Palm Beach County Food Bank
What: This locally operated food bank partners with more than 100 hunger relief agencies to help people in our community. Every dollar donated translates to $6 worth of food.
How to help: Visit the website to make a donation.
Contact: 561/670-2518, pbcfoodbank.org
Spirit of Giving Network
What: Some 35 Palm Beach County nonprofit organizations participate in an effort to assist children and families in our area. Each winter, the network partners with the Junior League of Boca Raton for a holiday gift drive, providing presents for more than 4,500 children within the various organizations.
How to help: Hang tags—with gift wishes from children connected to nonprofits in the area—will be distributed at participating banks, hospitals, restaurants, schools and supermarkets in Boca Raton. Select one, and purchase the gift for that child. Cash and gift donations also are accepted; bring your gift to one of the many drop-off locations by Dec. 7.
Contact: 561/385-0144, or visit spiritofgivingnetwork.com for drop-off locations
The Giving Tree
What: The Giving Tree of Temple Beth El provides needy families, senior citizens and kids aging out of foster care with necessities throughout the year. During the holidays, the Giving Tree delivers specific need-based items, as well as toys and gifts, to some 2,000 children and seniors.
How to help: Donate clothing, furniture, toys and food.
Contact: 561/391-8900, or e-mail givingtreeboca@gmail.com
Family Promise
What: This interfaith charity organization provides shelter, food and life skills for homeless families in our area. Its unique program keeps struggling families together, while teaching them strategies to become self-sufficient.
How to help: Donate basic necessities (toothbrushes, clothing, shoes, Tylenol), as well as furniture, toys and Publix gift cards.
Contact: 561/265-3370, familypromisespbc.org
Boca Helping Hands
What: Boca Helping Hands provides hot meals and groceries to families, the elderly and anyone in need. The organization collects items year-round for meals, its pantry program and homeless kits.
How to help: Donate nonperishable food items to the Food Center at 1500 N.W. First Court.
Contact: 561/417-0913, or visit bocahelpinghands.org
Caridad Center
What: The center offers free health services to the uninsured, working poor families of Palm Beach County. Through education and outreach programs, the center delivers homework assistance, college scholarships and emergency services year-round to those in financial crisis.
How to help: Give cash, checks, stocks or make an online donation; also, inquire about the Adopt-A-Family program.
Contact: 561/737-6636, caridad.org
The American Association Of Caregiving Youth
What: This national, locally headquartered nonprofit strives to provide support services for more than 1.4 million children and young adults in the U.S. who care for injured, ill, elderly or disabled family members.
How to help: Monetary donations help young caregivers with school supplies, Internet access, respite services and in-home tutoring sessions.
Contact: 561/391-7401, aacy.org
The Salvation Army
What: This international movement aims to feed, clothe, comfort and care for people battling addiction, hunger and poverty. Every year, the Red Kettle Campaign begins right before Thanksgiving and lasts until Christmas Eve. Volunteers and paid workers throughout the county collect donations; 82 cents of every dollar goes to help the homeless, and families and senior citizens in need.
How to help: Donate to a red kettle, or become a volunteer.
Contact: 561/391-1344, salvationarmypalmbeachcounty.org
Toys For Tots
What: This national U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program collects gifts for underprivileged children. New, unwrapped toys collected during October, November and December will be distributed during Christmas to children throughout the community.
How to help: Bring an unwrapped toy (suggested price is around $10) to one of the drop-off locations throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties.
Contact: For local drop sites and information, visit toysfortots.org.
