NOVEMBER 2026 10 By AJ Stone Donation drives offer a way to support neighbors and others who may be struggling this holiday season. Throughout the Valley, opportunities exist to donate time, money, food, and gifts to underserved populations and neighbors in need. Below are a few organizations providing ways to contribute. SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS UCC 5524 E. Lafayette Blvd., Phoenix sohucc.org This Arcadia-area congregation supports Nourish Phoenix. In November, they are collecting new, unwrapped toys for Santa’s Workshop, which provides gifts for children in need. In December, the church is collecting new and gently used blankets to support underprivileged neighbors. In addition, hygiene items, clothing, and small household items can be dropped off at the donation box under the front patio. ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. 56th St., Phoenix ststephens.org St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is looking for donations for its Thanksgiving Giveaway. Donors are asked to drop off shelf-stable food and cash donations. For the Christmas Giveaway, warm winter clothing donations are requested. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX 4633 N. 54th St., Phoenix christchildphx.org The all-volunteer Christ Child Society is organizing a Christmas Giving Toy Drive for Catholic Charities foster children between the ages of three and 15. To donate, take unwrapped, labeled gifts to the St. Pope John Paul II Building at Mount Claret Retreat Center between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on December 3. For ten and above, gift cards of $25 or more are recommended. ST. MARY’S FOOD BANK 2831 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix stmarysfoodbank.org On Saturday, November 7, the Esplanade will host Phoenix’s largest communal dining table, featuring family-style meals crafted by James Beard-nominated chefs Roberto Centeno, Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin. Proceeds will benefit St. Mary’s Food Bank. Tickets are $500 per person. MDSkin is collecting canned goods and nonperishable foods at its Valley locations to help stock the food bank’s shelves ahead of the holidays. Those donating five or more cans will receive an entry for a chance to win three microneedling treatments. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL 420 W. Watkins Road, Phoenix stvincentdepaul.net St. Vincent de Paul volunteers can assist in kitchens, dining rooms and food banks. Ahead of Turkey Tuesday on November 24, Arizonans can donate frozen turkeys at Basha’s or Food City locations or organize their own turkey giveaways. With food assistance needs rising, SVdP hopes to collect 500,000 pounds of nonperishable food. Community members can also sponsor holiday families, with gifts due by December 23. PARADISE VALLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4455 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley pvumc.org/events PVUMC invites holiday shoppers to its annual Christmas Bazaar and Craft Fair on November 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring handmade crafts, goodies, entertainment, a silent auction and door prizes, the event also benefits nonprofits through a portion of its proceeds. Through November 18, the church is also seeking sponsors to adopt children, from infants to teens, and seniors for the holidays. After registering online, sponsors receive wish lists and are asked to provide two gifts per recipient by November 16. PHOENIX RESCUE MISSION 2515 N. 34th Dr., Phoenix phoenixrescuemission.org Phoenix Rescue Mission is collecting donations for its annual Fill-A-Bag drive. Thanksgiving needs include canned fruits and vegetables, gravy, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and turkeys. For Christmas, the mission anticipates distributing more than 2,000 meal and gift bags and welcomes new, unwrapped toys, wrapping paper and gifts for children through age 18. Sports equipment, books, journals, puzzles and board games are among the suggested donations. FEEDING STUDENTS USA 3641 N. 56th St., Phoenix feedingstudentsusa.org On the Prince of Peace campus, the Feeding Students USA pantry supports working families who “fall through the cracks of public aid.” Now through November 16, Prince of Peace is collecting boxed stuffing, canned goods, and shelf-stable sides to assemble Thanksgiving meals for those in need this holiday season. MDSKIN LOUNGE 4455 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix mdskinlounge.com MDSkin is also partnering with Toys for Tots to spread holiday cheer to children in need. From November 2 through November 20, all locations across the Valley will collect toy donations to help make the season brighter. For every two toys donated, participants will receive an entry to win a full Botox treatment of up to 100 units. A minimum of two toys is required to enter. HOMELESS YOUTH CONNECTION 9100 N. 2nd St., Phoenix hycaz.org Homeless Youth Connection supports young people ages 13 to 21 through its Holiday Magic Starts Now! campaign. Because many recipients have limited space, small gifts and gift cards of $25 or more are encouraged. Suggested donations include Walmart, Target, grocery store, restaurant or Visa gift cards, along with practical treats like beef sticks, granola bars, gum, candy and card games packaged in an 8-by-10- inch gift bag. