Christmas Giving Ideas for Charities

Whether it’s a long-standing family tradition to give to charity at the holidays, or you’re interested in starting a new tradition this year, there are many ways you can give to charity at the holidays and many worthy charities to which you can donate.

Charity Christmas Giving: What You Can Donate

Volunteer your Time

Because there’s an increased need for many services around the holidays, there’s also an increased need for volunteers to distribute those services. From packing food for pantries to sorting clothing donations for those in need, giving your time is a valuable way to help.

Clothing

Cold weather clothing is in high demand at shelters and other organizations throughout the winter months. Donations of clean, gently-used clothing such as coats, snow pants, boots, socks, mittens, and hats are always greatly appreciated.

Toys

Many families with children struggle around the holidays to afford the toys their kids want. There are multiple organizations as well as churches that would love to receive your toy donations at this time to make a child’s holiday wish come true.

Food

Food donations to food banks, food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens are a wonderful way to support those in the community who are in need.

Gift Cards

Many organizations accept gift card donations to be distributed to those in need. Gift cards from grocery stores, major retailers, online marketplaces, and even general use gift cards such as Visa or Mastercard can make someone’s holiday extra special.

Gift baskets

Gift baskets filled with non-perishable food items, personal hygiene items like shampoos, soaps, and deodorant, baby supplies like formula, diapers, bibs, and wipes, toys, books, or cleaning supplies make great gift baskets.

Donate Blood

Blood donations are needed year round, but are especially in short supply around the holidays. Fewer donors, inclement weather, and a greater need are excellent reasons to give blood at this time of year.

Charities for Christmas Giving

There’s no shortage of worthy, well established charities for Christmas giving that would welcome your donations. They include:

Greater Chicago Food Depository. You can make a one-time cash donation or a donation on an on-going basis, as well as tribute and memorial gifts, or donations of stocks. You can also volunteer your time to the Greater Chicago Food Depository or donate food to one of their hundreds of community partners. Many companies offer employer-sponsored matching gift programs at holiday time or hold virtual food drives to give to those in need. Greater Chicago Food Depository addresses food insecurity, distributes food throughout the community, offers mobile food programs, operates child and senior nutrition programs, assists with SNAP enrollment, job training and workforce development, health and wellness programs, and more.
Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys for distribution to children and families in need. There is often a shortage of donations specifically intended for tweens and teens which is something to keep in mind when you’re donating.
Goodwill Industries. Goodwill Industries accepts donations of clothing, furniture, and electronics to help those in need with job training, employment placement, youth services, and veteran services. You can also volunteer your time at Goodwill.
The Red Cross. You can donate blood, cash, stocks, airline miles, vehicles, hotel points, one-time donations or ongoing monthly donations to the organization. The Red Cross helps with disaster relief, blood donations, and other emergency needs around the world.
St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St Jude’s accepts one-time or ongoing cash donations, gift cards, vehicles, memorial donations, honor donations, employer-sponsored matching gifts, and retirement account donations. They provide free medical care to children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
National Breast Cancer Foundation. You can donate one-time or ongoing cash donations, honor or memorial donations, and gift baskets to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Donations support programs aimed at breast cancer education, prevention, early detection, and patient support.
Local Shelters and Food Pantries. Local shelters for the unhoused and food pantries will usually accept cash, gift cards, gift baskets, non-perishable food items, personal care and hygiene products, clothing, household items, school supplies, and cleaning supplies.

Why Are Holiday Charity Donations Critical?

Giving to nonprofit organizations and charities is important year-round, but it’s especially critical during the holiday season for a number of reasons:

Increased need during the holidays.
In many parts of the world, harsh, cold weather increases vulnerability.
It provides emotional and mental health support for those struggling with hunger, poverty, or homelessness.
Support for families with children who may be facing financial hardship or illness.
Spreading joy throughout the world with generosity, kindness, and compassion.

A group of food pantry volunteers packing apples

Holiday Season Giving to the Greater Chicago Food Depository

It’s easy to donate to the Greater Chicago Food Depository to help end hunger and food insecurity throughout Chicago and Cook County. And if you are in need of assistance, we’re here to help.

Make a Donation

Chicago and Cook County Hunger Statistics

1 in 4 children in Cook County are at risk of hunger.

The presence of hunger among our neighbors affects us all and diminishes hope. Even one person experiencing hunger is too many.

If you need food, we can help

76.4 M

meals provided across all of our food programs during our 2023 fiscal year

1.9 M

households served by our network of free grocery partners during our 2023 fiscal year

17000

public benefits applications submitted on behalf of our neighbors since 2020

Our Story

How We’re Helping End Hunger in Chicago

The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago’s food bank, started with one purpose – to nourish our neighbors at risk of hunger. And as the needs of our neighbors have evolved, so have we.

Our work against hunger and for food equity has expanded to address the issues that cause food insecurity, poverty, and hunger. To achieve our mission, we work in partnership with a network of community-based organizations and individuals. Together, we connect our neighbors with healthy food, lift our voices and advance solutions that address the root causes of hunger – poverty, systemic inequity, and structural racism. Together, we are greater. Together, we can end hunger.

A group of neighbors gathered together at a food bank.

Together We Are Greater