With the holiday season in full swing, it’s easy to get caught up in wish lists and gift shopping for the ones we love. Still, those who cannot afford gifts of their own deserve to experience that same holiday magic. Consider skipping a couple of coffee runs and put that money toward one of the many charities across Massachusetts making this holiday season brighter for all!
Meals on Wheels is a national nonprofit that delivers meals to seniors who are not physically capable of purchasing groceries for their holiday spreads and lack the assistance to do so. You can make a donation to the Boston branch to help cover the cost of meals here!
Christmas in the City (CITC) is a wonderful organization that hosts a spectacular annual Winter Wonderland for unhoused children across Boston. In my past volunteer work with CITC, the event has featured performances by the Blue Man Group, full-sized rides for kids, a red carpet entrance and a huge holiday meal for attending families. Additionally, volunteers help select gifts for children based on their wish lists, and if they’re lucky, they may even get to watch the kids open those gifts. Unfortunately, since COVID-19, the event has downsized and can no longer maintain the massive setup it once had. Instead, CITC is teaming up with Jake’s Toy Mania this year to ensure that children 16 and under in the Boston area can still receive gifts from their wish lists this holiday season. Donations to CITC can be made here, and contributions designated for the toy giveaway will go directly to Jake’s Toy Mania.Â
Catie’s Closet is a nonprofit that seeks to bring basic necessities, including clothing, shoes and toiletries, to kids and teens in need across Massachusetts. Through its In-School Closet Program, the organization transforms unused spaces in schools into shops where kids can access what they need, free of charge. A list of items accepted by Catie’s Closet can be found here. Whether it’s clothing that no longer fits or pieces that you don’t wear, donating gently used items is a great way to give back to the community if you don’t have the means to contribute financially. If you would like to make a monetary donation to Catie’s Closet, visit this page. Catie’s Closet operates all year long, so keep them in mind any time you have clothing you wish to donate!
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Massachusetts branch is dedicated to providing support for individuals experiencing mental health crises across the state. Through peer and family support groups, training programs for first responders and educators and presentations on health insurance, housing and public benefits, the organization addresses the unique needs of individuals navigating mental health challenges.
NAMI also offers a confidential mental health hotline, which can be reached at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or by texting “NAMI” to 62640. If you or someone you know is seeking support for mental health concerns, consider contacting the NAMI HelpLine or visiting the NAMI website to explore available resources. For confidential treatment referrals, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website, or call their National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). In the case of an emergency, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Donations to NAMI can be made here.Â
Though there are countless local charities worthy of support, the last I would like to spotlight is Veterans Inc., which provides essentials like warm winter coats to veterans and their families. You can make a donation here to help purchase gifts for children or necessities for veterans.
As you celebrate this holiday season, keep in mind that even the smallest act of kindness can make a huge impact on someone else’s holiday. If you are able, make sure to give back to your community and spread a little extra joy!Â