‘Tis the season for giving, not just to our friends and family but also to those who need it most.
While we’re running around shopping and cooking and preparing for our families to arrive from across the country to celebrate the holidays, it can be easy to forget those who are in need.
Giving back doesn’t need to be hard or complicated. Here are seven easy ways that you can give back to the borough during this holiday season.
As the temperature starts to drop, there are lots of people who need coats to stay warm this winter. There are plenty of coat drive drop-off locations that will take new or gently worn coats through the borough, so click here to find a drop-off location near you!
Founded by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, Toys for Tots has been collecting toys since 1947. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to a Toys for Tots drop-off location and it will be given to a child in your area that may not have presents under the tree this year. Click here to find a Toys for Tots drop-off location near you.
The Queens Distance Runners are hosting their fourth annual Toy Drive for Queens Centers for Progress on Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This drive is paired with a 5-mile race and runners are asked to bring a toy that will be donated to the children of the QCP. Click here to register for the race. Half of the proceeds will go to Queens Centers for Progress.
Chances are you’re going to be at the mall anyway shopping for the perfect gift for someone you know, so why not pick up a new toy while you’re there and give it to the Queens Center Toy Drive? From now until Dec. 12, toys can be dropped off to Concierge, Level 3 at the mall, which will then be distributed to underprivileged children in the community.
Queens Center is partnering with Community Board 4 to run their very first coat drive. From now until Dec. 20, drop off your gently used or new coats to help serve families within the community. Coats can be dropped off at Queens Center at Concierge, Level 3 or at Queens Community Board 4, 46-11 104th St., Corona (Bell #5- 1st Floor).
6. Holiday Benefit for Homeless Animals
Pets need love too during this holiday season! Loving Touch Rescue is hosting an event to benefit shelter animals at North Church Queens in Flushing from 3 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10. Come by with the family and your pets and shop, eat and take pictures with Santa. All proceeds will go to benefit the shelter animals who only want a home for Christmas.
7. A Story of Astoria 2nd Annual Holiday Fundraiser
Honestly, the holiday season can be stressful, so you’re going to need some time to wind down after all of the shopping and visiting family. This event will get you into the holiday spirit with raffles, food and drinks and more. Best off all, proceeds from this event will go to charity, so while you’re having fun there will be some good coming out of it. This event is taking place on Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 7 to 11:30 p.m. at Studio Square (35-33 36th Street).
