The needs of nonprofits are always great, but they seem to grow even more around the holidays. Town&Style is doing its part to help by asking local charities to name the top three items on their wish list. During a season that’s all about giving, it’s nice to be reminded of ways we all can lend a helping hand. Adding a few of these items to one of your holiday shopping days can be a small way to make a big impact.
Assistance League of St. Louis
Mission: To develop, implement and fund ongoing philanthropy programs that serve the specific needs of children and adults in the St. Louis community
Items Needed: Children’s clothing, toys and books, household items (*All can be new or gently used)
Drop Off Location: During business hours at Fantastic Finds Resale Shop, 12778 Olive Blvd.
Contact: 636.227.6200 or 314.579.9500
Cares
Mission: To support families and women who have received a devastating prenatal diagnosis by helping with basic everyday needs like food and gas
Items Needed: $25 gift cards to restaurants, $10 gift cards to gas stations
Drop Off Location: Mail to PO Box 220503, St. Louis, 63122
Contact: Lauren Turley, 314.277.8332, lauren.turley@catherinecares.org
Doorways
Mission: To provide housing and related supportive services to improve quality of life and health outcomes for people affected by HIV/AIDS
Items Needed: Bedroom, kitchen and living room furniture, gift cards to movies, restaurants, theaters and department stores, two new under-the-counter microwaves
Drop Off Location: 4385 Maryland Ave., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Contact: Justine Craig-Meyer, 314.328.2704
Epworth Children & Family Services
Mission: To help youth and families find strength, break through obstacles and build brighter futures
Items Needed: MetroLink passes, diapers and wipes (all sizes), grocery store gift cards
Drop Off Location: 110 N. Elm Ave.
Contact: Kim VanBuren, 314.918.3382
Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis
Mission: To put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope
Items Needed: New, unwrapped holiday toys for all ages, grocery store gift cards, new coats and shoes in various sizes
Drop Off Location: 3763 Forest Park Ave., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Pick up also available.
Contact: Avis McHugh or LaRita Fields, 314.371.0400
H.E.R.O.E.S. Care
Mission: To support military families by providing emergency financial aid, employment opportunities and mental health care services through a network of trained caregivers before, during and after deployment
Items Needed: New, unwrapped toys for children of military families
Drop Off Location: St. Louis-area Dollar Generals Stores
Contact: Jon Jerome or Dave Woolley, 636.600.0096
Lift for Life Academy
Mission: To provide a challenging learning community where all students are empowered to maximize their full potential as students and citizens
Items Needed: Books for the student library, 10 tables and 20 chairs, speakers and art drying rack (Wish list at bitly.com/LFLABookWish)
Drop Off Location: 1731 S. Broadway. Pick up also available.
Contact: Kevin Kickham, 314.231.2337 ext. 575, kkickham@liftforlifeacademy.org
Rainbow Village
Mission: To enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by providing safe, affordable and well-maintained neighborhood homes
Items Needed: Lawn and garden equipment like rakes, shovels and pruners, paint equipment like brushes, rollers, scrapers and drop cloths
Drop Off Location: 1240 Dautel Lane, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Contact: JoAnn Goldstein, 314.567.1522 ext. 201, jgoldstein@rbvstl.org
Saint Louis Crisis Nursery
Mission: To prevent child abuse and neglect by providing emergency intervention, respite care and support to families
Items Needed: Mega Blocks or Legos, size 4, 5 and 6 diapers and pull-ups, new children’s underwear and socks
Drop Off Location: 11710 Administration Drive, Ste. 18, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Contact: Kathy, 314.292.5770
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: Size 4, 5 and 6 diapers and pull-ups, unscented baby wipes, children’s clothing in sizes 12 months through 5T
Drop Off Location: 2101 S. Jefferson Ave., 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday
Contact: Cleo Fisher, 314.333.7112, cfisher@southside-ecc.org
Voices for Children
Mission: To advocate for abused and neglected children and youth in St. Louis by representing their best interests in court and in the community
Items Needed: New books, coloring books, sketch pads and journals for children up to age 21, new school supplies, especially notebooks, paper, pencils and binders, new backpacks and duffel bags
Drop Off Location: Drop off by appointment to 920 N. Vandeventer Ave., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Contact: Stacy Harris, 314.552.2352
YWCA Metro St. Louis
Mission: To provide crisis intervention, counseling and prevention education to victims of sexual assault.
Items Needed: Sofa, loveseat, two-seat bench, extra wide
Drop Off Location: Pick up available.
Contact: Phyllis Miller, 314.726.6665
