This is a season of giving and the perfect time to extend a helping hand to those in need. We reached out to local nonprofits to find out what kind of donated items would be most useful. Consider adding a few to your shopping list to help make the holidays a little brighter for others.
Assistance League of St. Louis
Mission: To identify, develop and fund programs serving specific needs of children and adults in our community
Items needed: New or gently used children’s books, toiletries, items for the Fantastic Finds resale shop
Drop location: 12778 Olive Blvd., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 30 Henry Ave. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Contact: 636.227.6200, alstl.org
Circle of Concern Food Pantry
Mission: To feed the hungry and provide assistance to low-income families living in our community
Items needed: Feminine personal care products, moisturizing shampoo, women’s incontinence products
Drop location: 112 St. Louis Ave.
Contact: 636.861.2623, circleofconcern.org
City Academy
Mission: To offer an exceptional education with bold expectations, leading to community transformation
Items needed: New books for ages 3 to 12
Drop location: 4175 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Contact: 314.382.0085, cityacademystl.org
Confluence Academies
Mission: To provide the highest quality pre-collegiate education to students in pre-kindergarten through high school
Items needed: Drum sets, books for elementary-aged readers, school supplies
Drop location: 611 N. 10th St.; pickup can be arranged.
Contact: 314.588.8554
Craft Alliance
Mission: To nurture and inspire creativity and engagement by educating and enriching our community through contemporary craft
Items needed: Handmade or purchased knit or crochet cold weather items (hats, scarves, gloves, socks)
Drop location: 5080 Delmar Blvd. through Dec. 16
Contact: 314.725.1177, craftalliance.org
Gateway Pet Guardians
Mission: To champion a thriving pet welfare community in East St. Louis, Cahokia Heights and Fairmont City by providing affordable and accessible resources
Items needed: Dog food, cat food, paper towels
Drop location: 725 N. 15th Street, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-noon Sat.
Contact: 618.687.8007, gatewaypets.org
Friends of Kids with Cancer
Mission: To enrich the daily lives of children in treatment for and survivors of cancer and blood-related diseases
Items needed: Toys for ages newborn to 18, small increment gift cards, tickets to events and outings
Drop location: 16 Sunnen Drive, Ste. 161; pickup available within 30 miles.
Contact: 314.275.7440, friendsofkids.org
Junior League of St. Louis
Mission: To advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training
Items needed: Canned food, personal hygiene items, socks, T-shirts
Drop location: 106 N. Kirkwood Road, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Contact: 314.822.2344, jlsl.org
L’Arche St. Louis
Mission: To build inclusive community between people with and without intellectual disabilities
Items needed: Twin-size comforters, food processors and blenders, stand alone porch swings or gliders
Drop location: 9445 Litzsinger Road, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Contact: 314.395.5851, larchestlouis.org
Marygrove
Mission: To provide a full range of behavioral health services to young people who have experienced significant trauma, restore their childhood and equip them for the future
Items needed: Towels, toiletries, winter accessories for adults and teens
Drop location: 2705 Mullanphy Lane
Contact: 314.830.6201, marygrovechildren.org
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
Mission: To provide hope, help and healing to tens of thousands of animals by taking in stray, homeless and otherwise unwanted cats and dogs
Items needed: Cat and dog food, cat and dog toys, paper products (paper towels, toilet paper)
Drop location: 6065 Duda Road, House Springs, MO
Contact: 636.671.3643, odas.org
Pawsitive Energy
Mission: To feed unhoused homeless cats, spreading gentle love and kindness
Items needed: Dry cat food
Drop location: Pickup can be arranged at your convenience.
Contact: 314.546.1519
Provident Behavioral Health
Mission: To build brighter futures through exceptional behavioral health services, especially for those with the greatest need
Items needed: Full-sized sheets, bath towels, pillows
Drop location: 2650 Olive Blvd., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Thur.
Contact: 314.802.2626, providentstl.org
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Mission: To reveal the healing presence of God through exception health care services
Items needed: Toys, travel-sized toiletries
Drop location: 3800 Park Ave., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fri.
Contact: Ryan Jennings, 314.577.5605; glennon.org
Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
Mission: To empower African Americans and others throughout the region in securing economic self-reliance, social equality and civil rights
Items needed: Headstart: STEAM related books, games and exploratory items for children 6 months to 5 years old, gift cards, bikes, iPads; Peter Bunce Campus: Non-perishable food items, cold weather apparel, household supplies; Patch Center: Bedding, bath towels, painting supplies (brushes, paints, canvases)
Drop location: Headstart: 8964 Jennings Station Road; Peter Bunce Campus: 2125 Bissell St., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; Patch Center: 7925 Minnesota Ave., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues. and Thur.
Contact: ulstl.com Headstart: 314-327-3996; Peter Bunce Campus: 314.584.6701; Patch Center: 314.584.6701
Youth and Family Center
Mission: To empower youth, families and older adults in North St. Louis to achieve their full potential
Items needed: Individually wrapped snacks, children and teen tennis shoes, toys for children ages 5 to 12
Drop location: 818 Cass Ave., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Fri.
Contact: 314.231.1147, theyfc.org