Spread Holiday Cheer in Memphis: Join Local Gift and Food Drives!
The holiday season is in full swing here in the vibrant city of Memphis, and there’s no better time to roll up your sleeves and lend a hand to our community! Many wonderful organizations are looking for your support to brighten the festivities for families in need. Whether it’s toys, warm clothing, or delicious meals, there are plenty of ways you can make a difference. Let’s dive into the many local drives that are working to sprinkle a little extra magic this December!
1. Chuck Hutton Toyota’s Winter Drive
Running until December 13, you can help bring joy to furry friends as well as families this holiday season! Chuck Hutton Toyota, inspired by their adorable mascot Taco, is collecting toys, treats, and cozy blankets for the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County. Drop-off locations include Chuck Hutton Toyota, all Mempops locations, and Mid-South Hobbies. Let’s make sure our four-legged buddies feel the love!
2. One by One Ministries’ Christmas Blessing Day
Another amazing initiative wraps up December 5. One by One Ministries is seeking $25 Walmart gift cards, household items, and new or gently used baby clothing to help new moms in our community. Your donations will allow these moms to “shop” on Christmas Blessing Day, making their holiday season much brighter.
3. DeNeuville Learning Center Funding Campaign
Also closing on December 5, the DeNeuville Learning Center is raising funds for toys and Kroger gift cards for enrolled mothers. Donations can be made online, and the educational programs they provide help empower women in need.
4. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Wishlists
You can bring joy to families at St. Jude by donating gifts directly from a provided wishlist, ensuring that they’ll arrive on campus in time for the holidays. No need to worry about delivery, as gifts shipped from online orders go straight to the hospital!
5. Forrest Spence Fund Holiday Toy Collection
Through December 12, the Forrest Spence Fund is collecting unwrapped toys and gift cards for kids spending Christmas in the hospital. Check out their website for helpful wish lists organized by age group!
6. Memphis Family Connection Center’s Red Tub Day
Don’t miss out on this heartwarming event! The annual Red Tub Day is happening, where over 1,000 children in foster care will receive holiday gifts. Donations are accepted until December 8, and you can choose to fill a tub with gifts or contribute monetarily to further support these children throughout the year.
7. Meritan Senior Holiday Gifts
Let’s not forget our senior citizens! Meritan is inviting you to adopt a “Silver Bell” and provide gifts of clothing, books, toiletries, and more. The drop-off locations are available throughout December.
8. Porter-Leath Toy Truck Drive
For more than 20 years, Porter-Leath has collected gifts for thousands of children through their Toy Truck Drive. Donations of new, unwrapped toys are welcomed all December long, and every dollar you donate is matched to double your impact!
9. Salvation Army Memphis Angel Tree
Since 1979, the Angel Tree program has been a cherished holiday tradition. Choose an angel to buy the perfect gifts for a child or senior adult. You can find your angel at various locations across Memphis or adopt one online!
10. MIFA Meals on Wheels Holiday Deliveries
MIFA has been delivering special holiday meals to 1,200 seniors in need. If you want to roll up your sleeves, consider volunteering to deliver hot meals and gifts on December 21!
11. Agape Child and Family Services’ Student Wishlist
Agape is offering a chance for you to adopt a student’s wishlist! This is a wonderful opportunity to provide gifts for Pre-K to 12th-grade students. Reach out via Facebook for details.
12. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis
The clubs are on a mission to ensure every young member receives a holiday gift. With drop-off boxes spread throughout the city, bringing joy to our kids has never been easier!
13. Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees
For something a little different, consider visiting the beloved Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees at the Museum of Science and History. This fantastic event supports Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and has become a treasured family tradition!
These organizations are creating incredible waves of goodwill in Memphis this holiday season, and your participation can help transform lives. Every act of kindness, whether big or small, contributes to making someone’s holiday a bit brighter. Let’s come together and share the spirit of giving in our beautiful city!
