We’re finally coming up on my last two winter holiday posts. Today it’s a quick post about various ways to donate gifts or money to folks in need.
SALVATION ARMY DELAWARE
Since we’re all about year-round giving at Active Adults I spend a good amount of time perusing the best opportunities and always appreciate coming upon a Web site for a non-profit organization that’s very well organized and simple to navigate. Top on the list this year is the Salvation Army Delaware site https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/eastern-pennsylvania/delaware-de/ which opens with this simple message:
“Every year, parents must choose between giving their children gifts or paying bills. Individuals facing poverty often spend the holidays without the warmth of a shared meal or even a support system. From gifts to meeting other basic needs, we aim to bring joy back into the season.”
That’s an important message because even though Delaware’s economy is booming, there are a lot of families who are struggling economically. I also like the site because it’s set up to serve those folks and people who want to help them with two prominent buttons.
Which means you have two ways to help – one, by sharing the site with friends and family over social media and encouraging them to spread the news to people who need help. Second, by providing whatever help you can.
Click on “I want to help” if you simply want to make a quick and easy donation. It’ll only take a minute or so.
Go back to the main page and you’ll see several ways that money is put to use when you click on buttons for New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties. You’ll then see how the Salvation Army offers assistance with rent, utilities and food pantry access for struggling families in each county. Each link also leads to more information about how the organization fights drug addiction, human trafficking and homelessness.
UNITED WAY OF DELAWARE’S WINTER WONDERLAND
This fine organization also offers simple ways to help. Its Winter Wonderland coat drive https://uwde.org/winterwonderland/ encourages folks to drop off new coats and toys to locations in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties, but also encourages you to donate $25, which pays for a new coat for school-aged kids.
This is the 4th year in a row that the United Way has held this event to meet a staggering need. Right now more than 35,000 kids in Delaware are living in shelters, foster care and homes where poverty is a daily struggle. This year the organization aims to provide 1,200 coats and 1,200 toys during the event.
TOYS FOR TOTS DELAWARE
I’m making this a simple list by concentrating on three organizations since there are many other ways to give through your church or community organizations. I’m also focusing on organizations with a track record. Toys for Tots continues to deliver in so many ways.
Visit https://www.toysfortots.org/find-your-local-chapter/ and you’ll see more than 50 places in New Castle, Kent and Sussex County where you can drop off a new unwrapped toy. You’ll also feel gratified knowing about the tremendous impact you’re making because the listing for each county shows how many children are helped each year. As an example, the Ocean View chapter delivered 7,759 toys to local kids in 2023 alone!