In this season of giving, Town&Style has contacted local charities to ask what’s on their wish lists. It’s important to remember those who could use a helping hand during our season of joy and celebration. Why not add a few of these items to your shopping list to help make the holiday season a little brighter for others?
The Blessing Basket Project
Mission: To end poverty in developing countries through entrepreneurship
Items Needed: Flat panel monitors (22 in. or larger), letter-size card stock paper and printer paper, shipping tape
Drop Location: 5234 Oakland Ave., 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Contact: Madeline Alexander, 314.272.1250, madeline@blessingbasket.org
The Fit and Food Connection
Mission: To provide healthy living resources to families in need through nutrition and physical fitness
Items Needed: Healthy nonperishables, small fitness equipment, grocery store gift cards
Drop Location: The Gore Center on Dorwood Drive, hours vary or call for pickup
Contact: Joy Millner, 314.312.2746
Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis
Mission: To bring people together to build homes, communities and hope
Items Needed: Pots and pans, bed linens (queen- and twin-size comforters, sheets and blankets), bathroom towels
Drop Location: 3763 Forest Park Ave., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Contact: Harper Zielonko, 314.371.0400
Ignite Theatre Company
Mission: To create great people first and great performers second
Items Needed: Adult-size dance shoes (character, jazz and ballet), iPad, vintage costumes
Drop Location: 3510 Giles Ave., 5:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday
Contact: Kimberly Kavanagh, 618.698.6661
KidSmart Tools for Learning
Mission: To empower children in need to succeed in school by providing free essential tools for learning
Items Needed: School supplies (crayons, markers, pencils, paper, glue), forklift, scissor lift
Drop Location: 12175 Bridgeton Square Drive, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
Contact: Shannon Richards, 314.291.6211
Southside Early Childhood Center
Mission: To nurture, educate and inspire children and families in a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting healthy development and a strong foundation for success
Items needed: Diapers (any size), Pull-Ups (any size), unscented wipes
Drop Location: 2101 S. Jefferson Ave., 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Springboard to Learning
Mission: To develop children’s ability to think, create, collaborate and communicate
Items Needed: Crayola markers in all colors; 8 oz. bottles of red, yellow and blue watercolor paint; musical instruments for preschoolers
Drop Location: 1310 Papin St., Ste. 402
Contact: 314.768.9684
Youth in Need
Mission: To build on the strength of children, youth and families so they find safety, hope and success in life
Items Needed: Play-Doh, art supplies, socks (all sizes)
Drop Location: 1815 Boone’s Lick Road, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; pickup for large quantities of items may be available
Contact: Cody Finan, 636.757.9334, cfinan@youthinneed.org
