This year more than ever, it is important to remember that this is a season of giving, making it the perfect time to extend a helping hand to those in need. We reached out to local nonprofits to find out what nonmonetary donation 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 transform the lives of children and adults through community programs
Items needed: New or gently used children’s books, toiletries, items for the Fantastic Finds resale shop
Drop location: 30 Henry Ave., Ellisville | 12778 Olive Blvd., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tue. through Fri.
Contact: Dawn Thomas or Marita Perlak, 636.227.6200
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis
Mission: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens
Items needed: Virtual mentors, toys for kids ages 6 to 18, food for the holidays
Drop location: 2901 N. Grand Blvd.
Contact: Shuntae Shields Ryan, 314.335.8000, shuntae@bgcstl.org
Carol House Quick Fix Pet Clinic
Mission: To reduce pet overpopulation and the euthanasia rate of adoptable pets by providing affordable and accessible spay/neuter and wellness services
Items needed: AA batteries; cleaning supplies, including bleach, Clorox wipes and sanitizing spray; 13-gallon drawstring trash bags
Drop location: 1218 S. Jefferson Ave., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon., Wed. and Fri.
Contact: 314.771.7387, info.carolhousepetclinic@gmail.com
Covenant House Missouri
Mission: To provide youth who are runaway, trafficked, at-risk or experiencing homelessness with unconditional love, absolute respect, a place to call home and transformative solutions to help build productive, independent and sustainable lives
Items needed: Twin-sized bedding, towels, full-sized hygiene items
Drop location: 2727 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri., pickup can be arranged
Contact: Colleen Daum, 314.934.2330, cdaum@covenanthousemo.org
Craft Alliance
Mission: To enrich and empower the community through craft, including artist exhibits, classes and family programs
Items needed: Knitted hats, scarves and blankets
Drop location: 5080 Delmar Blvd.
Contact: 314.725.1177 ext. 322
Duo Dogs
Mission: To train and connect dogs to people with specific physical, emotional and social needs, creating a dynamic, life-enhancing duo
Items needed: Zuke’s mini training treats, Bil-Jac training treats, Jolly Pets dog toys
Drop location: 10955 Linpage Place, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon. through Fri.
Contact: Stacy Maly-Rodgers, 314.997.2325 ext. 3103
Five Acres Animal Shelter
Mission: To end pet homelessness, promote responsible pet ownership and advocate for animal welfare
Items needed: Slip lead dog leashes, pill pocket treats, Fancy Feast adult and kitten food
Drop location: 1099 Pralle Lane, St. Charles
Contact: 636.949.9918
HavenHouse Saint Louis
Mission: To provide the comfort of home and a community of support to patients and their families who travel to St. Louis for medical care
Items needed: Individually wrapped snacks, portable entertainment items like puzzle and coloring books, personal-sized hand sanitizer
Drop location: DoubleTree by Hilton–Westport, 1973 Craigshire Road, normal office hours Mon. through Sun.
Contact: Amy Schumacher, 314.434.5858, amy@havenhousestl.org
Helping Hand Me Downs
Mission: To meet the immediate needs of families and connect them with life-changing resources that foster independence
Items needed: Baby wipes; Pull-Ups; baby gear such as car seats, bouncy seats and swings
Drop location: 16225 Westwoods Business Park, Ellisville | 760 S. Second St. | 6728 Page Ave.
Contact: Stephanie Williamson, 636.346.3719
Independence Center
Mission: To provide all the services and resources a person with serious and persistent mental illness needs to manage their symptoms, find belonging and purpose, and gain the independence to live a healthy, quality life
Items needed: Tablets, webcams, Wi-Fi extenders and hot spots
Drop location: 4245 Forest Park Ave.
