the donation to 32, 2nd Avenue, Great Valley, Worcester by December 17th.
Girl Scout Committee Cookie Drop Helpers
Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts | http://www.gscwm.org
We are looking for some volunteers to help us hold the annual "Girl Scout Cookie Drop" event in a location in Worcester on January 8, 2022. Look for volunteers who can lift 3-5 lbs outdoors, unaffected by the weather, for several hours at a time.
The Vaccine Force is looking for volunteers to deploy in various environments from mobile units to small clinics and large vaccination points. Volunteers can perform various duties in the vaccination work. Licensed healthcare professionals can manage vaccines, monitor side effects of vaccinators, assist in vaccine preparation, and supervise student vaccinators. To register, please visit https://commed.umassmed.edu/vaccine-corps
Donation of supplies for youth activities: Tashan Botanical Garden
Tower Hill Botanical Garden | http://www.towerhillbg.org
Request for donations: craft supplies (pipe cleaner, pompon, gallon liquid glue, popsicle stick, washable and acrylic paint, fabric, embroidery hoop, pony beads, low-heat glue gun, hot glue stick, children's scissors); artificial flowers; Gardening tools (hand shovel, hand rake, children’s gardening gloves, small clay pots, Renee’s flower or herb seeds); storage boxes (large and small); children’s books on nature will be in Boyles by December 31 Donated to Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Hill Drive.
Preservationworcester | https://www.preservationworcester.org/
Protecting Worcester requires new laptops for employees and interns. For more information, please contact Deborah Packard (deborah.packard@preservationworcester.org).
South Worcester Neighborhood Center: Holiday Gifts for Teens
South Worcester Community Improvement Company | http://swnic.org
Required donations: holiday gifts for young people aged 14-17. Please send all donations to 47 Worcesterkamp Street by December 17.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Volunteers-Worcester
United Way of Central Massachusetts | http://www.unitedwaycm.org
Special volunteers are needed to provide free tax preparation for people with limited income. Help working families start saving, reduce debt, and invest in our community. Work with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. More details will be shared during registration
Screening time of the magic gift made by Studio Theatre Worcester in collaboration with the board game of the Latino Education Institute. Bring the board game to any show and get a $5 discount in the future Studio Theatre Worcester Productions!