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Eastside Baptist Church 2828 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix samaritanspurse.org Samaritan’s Purse invites families to participate in Operation Christmas Child, a holiday initiative that delivers shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies and personal care items to children in need. National Collection Week runs from November 16-23, with drop-off locations throughout Arizona. Participants should label boxes by the recipient’s gender and age range. ARMER FOUNDATION FOR KIDS 11022 S. 51st St., Suite 200, Phoenix armerfoundation.org The Armer Foundation for Kids helps families manage the financial burdens of caring for children with serious medical conditions. The nonprofit hopes to collect more than 9,000 toys for its annual Holiday Toy Drive, benefiting patients at Banner Children’s Hospital. Suggested donations include socks and blankets, pajamas, hair accessories, coloring books, crayons and art supplies, puzzles, books, games, stuffed animals and other comfort items, as well as gifts and activities suitable for teenagers. Donations are due by December 18. HARVEST COMPASSION CENTER 4744 E. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix harvestcompassioncenter.org Harvest Compassion Center provides food, clothing, hygiene products and baby supplies to families in need through donations and volunteers. Its Holiday Toy Drive is accepting donations through December 23, building on last year’s effort that brought holiday joy to more than 5,500 children. Those interested in volunteering can also apply online, with the Maryvale and West Phoenix locations currently seeking additional help. ARIZONA CANCER FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN 7010 E. Cochise Road, Scottsdale azcancerfoundation.org Arizona Cancer Foundation will host a drive on December 1, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Wine Girl in Scottsdale. Families can enjoy a festive pantry drive featuring Santa photos, cookies, cocoa, and holiday crafts. Guests are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys and pantry items to donate. HOPE WOMEN’S CENTER 1640 E. McDowell Road., Phoenix hopewomenscenter.org Hope Women’s Center hosts annual Christmas Boutiques where women who participate in its classes can use earned points to shop for holiday gifts for their families. The program empowers women to choose meaningful presents for their loved ones. Community members and businesses can support the initiative by donating clothing, toys, holiday supplies and other items to help stock the boutiques for the season. THE FOSTER ALLIANCE 3110 E. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix thefosteralliance.org The Foster Alliance supports children entering the foster care system by providing essentials such as backpacks, birthday bags, bedding and toys. This holiday season, the organization invites the community to support its Fill Santa’s Sleigh event on December 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Scottsdale Quarter. Guests can enjoy live music by Pete Pancrazi, hot chocolate and treats while spreading holiday cheer. DUET 10000 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix duetaz.org Duet is collecting new toys and gift cards for grandfamilies. Donations can be dropped on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 5. Community members can also contribute through Duet’s Amazon Wishlist, which is available on the website. PHOENIX CHILDREN’S 1920 E. Cambridge Ave., Phoenix givetopch.org Help bring holiday cheer to hospitalized children through Phoenix Children’s Toyland. From December 10-20, donate new, unwrapped toys from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. ARIZONA’S CHILDREN ASSOCIATION 4524 N. Maryvale Pkwy., Phoenix arizonaschildren.org Arizona’s Children Association’s annual Gifts of Hope campaign supports children, young adults and families facing financial hardships. Community members can sponsor a child or sibling group, organize a gift drive, make a financial contribution or shop the campaign’s Amazon Wish List. WASTE NOT Thanksgiving meal donation campaign wastenotaz.org Waste Not is partnering with On the Road Meals and Aioli Burgers to provide Thanksgiving meals to Arizona families. Each $3.50 donation funds one meal prepared and delivered through Waste Not. How you can help others this holiday season

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