Contact: Abby Berger, 314.533.4245, info@independencecenter.org
It’s Your Birthday
Mission: To create fun and memorable birthday experiences for children who reside in homeless and domestic violence shelters
Items needed: STEM-related toys for children of all ages, toiletries for preteens and teens, fast food gift cards
Drop location: 2900 Frank Scott Parkway, Ste. 968, Belleville, IL, 9 a.m. to noon Thu. through Sun. | PO Box 2222, Florissant, MO 63033
Contact: Rolanda Finch, 314.623.8301
Mary Ryder Home
Mission: To serve St. Louis’ most vulnerable senior women, nourishing their social, physical and emotional needs and enhancing their quality of life through compassionate care
Items needed: Twin-sized mattresses, towel sets, personal care items
Drop location: 4361 Olive St., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. through Fri., pickup available for larger items
Contact: Terry Signaigo, 314.954.0866
Miriam Foundation
Mission: To empower unique learners by building confidence and a foundation for success
Items needed: Gently used furniture, household items and home decor
Drop location: 292 Hanley Industrial Court; pickup can be arranged for furniture
Contact: Bob Novak, 314.646.7737
National Council of Jewish Women–St. Louis
Mission: To advance social and economic justice for all women, children and families
Items needed: Kids’ underwear (XS to XL), full-sized personal care items, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies
Drop location: 295 N. Lindbergh Blvd., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon. through Thu., 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fri.
Contact: 314.993.5181
Nurses for Newborns
Mission: To provide a safety net for at-risk families in order to prevent infant mortality, child abuse and neglect through in-home nursing visits that promote health care, education and positive parenting skills
Items needed: Diapers, wipes, newborn clothing
Drop location: 3 Sunnen Drive, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mon. through Fri.
Contact: Kate Steele, 314.560.2689
Our Lady’s Inn Maternity Homes
Mission: To provide shelter and support for unhoused pregnant women and their children
Items needed: Baby and toddler clothing (newborn to 5T); twin-sized bedding; paper products, including toilet paper, paper towels and paper plates
Drop location: 8790 Manchester Road, Ste. 202, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon. through Fri.
Contact: Katrina Becker, 314.736.1544
Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services
Mission: To provide Christ-centered care and support to children and families in need
Items needed: Twin-sized bedding, kitchen and bath towels, hygiene kits for teens
Drop location: 1220 N. Lindbergh Blvd., call a day ahead to schedule drop-off
Contact: 314.941.2875, debra.paulus@pchas.org
Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis
Mission: To provide a home-away-from-home to seriously ill children and their families seeking medical treatment in St. Louis
Items needed: Paper towels, hand soap, laundry detergent
Drop location: 300 Ronald McDonald House Lane (Mercy Hospital campus)
Contact: Jacob McGuire and Reneisha Brown, 314.485.0300
Saint Louis Crisis Nursery
Mission: To prevent child abuse and neglect by supporting struggling parents
Items needed: Formula, socks and underwear (ages 3 to 10), snacks
Drop location: 11710 Administration Drive, Ste. 18, please call to arrange
Contact: Rose Kilgore, 314.292.5770
SouthSide Early Childhood Center
Mission: To create equitable and inclusive learning opportunities and support services for all children and families
Items needed: Multicultural books for ages 0 to 5, board games for ages 3 to 5, puzzles for ages 1 to 5 (4 to 24 pieces)
Drop location: 2101 S. Jefferson Ave., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon. through Fri. , pickup available for larger items
Contact: Cleo Zundel, 314.333.7111, czundel@southside-ecc.org
Springboard to Learning
Mission: To develop children’s abilities to think critically, create, collaborate and communicate and envision a future where all children are passionate, engaged learners who experience success
Items needed: White earthenware clay, Post-it notes, copy paper
Drop location: 1310 Papin St., Ste. 402, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon. through Fri., please contact first
Contact: Lauren Wiser, 314.768.9670
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Mission: To reveal the healing presence of God through exceptional health care services
Items needed: Toys, travel-sized toiletries
Drop location: 3800 Park Ave., 10 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Fri.
Contact: Ryan Jennings, 314.577.5605
Wings of Hope
Mission: To change and save lives through the power of aviation
Items needed: Thin lap blankets for patient use during medical flights, pillowcases, pillows
Drop location: 18370 Wings of Hope Blvd.,
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon. through Fri.
Contact: Amy Buehler, 636.537.1302, amy.buehler@wingsofhope.ngo
Wyman Center
Mission: To empower teens from economically disadvantaged circumstances to lead successful lives and build strong communities
Items needed: Laminator, pencil pouches/boxes, blank yard signs
Drop location: 600 Kiwanis Drive, Eureka
Contact: Alex Fruth, 314.471.3396
