7 Ways You Can Give Back this Christmas Season
The Christmas shopping season is upon us, and while many of us are frantically looking for gifts to give to our loved ones, or writing up wish lists of our own, it’s important to take a minute to remember those who are less fortunate.
There are many homeless families, children, and veterans in Ohio who need food, housing, and care this holiday season. Volunteers of America has programs designed to help those in need have a Merry Christmas. Here’s how you can help:
1. Make donations
If you’d like to help, you can make a donation to give Ohio families, children and veterans a brighter holiday season. You can donate money, or help fill our Christmas Food Baskets by donating food. Additionally, you can participate in our Holiday Housewarming program by donating basic household items to help individuals who are transitioning out of emergency shelters and into their own homes and apartments.
2. Visit Us
If you’d like to see our residential programs for homeless veterans, feel free to schedule a tour today. We’ll demonstrate how our efforts to end homelessness are changing lives in all of the Ohio communities we serve.
3. Donate clothes and blankets
During the winter season, homeless and at-risk families need blankets, coats, gloves, socks, hats and scarves to stay warm. If you’d like to collect these items for those in need within your community, you can give the gift of warmth by holding your own donation drive.
4. Give gifts and toys
Every year, many families find themselves unexpectedly homeless and in need of shelter and care. While we can offer them housing and supportive programs, you can make their holidays a little more cheerful by donating to Santa's Workshop. Your gifts will let our families know that they haven’t been forgotten this Christmas season.
5. Adopt a family
Many at-risk or homeless families need to reserve their resources for basic needs like food, shelter, and transportation, and, as a result, aren’t able to enjoy any gifts during the holiday season. However, you can play Santa and help fulfill Christmas wishes by sponsoring a family in need. You can donate toys, gifts, and clothing to make their Christmas wishes come true.
6. Create your own donation idea
If you have your own idea for a food drive, donation program, or volunteer service, let us know! Arrange the details by contacting Nicole Knowlton at nicole.knowlton@voago.org.
7. Donate your car
If you have a vehicle that’s just sitting outside or in storage, and want to help Ohio’s homeless families this Christmas, donate it to Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana. We’ll arrange free same-day towing, and we’ll take almost anything with a motor, including boats, RVs, tractors and motorcycles. What’s more, you might even end up making more off of your vehicle as a tax-deductible donation than you would from selling it privately.
Your donations will help families, children, and veterans have a happier holiday in all of the Ohio and Indiana communities we serve.
If you have any questions, contact the Car Donation and Auction Office at 614-870-7511, or fill out the car donation form.