These Toronto shelters are in need of volunteers & donations for the holidays

Keep the spirit of the holidays going by giving back to those less fortunate this season. As cold weather approaches, members of our community experiencing homelessness will need some extra help staying warm for the winter. There are a few community organizations accepting holiday donations in Toronto and they’ve shared a list of things they need this month.

The City of Toronto has a list of shelters and agencies with its own Holiday Wish Lists, highlighting the needs of the community members it serves. Items may include gift cards, warm winter clothing, food and hygiene products.

The site provides information regarding holiday donation drop-off and hours of operation. If you’re looking to do more, some agencies also have volunteer opportunities.

Recent Posts:
This magical town in Ontario is offering free horse-drawn carriage rides in December
26 of the very best things to do in Toronto this December

Here are a few agencies in Toronto accepting donations and what’s on their wishlists:

• Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre – 973 Lansdowne Avenue
  • Client group: Men refugee clients
  • Needs: Gift cards, winter coats, boots, hats, scarves, gloves

• Christie Refugee Welcome Centre – 43 Christie Street
  • Client group: Refugee and refugee claimant families
  • Needs: Grocery gift cards, new toys, new winter clothing, diapers (size 4, 5 and 6), hygiene products
• Horizons for Youth – 422 Gilbert Avenue
  • Client group: Youth experiencing homelessness
  • Needs: Winter coats, boots, socks, blankets, gift cards
• Red Door Family Shelter – 21 Carlaw Avenue
  • Client group: Families
  • Needs: Toiletries, diapers – size 3T 4T 5T 6T, baby formulas, wipes, winter accessories, socks, underwear, children’s clothing under the age of 12 years, pajamas, nonperishable food items

• Street Haven at the Crossroads – 87 Pembroke Street
  • Client group: Women experiencing homelessness
  • Needs: Hygiene products, winter clothing, make-up, blankets, socks, gloves, hats, winter boots

• The Uganda Muslims Association of Canada (UMAC) – 1945 Weston Road
  • Client group: Refugees
  • Needs: Food, beddings & beds, blankets, winter clothes, socks, gloves & boots, shoes, toiletries, rice cookers, dining supplies (preferably disposable), water, computers
• Youth Without Shelter – 6 Warrendale Court, Etobicoke
  • Client group: Youth aged 16-24 experiencing homelessness
  • Needs: Winter coats, winter boots, t-shirts, Black hair care, sweat pants, hoodies/sweaters

For the full list of agencies and interactive, click here.

Everyone deserves to stay warm this winter.