Graphic Made By Leah Ioane
With the holiday season beginning, it not only brings the opportunity to give to friends and family but also to the community. Throughout Salem, Oregon, companies are presenting opportunities to help families in need for the season.
Starting on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11:30, located at the Kroc Center, the Salvation Army Red Kettles will be hosting their annual ‘Salvation Army red-kettle donation season.’ According to the Salem Reporter, the event will have live music, catered lunch and stories given by community members who have been impacted by the Salvation Army. Other than the event, the Salvation Army will be all around Salem, located in businesses, taking donations that will go to financial assistance for families, food support, veterans and disaster relief in Marion and Polk counties as well as supporting the 200 residents at the Lighthouse shelter.
Now through Friday, December 19, Windermere Real Estate offices will be collecting winter clothes for the homeless community. According to the Salem reporter, Donations going to the office 5285 Commercial St. SE, will be going to Northwest Human Services’ Homeless Outreach and Advocacy Project. Items they are asking for are used coats, gloves, hats, socks, scarves, blankets, sleeping bags, waterproof jackets and waterproof footwear.
Through Monday and Friday at 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, the office at 960 Liberty St. SE is looking for donations for the Be Bold Street Ministries. Donations they are looking for include coats, blankets, hats, mittens and any pet supplies.
Now through December 15, Mary’s House of Hope will be partnering with Church at the Park to help give to the community. Items they are looking for include gently used toys, gloves and shoes. Warm clothes, hats, hair accessories, hygiene products, socks, towel sets, quilts, blankets, baby supplies, non-perishable food, and camping gear. If people do not have items to donate but still want to help, they are also looking for gift cards for family activities in the area. Some examples are the Gilbert house, Powerland Heritage Park, the Enchanted Forest, Wunderland, movie theaters, and restaurants. If looking to donate, people can drop off donations at 2908 Market St. N.E., Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Now through Monday, December 8, a variety of businesses located in Salem will be collecting donations for Ashes to Wings and The Phoenix Closet’s first-ever toy drive. This will benefit teen parents as well as survivors of domestic violence with children, ages from newborns to teens. Businesses that will be accepting donations such as warm clothes, books, toys, board games, and gift cards are Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. S.E., Michelle Ashley’s Custom Cakes, 2195 Hyacinth St. N.E., Salem Pet Supply, 3185 Market St. N.E., Coffee in Motion, 1725 Silverton Rd. N.E., Martinez Wheels & Tires, 1411 Broadway St. N.E., Aunt Tilly’s Flower Barn, 2415 Fisher Rd. N.E. and lastly Preciosa Nail Supply & Salon, 3700 River Rd. N. #11, Keizer
