Local Charity Project Roundup
“I’d like a one-stop shopping list of all the places that I could donate locally to Christmas projects. And preferably contact people or places. Thank you kindly.”
That’s the email that I got from my sister last year.
I was able to list off a few ideas of family projects to do this holiday season. Then, I realized that if she has this question, others might, too!
There is no greater lesson than having your kids participate in a family charity project. Teach your kids that Christmas is not all about getting, but giving to others as well.
Consider doing small acts of kindness each day on the lead up to Christmas. We did this last year and will definitely do it again this year.
There is a sample calendar that you can up load here.
It is always worth checking ahead with the organization to see what they most need, as things change over time.
List of Local Charity Roundups – 2019
Adopt an Animal
Adopt a Whale – Brier Island whales can be adopted. Pick the whale you would like to support and you will receive an information package.
Adopt a Turtle – At the Mersey Tobiatic Research Centre near Keji, you can adopt a turtle. Kits are to support research and monitoring of the endangered Blanding’s turtle in Nova Scotia.
Or, you can adopt a turtle through the Clean Annapolis River Project.
Angel Trees
Salvation Army: The County Fair Mall in New Minas, has an angel tree sponsored by the Salvation Army. It will run from Dec 7th-Dec 23nd.
The Greenwood Mall has a Tree of Helping Hands starting Dec.1st. Take a tag off the tree. It lists a Christmas present to buy for a child in need. Buy it, and put it under the tree with the tag attached.
Trees of Hope can be found in many locations, and can vary a bit from year to year. Windsor Home Hardware, Swinamer’s Home Building,
Animal Shelters
Animal shelters have lists of needs ranging from pet food to paper towel, vinegar, bleach, and kitty litter. Contact each shelter directly for their list of needs
CAPS Wish List
Kings County SPCA Wish List
Wolfville Animal Shelter Wish List
Camp Brigadoon
Camp Brigadoon on Aylesford Lake – always has a wish list. One year, our book club collected gently used children’s board games for the cabins at the camp.
Chrysalis House
Chrysalis House – shelter for women, based in Kentville, has a wish list. These range from household items to personal care items.
Churches
Contact a church near you to find out what charitable projects are happening. Many churches collect food, clothing, or make hampers for families in need. You may also be able to sponsor a family in need through a local church.
Coats for kids
There are several places in the Valley that will collect coats for kids. Drop them at Vail’s Dry-cleaning in New Minas or at any Sleep Country location for their Give a Kid a Coat program. (there is one in New Minas).
Food bank
As with any time of the year, the food banks always need donations of non-perishable food items. They will often take toys and books, too. Always ask first. Find a food bank near you.
Hants County Christmas Angels
DO YOU WANT TO HELP? There are four ways to donate
1. Sponsor a child’s wish for a toy or an entire family
2. Donate a new un-wrapped toy at the toy drive sponsors Rose Realty or Chuck Porter’s office or Kent in Windsor
3. Donate at www.christmasangels.ca
4. Donate your time as they need many volunteers
Kaleidoscope New Minas
Kaleidoscope New Minas is a program being developed by parents and volunteers to create social and recreation opportunities for adults with special needs.
As you prepare for the upcoming holidays, keep Kaleidoscope New Minas in mind before you toss away the “junk” that easily hides in the closet, the craft room, or the playroom.
They are looking for a few things so they can offer choices to the participants. Needed donations include books, puzzles, craft supplies and more. See their wish list.
All donations go directly to Valley kids and their families through the Kids Action Program.
Join us at the K-Rock on Santa’s Little Helpers Day, Thursday December 12 from 6 am – 6 pm for a full day of giving and Christmas spirit where you can make your donation live in our studio!
What to donate: Toys, clothing, household goods, and cash donations to make the season bright for kids and their families.
The Kings County Family Resource Centre supports families throughout Kings County. We always appreciate any donations. The centre is located at 503A Main Street Kentville (in the basement of the Baptist church. We have things on hand to give away on a regular bases. For more information feel free to call 902-678-5760.
During the Christmas season we can always use
Diapers of all sizes
Formula all brands
Baby Wipes
Printer Paper
Pens
Play Dough
Children’s craft supplies: paint, glue, pom poms, construction paper, etc…
Thank you cards
Winter Hats, mittens, scarves
Blankets
Adopt a bit of Nova Scotia wildlife or a plot of nature. There is a catalogue with a variety of price points.
Open Arms Shelter
Open Arms shelter – Located in Downtown Kentville, Open Arms always appreciates donations.
Open Arms takes clothing and stores some for emergency needs and does a giveaway once a month.
Also needed:
Socks and underwear
Toiletries
Please drop off donations at Open Arms at 32 Cornwallis St. Kentville
Schools
Our schools always have needs. Contact the main office of a school near you to find out what is on their wish list. Donations to the school breakfast programs are always appreciated (anything nut-free, and low sugar). Often the resource departments have needs like socks, underwear and lice kits.
You may also be able to sponsor a family in need directly through the school.
Santas for Seniors, Annapolis Valley
The goal of the Santas for Seniors program is to spread happiness during the Holiday season! Local seniors’ homes have sent wish lists from residents who may not receive gifts for Christmas. These seniors are available for community members to “adopt”!
Stockings were Hung
A community fundraiser collecting items to fill stockings to donate to local youth for Christmas. More details here
Valley Regional Hospital
Through our book club, we have done a lot of donation projects for the hospital. To find out what is needed most, contact the main desk to speak to someone there. Or, contact the Valley Regional Foundation office.
Here is what we have donated in the past:
Sleepers (newborn, preemie or 0-3 month sizes)
Band-Aids for kids – ones with cool characters or colours on them. These are given to kids when they come in for blood work.
Colouring Books – these are also given to kids who come in for blood work or other procedures
Toothbrushes and mini Tooth Paste – if people have to stay unexpectedly in the hospital, these are the items that get requested the most.
What other places do you know of? Let’s keep this list growing!
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