There are so many great ways to give back this holiday season and all year long in the Palm Beaches.
We have options to volunteer for everyone – with the kids, from home, same day or making a commitment.
Our adopted family for 2021 is the Senecal Family. This year brought complicated insurance changes leaving gaps. Their 15 month old son has medical needs that are costly and time consuming. We have the opportunity to make this holiday special for them.
Here is the link to their wish list.
Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization
Would love the following:
- Gift cards to Michaels for art and crafting supplies for children and adult activities
- Gift cards to Target/Walmart for New Mom Welcome Baskets
- Volunteers to assist with our events (Annual Walk, Parities, Small Group Activities)
- Volunteers who speak fluent Spanish
Anne M. Dichele can be contacted for donations
Executive Director
561.752.3383
[email protected]
The Hands and Feet supports local children going into the foster care system.
They have sponsorships for this holiday season for Lutheran Group Home. Lutheran houses 40 teenagers in the foster care system right here in Loxahatchee. These teens are in a group home setting because they have been abandoned, neglected, or abused and removed from their homes and placed in the foster care system. Lutheran works hard to provide for these teenagers’ needs in their 11 homes. They are collecting the following NEW items: underwear sizes adult small-XL in mens and womens, socks, full size hygiene items, sleepwear such as athletic shorts, slippers, and pajamas in adult sizes XS-XL, Bath and Body Works lotions and soaps, and twin size bedding. All of these items can be dropped off to the main location in West Palm Beach by email at [email protected]
Holiday Gift Card Baskets for Children’s Home Society of Florida
Make the holidays a little brighter by creating gift card baskets for local families in need. This gesture bring so much joy but also empowers parents by allowing them to purchase presents for their children, enables young adults to shop for their most needed items, and creates memorable moments for the whole family to enjoy.
To get started, choose one or more of the baskets listed below. You can purchase the items on the suggested materials list or organize a supply drive within an organization or school. Materials must be in new condition. Once all of the supplies have been collected, assemble each basket using cellophane or clear gift bags so that CHS team members can identify a family in need based on the gift contents.
For additional details or to coordinate delivery to a CHS office or partner location, contact Julie Robinson at [email protected] or 561-618-2544. Community service hours are available.
Family Fun Night In
Finding time and positive activities that bring all family members together can be a challenge for many parents. Help make these happy memories but creating a family fun night in basket.
Suggested Materials:
- Dining gift card – Dominos, Pizza Hut, Uber Eats
- Gift basket
- Board games
- Puzzles
- Playing cards
- Popcorn and treats
- Fancy sodas
Family Fun Day Out
So many bonding activities are out of reach for our families because of cost. You can provide this special moment by making a family fun day out basket.
Suggested Materials:
- Activity gift card – Movie theater passes, local attraction tickets, sports game ticket voucher, dining gift card
- Gas gift card
- Gift basket, decorative box or bucket
- Snacks and drinks
Baby’s First Christmas
Being a new mom and dad is hard! The added stress of the holidays can make this challenge overwhelming. Celebrate this new bundle of joy while also helping families in need.
Suggested Materials:
- Walmart Gift Card
- Diaper bag or plastic bin
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Soft baby toys and books
On The Road
Whether they are looking to spend time out with friends or need help getting to work and school, many teens lack funds for gas or car maintenance. This little bit of independence is so important when empowering our youth and paving a successful path.
Suggested Materials:
- Gas and oil change gift cards
- Gift basket
- Road trip snacks
- Soda and water
- Car air freshener
- Hand sanitizer
Holiday Helper
Give a family everything they need to make the holidays special! These baskets will be given to parents and care givers in secret so they can decorate their homes and shop for the toys and games their kiddos are most looking forward to opening. Not only will they bring a smile to a child’s face but also empower parents who otherwise would not be able to provide these festivities.
Suggested Materials:
- Gift card to purchase toys for children
- Non-descriptive bag or container
- While this basket does not need the clear wrapping, please do not seal.
- Holiday decorations
- Warm socks or blanket
- Hot cocoa supplies
- Candy canes
Teen Gift Basket
It’s no secret that finding the perfect gift for a teen can be tricky! Our independent teens like versatile gifts allowing them to express their individuality and spend time with friends.
Best Gift Cards for Teens:
- Walmart
- Amazon
- Chic-Fil-A
- McDonalds
- Movie Passes
Best Gifts for Teens:
- Art supplies and sketch pad
- Headphones for gaming
- Make-up kit
- Sports equipment – basketball, football, etc
- Room decorations, blankets, pillows
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches is a wonderful organization that delivers meals to people who are homebound. Youngsters are welcome to join you for the 2 hour delivery route and you can take the opportunity to get to know the people on your route.
Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County is back at it – collecting new and gently used designer handbags for their Old Bags auction.
Old Bags Luncheon will be on Friday, February 11, 2022 this year at The Colony Hotel & Worth Avenue. Funds raised at this event go to strengthening individuals and families in Palm Beach County through behavioral health services and education.
If you have a handbag to offer this is the form to get going it.
Donating + supporting foster kids this holiday season by sending joy their way
AND you get the joy right back.
EACH HOLIDAY TIME DONATION goes directly to the purchase of a gift card, new toy, or new book for a child in the dependency court system here in Palm Beach County. These child victims of abuse and neglect, through no fault of their own, are spending the holidays without their family, loved ones, and familiar traditions. Your donations and gifts will bring JOY to them and show them, as a community, we LOVE and CARE for them.
IN CELEBRATION OF YOUR GIVING HEART, Speak Up for Kids PBC will send YOU a #RedEnvelope, featuring the story and pictures of children we support right here in Palm Beach County. A child who’s holiday YOU JUST made bright! SHARE + OPEN your #RedEnvelope at your special time of holiday celebrations, as a gift to YOUR HEART. This is your GIFT OF JOY, as you remember the impact that we can have here in our own community.
NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 9, WE ARE COLLECTING NEW TOYS, GIFT CARDS + BOOKS FOR OUR 1600+ CHILDREN IN THE PALM BEACH COUNTY DEPENDENCY COURT SYSTEM WHO NAVIGATE THIS SPECIAL SEASON WITHOUT THEIR FAMILY, THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN AS THEY ARE THE VICTIMS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT.
Contact us at [email protected] for more information about hosting a toy collection box or for your nearest drop off location.
Loggerhead
Consider adopting a turtle as a holiday gift this season.
Place of Hope – Bless a family with a meal.
Meals are needed daily. You can prepare or purchase a meal to feed 8 to 10 people, and can commit to delivering a meal once a week, once a month or any day you are able to do so. They ask that you would arrange drop off to the front office (Mon to Fri 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) They will rotate the meals to the cottages.
Please click the link below to select the date and cottage you would like to bless with a meal!
Adopt a Family
Adopt-A-Family is looking for Holiday Adopters to support our families during the holiday season as they work towards stability and self-sufficiency. You can provide tangible support to families who wouldn’t otherwise have the ability to afford holiday gifts in two ways:
1 – Donate money that will be used to purchase gift cards to give parents the joy of selecting holiday gifts for their children. Your donation will empower a family to select the items they need and want most.
OR
2 – Purchase gifts for each family member directly from their wish list.
For both options, we recommend a donation of $75-$100 per family member.
Sign up today by filling out the Holiday Adopter Donor Form. Email your completed donor form to [email protected]or fax to 561-253-1370. Our receipt of your completed donor form will be confirmation of your program participation. Family profiles matched to your donation preferences will be sent to you in November.
Holiday Adopter Program Flyer Form
Questions? Please call Maria Evangelista at 561-253-1361, ext. 1070 or email [email protected].
Backpacks.
Make blessings backpacks to pass out when you see people in need. You can keep in your car for when an opportunity arrises or head to a place you know they will be utilized (perhaps a local park?)
We like to include a toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, bottle of water, snacks, a sandwich, a note included from the kids.
Visit a fire station.
Have kids write thank you notes (especially if fire rescue have ever helped you) take a home meal by. Let the kids make cards or signs that say thank you for being the helpers.
Visit a nursing home.
Call first and ask the activities department when is the best time to come by for a visit.
We like to make cookies and just go chat. 100% guaranteed to make your day too!
Beach Cleanup.
Impromptu on your own or with Loggerhead Marine Life.
If you go on your own take a bag or bucket, a hat, and some gardening gloves and head out.
Help a furry friend.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue loves volunteers – walk the pups, give baths and more. Please email [email protected] for more information or questions.
The Mall at Wellington Green is giving you the opportunity to make a child’s Christmas memorable this holiday season and donate a gift to the Giving Tree. Donate new, unwrapped gifts to the Giving Tree located outside the Ice Palace near Starbucks. The Place of Hope Giving Tree will run November 27 – December 13.
The Angel tree run by the Salvation Army at the Gardens Mall will be on the lower level of Sears Court from 11/29 – 12/24.
General kindness.
Saying hello to people as you pass by. Smiling at others. Holding the door. Helping someone cross the street. Priceless and costs nothing.