The holiday season is the perfect time to give back, and Modesto offers many ways to help those in need. Here’s a guide to where you can donate or volunteer locally this holiday season.
1. Modesto Gospel Mission
- How to Help: Donate clothing, food, hygiene items, or funds. Volunteers are needed for meal service, holiday events, and other support.
- Impact: The Modesto Gospel Mission provides food, shelter, and rehabilitation services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Contact: Modesto Gospel Mission
2. United Samaritans Foundation
- How to Help: Donate non-perishable food items, volunteer to serve meals, or participate in holiday meal programs.
- Impact: This foundation operates mobile lunch programs and meal centers in Modesto and surrounding areas.
- Contact: United Samaritans Foundation
3. Salvation Army - Modesto Corps
- How to Help: Drop off gently used clothing, toys, and household items. Volunteers are needed for the annual Red Kettle Campaign and Christmas gift distribution.
- Impact: The Salvation Army provides food assistance, emergency shelter, and holiday gift drives for families in need.
- Contact: Salvation Army - Modesto Corps
4. Second Harvest of the Greater Valley
- How to Help: Donate funds or organize a food drive. Volunteers are also needed for food distribution events.
- Impact: Serving thousands of families in Stanislaus County, this food bank relies on volunteers and donations to provide food to those experiencing food insecurity.
- Contact: Second Harvest of the Greater Valley
5. Toys for Tots - Modesto
- How to Help: Donate new, unwrapped toys at various drop-off locations or volunteer with toy collection and distribution.
- Drop-off Locations:
- Modesto Fire Department Stations: Most stations throughout the city serve as drop-off points.
- Vintage Faire Mall: A central donation site, with easy access for holiday shoppers.
- Modesto Police Department: This location often hosts a large donation drive for Toys for Tots.
- Local Walmart Stores: Many have designated drop-off bins for toy donations.
- Impact: Toys for Tots collects toys for children who might otherwise go without gifts during the holidays.
- Contact: Toys for Tots Modesto
6. Community Tree
- How to Help: Visit the Modesto Community Tree to choose a tag with a child’s or family’s holiday wish. Purchase and drop off the requested items to bring joy to a local family.
- Location: The Community Tree is typically located at Vintage Faire Mall near the center court or guest services. Shoppers can select a tag and drop off their gifts at the designated location.
- Impact: The Community Tree program helps fulfill holiday wishes for children and families in need, creating a brighter holiday for those who may be struggling.
- Contact: Check with Vintage Faire Mall or their website for exact details.
7. The Giving Machine - Modesto
- How to Help: Through the Giving Machine, you can purchase essential items like food, clothing, or hygiene products for people in need. Items purchased through the machine are distributed to local and global charities.
- Location: The Giving Machine is located at Vintage Faire Mall, providing a convenient way for holiday shoppers to make a charitable impact.
- Impact: The Giving Machine supports various charities by offering a way to give directly and instantly. Each item purchased represents tangible support for families and individuals.
- Contact: For more information, visit The Giving Machine.
8. Family Promise of Greater Modesto
- How to Help: Donate essential items or volunteer for various family support activities.
- Impact: Family Promise assists families experiencing homelessness with temporary housing, meals, and other resources.
- Contact: Family Promise of Greater Modesto
- How to Help: DonorsChoose.org allows anyone to support public school teachers in need of classroom resources. By browsing the website, you can find specific classroom projects in need of funding and choose one to support. Donations can range from small contributions to fully funding a project.
- Impact: Since 2000, DonorsChoose.org has connected over 4 million people with classrooms in need across the U.S., supporting millions of students. Projects span a wide range of needs—from books and art supplies to technology and science equipment. The platform empowers teachers to provide enriching experiences and essential resources, especially in underfunded schools.
- Contact: You can reach DonorsChoose.org or you can check our monthly donorschoose.org Modesto teachers
Whether you’re donating items or offering your time, each act of kindness brings warmth and cheer to those in need throughout Modesto. Happy holidays!
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