'tis the season of giving: places to donate TO DuRING THE HOLIDAYS

12/17/2022

(an older version of this article was published during the 2021-2022 school year)

The warmth and joy from exchanging thoughtful presents is something that everyone should have the chance to feel. Unfortunately, presents—even the most basic necessities and connections to community—are inaccessible to many people who experience poverty, abuse, and isolation.

Students at the York School, who have been taught to “Take a Stand, Lend a Hand”, have shown their steadfast commitment to service through their contributions to the New Circles Clothing Drive and all our community service initiatives. We encourage students to continue showing initiative and generosity over the break, through helping our community in Toronto, across Canada, and all over the world.

Below are some places to donate to during the holiday season so that we can support our local community throughout the winter break.

HOLIDAY HELPERS

Children, no matter what financial situation they are in, should get to experience the joy of receiving presents; however, for low-income families, buying presents often comes at the expense of affording necessities. Holiday Helpers finds a solution to this problem through their family sponsorship system, where strangers with money to donate can purchase items on the wish list of a family in the GTA or Hamilton and drop them off at a designated centre to be given to the family. Direct monetary donations are also allowed, and received through the website; volunteering is also an option to help. Grocery gift cards, winter appliances, and warm clothing are also included in the donation kits.

For more information, go to: https://holidayhelpers.org/

STAY GOLD

Though the holiday season is supposed to be a time that brings families and communities together, many seniors are isolated while living in care homes. Stay Gold sends handmade cards to care home residents in Ontario’s Windsor-Essex area, as well as care packages made either by the contributors themselves, or through the help of donations that go to buying their contents. The cards can be mailed to their P.O. box, found on the website, while monetary donations can be made online and care packages delivered through mail, or directly in person.

For more information, go to: https://staygoldsociety.org/

THE SHOEBOX PROJECT

The Shoebox Project allows donors to contribute to homeless women all across Canada, the United States, and the U.K. from the comfort of one’s own home. One can craft a care package for a recipient using the website, which allows the recipient to select what they would like to give them from a series of hygiene essentials, warm accessories, gift cards, and cosmetics. At the end, the donor “gives” the gift through paying for the items selected; the items are then purchased by The Shoebox Project and given to the recipient. The website also allows for direct monetary donations. The gifts from The Shoebox Project are practical for both the donor and recipient, and provide encouragement and hope in the midst of misfortune.

For more information, go to: https://shoeboxproject.webflow.io/virtual/ca-en/home

ERNESTINE'S

Ernestine’s provides shelter and support systems for women and children experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Contributors are encouraged to run their own fundraising campaigns to collect goods that women who are fleeing abuse and violence require in large quantities, such as clothing, kitchen utensils, hygiene supplies, and technology. Families currently staying at the shelters can be sponsored through helping them purchase what is on their wish lists. Monetary donations can also be given through the website of Ernestine’s.

For more information, go to: https://ernestines.ca/how-to-help/donations/holiday-giving/

SANCTUARY

A shelter for the homeless and marginally housed, Sanctuary is as in need of the support of donors from around Toronto during the winter season as it is all year round. During the cold winter season, Sanctuary seeks winter supplies - coats, hats, gloves, and more - for its recipients, along with other needs like cellphones, backpacks, and tents; the specific list can be found under “get involved” on its website. Monetary donations are also encouraged, being the main source of funding that Sanctuary operates with. Volunteering and advocacy are also helpful in furthering the objectives of Sanctuary, which seeks to empower the marginalized by giving them opportunities and connections with others.

For more information, go to: https://www.sanctuarytoronto.org/visit

Although we may be leaving the York School for this winter break, the spirit of community service should not leave us. Consider giving to a good cause this holiday season.

To find charities and mutual aid initiatives within Toronto, go to Toronto.ca, Local Love, and Now Toronto.

To find charities and mutual aid initiatives within Canada, go to Canada Helps.

To find charities and mutual aid initiatives around the world, go to Charity Navigator, Global Giving, and Charity Intelligence.

Written by: Grace Liang