We are so fortunate to have several organizations in the South Shore that are doing so much to take care of our most vulnerable populations, especially at the holidays. And if you are looking for an organization to support, we hope you’ll consider donating even a small amount to the ones we’ve listed here which include food pantries, homeless shelters, and children’s charities. During a year with so much hardship, helping out truly is the best way to feel the holiday spirit.
So keep reading for a list of more than 10 local charities and organizations that could use your support this holiday and year round.
Local Food Pantries
If you’ve watched the news, you’ve probably seen the long lines at food pantries and food banks as pandemic-related layoffs have affected so many families’ ability to afford groceries and basic necessities. At South Shore Staffing, we make a point to support our hometown food bank, the Canton Food Pantry. We recommend you do the same or do a quick search to locate the food pantry that is specific to your town.
But before you go shopping for food to donate, check with your town’s food pantry for the preferred way of donating. While many are happy to take your unexpired and unopened food donations, many prefer monetary donations because their purchasing power can make a dollar go so much further, and they have a better understanding of the types of foods their recipients want and need.
Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Another longtime organization that South Shore Staffing has been pleased to support, Father Bill’s & MainSpring works to end homelessness in the South Shore by providing both emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing to veterans, individuals, and families in need.
Photo: South Shore Staffing
For the holidays, Father Bill’s & MainSpring recommend you either make a monetary donation to their general fund, drop off gift cards that will be used by families to purchase holiday gifts and other necessary items, or shop their Amazon Holiday Wish List.
My Brother’s Keeper
An Easton-based ministry, My Brother’s Keeper is known for its popular annual Christmas tradition of having volunteers select and gift wrap items from its many donated items in its facility. However, with the pandemic, they have been unable to allow volunteers into the facility.
But that isn’t stopping them in their quest to serve over 3,000 families this Christmas! Along with an Adopt-a-Family drive that is wrapping up now, they are accepting monetary donations so that they can include $50 grocery store gift cards to every family they are serving at Christmas. You can also shop their Amazon page to help them fulfill wish lists.
Toys for Tots Area Chapters
Toys for Tots has been collecting toys for kids since the 1940’s, and a pandemic isn’t slowing them down this year. With only ten days until Christmas, they are asking for monetary donations so that they can make sure every child in need gets a new toy.
To donate to your local Toys for Tots chapter, simply select your county from the drop-down menu, and your dollars will stay right in your own community.
Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless Children’s Holiday Fund
Being homeless at the holidays can cause a lot of anxiety for children which is why we so appreciate the work of the Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless that provides toys, gifts, winter clothing, and food to families who need assistance at the holidays.
Rockland Holiday Magic
Providing Christmas gifts to those who need them in the Rockland, MA area, Rockland Holiday Magic consists of residents, teachers, and business leaders who want to help their community. They are currently accepting monetary donations to their dedicated fund.
Scituate Community Christmas
Helping both at the holidays and year-round, Scituate Community Christmas supports area families experiencing hardships at the holidays. They are accepting cash donations, as well as gift cards to local businesses for families to redeem themselves.
Interfaith Social Services’ Help for the Holidays
Though their “Adopt a Family” program is no longer available so close to the holidays, the Quincy-based Interfaith Social Services’ Help for the Holidays has a record-number of children in need this year. Therefore, they will be accepting monetary donations in any amount to provide holiday gifts to area kids.
And even more local charities
Though they may not have a specific holiday-related gift-or-fund drives, we think these local organizations are worthy of our support now or at any time of the year: the South Shore Habitat for Humanity, Cradles to Crayons, Schools on Wheels, and South Shore Elder Services Fund. From housing, baby and toddler needs, school supplies, and senior aid, there are organizations in the South Shore that do so much good to help people of all ages and backgrounds.
Please comment below if there are any local South Shore organizations you or your company supports.