10 places to give in Toronto this holiday

This is a guest post written by local Toronto mom and wonderful person, Rebecca Lee.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t need anything this holiday season. Sure, I’d appreciate a new duvet cover and I wouldn’t say no to a fancy mixer, but I don’t need these things. My kid has a list of things she would like for Christmas and as the only grandchild to both sets of grandparents, she’s bound to get most of what’s on her list, even as I protest that she’s not in need of anything.

My cupboards and fridge are full. I’m able to pay the rent each month and put gas in the car that gets us to work and school. I’ve never run out of tampons or diapers. I’ve never had to throw out anything I own because it was infested with bugs.

I am so lucky. I am so very lucky.

As someone who worked in the non-profit sector for almost 15 years, I know of people who cannot say the same. Around this time last year I helped a young mother sort through donated clothing to find sleepers that would fit her newborn. It’s not that she didn’t have sleepers for her baby; it’s that she didn’t have the money to wash the sleepers in the laundry basket.

Around this time of year, as we become inundated with commercials, I like to take some time to consider those people who wouldn’t receive a holiday gift if it weren’t for the work of an agency or organization. These agencies and organizations rely on donors, especially at this time a year, to bring joy to those who aren’t as lucky as some of us. Rather than give cash, there are a number of ways to donate that can help you – and your kids – think about the wish lists and needs of others.

1. The Shoebox Project distributes shoeboxes filled with items to women living in, or accessing, shelters and similar agencies. It’s as simple as finding a shoebox in your recycling bin and filling it with appropriately $50 of items. Some suggestions include TTC tokens, toiletries, and nut-free candies. To their list, I would also suggest a gift card to a juice or smoothie cafe (fresh vegetables and fruit are not often on the menu at shelters), and a pair of flip flops that can be used as shower shoes. The Shoebox Project happens across Canada and there is a likely a drop-off location close to you.

2. I’ve participated as a volunteer at the Toronto-based Santa Comes to Bay Street and it is pretty magical. Ahead of the holiday season, SCTBS contacts shelters and other agencies to ask for their clients’ wish lists. These wish lists get posted to their website and, once you set up an account, you can choose a person to shop for. Has your mom insisted that you stop buying gifts for her? Why not find a mom on the list that you can shop for instead? Ever wondered what teenagers really want to receive? Choose a 13-year old from the list and head to the stores with their wish list. You’ll then bring your gift to The Design Exchange on one special night; along with your purchase(s), volunteers will add more donated items – like new socks and a toothbrush – to the gift. Everything gets picked up that evening and transported to the shelters to be given out in time for the holidays.

3. Another way to shop for a specific person is to participate in the Toronto Children’s Aid Foundation Fill a Sleigh campaign. For those kids in the care of the Children’s Aid Foundation, or who have CAS supporting their family in some way, you can make their holiday season brighter by contributing a gift. The suggested price point for this is a bit high at $100, but you can ask co-workers and neighbours to join you in your efforts instead of participating in a gift exchange. I especially appreciate their suggestions for young adults, who may be leaving care and setting up their first home of their own.

4. If your kids have had the joy of checking out a stack of books from your local library, think about the kids that can’t get to a library because they’re at the Hospital for Sick Children. Sick Kids maintains their own library filled with new donated books and you can help add to their collection. The next time your kid thrusts a book order form into your hands, order a book to donate for every book you purchase for your own family.

5. In the same way, as you pick up stocking stuffers, buy extras to contribute to Sick Kids treasure boxes. If you’ve ever had to “bribe encourage” your child to cooperate with the doctor, you can imagine how useful a treasure box of toys can be to a parent who has a child receiving treatment at Sick Kids.

6. Not interested in shopping? Want to just pull out your credit card and donate online? Awesome! Charities need cash too! Charities need to pay staff, have working computers and pay the rent, just like any business. Visit www.canadahelps.org to find a charity. Love ferrets? There are seven ferret-related charities in Canada that could use your donation. You can also check out www.charityfocus.ca if you want to see how that charity uses their funds.

7. There are easily 100 other ways to make someone’s life a little bit brighter this season. Donate a toy to a toy drive.

8. Go grocery shopping for a food bank.

9. Take some wool socks, warm gloves and some tampons to your local drop-in.

10. Buy an extra box of diapers for your local shelter.

As the holidays wrap up, your home might be empty of new ‘stuff’, but your heart will be full.

Rebecca Lee lives in Parkdale with her 9-year old kid. This year they’ll be supporting The Shoebox Project and The Parkdale Food Bank in lieu of buying gifts for family members.