Charities are non-profit organizations dedicated to helping the public good and meeting people’s needs. These organizations rely on public and private funds, often supported by donations from individuals and communities. During the holiday season, many charities work tirelessly to secure donations and resources to meet seasonal needs and bring joy to those in need.
Operation Christmas Child: Spreading Joy Worldwide
One charity that operates during the holiday season is Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child. This is a program focused on spreading holiday cheer to children around the world. This organization heavily relies on donor participation to fulfill its mission. A key feature of Operation Christmas Child is its Christmas shoebox program, which allows participants to pack shoeboxes with gifts for children in need.
Each shoebox is filled with items children may enjoy opening on Christmas morning. Participants are encouraged to include a “wow” gift—a standout item that will excite the recipient. As well as smaller gifts and practical items to meet their daily needs.
“The Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child collects shoebox gifts filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items—and delivers them to children in need around the world. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received,” according to Samaritan’s Purse.
Make-A-Wish Foundation: Transforming Lives Through Wishes
Another nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children is the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which operates year-round. This foundation focuses on granting life-changing wishes for children ages 1 to 18 who are suffering from critical illnesses. By fulfilling these wishes, Make-A-Wish strives to renew hope and provide encouragement, giving children and their families the strength to persevere during difficult times.
“When a wish comes true, it creates strength, hope, and transformation in a child,” says the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Make-A-Wish offers several ways for people to get involved, including donating, volunteering, and organizing fundraisers. Since its founding, the organization has granted wishes to more than 615,000 children worldwide, making an extraordinary difference in countless lives.
Angel Tree: A Tradition of Giving
The Angel Tree program, organized by The Salvation Army, is a long-standing holiday tradition designed to bring joy to families in need. The program begins with a decorated tree covered in tags, each representing a person in need. These tags include specific details such as the recipient’s name, age, clothing size, and holiday wish list.
Donors select a tag, purchase the requested gift, and bring it—unwrapped—to a designated drop-off location. The Salvation Army then carefully distributes the gifts to the recipients. Which allows them to place the presents under their own holiday trees.
The Angel Tree tradition began in 1979 when Charles and Shirley White, who were already involved with The Salvation Army, discovered a new way to meet the growing needs in their community. They created the Angel Tree to provide children with clothing and gifts during the holiday season.
“That simple plan 42 years ago was met with an outpouring of support from residents of Lynchburg, who spread Christmas joy by providing 472 children with clothing. Since then, the Angel Tree Program has grown to help more than a million children and their families,” according to The Salvation Army.
South Salem Key Club: Toy Drive
As the holiday season approaches, South Salem High School’s Key Club is stepping up to help the community. This year, they are partnering with Englewood Elementary to host a Toy Swap and Drive, bringing joy to local families
Englewood Elementary’s Toy Swap, taking place on December 6th, aims to collect and share toys, games and books. Key Club’s toy drive supports this effort by gathering new and gently used, unwrapped toys, which students and families can donate in Room 208.
“The Key Club’s toy drive is helping us collect items to offer at the event,” said Kaileigh Westermann, Key Club’s representative working with Englewood Elementary.
Key Club members will organize and deliver the donations, allowing families at Englewood Elementary to choose gifts for their loved ones. This collaboration highlights the power of community partnerships to make the holidays brighter for those in need.
The Spirit of the Season
The holiday season grants people the opportunity to be thankful and reflect on many blessings. People also get to share those blessings with people who are less fortunate. Charitable organizations like Operation Christmas Child, Make-A-Wish and Angel Tree provide ways to give back. They make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Whether through donations, volunteering, or fundraising, there are countless opportunities to help these organizations continue their vital work.
At the same time, these charities also offer resources for those in need. They hope to ensure that everyone has the chance to experience the joy of the season.
