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Top Spots To Make Holiday Gift Donations In Philadelphia

Many families cannot afford what others take for granted, much less holiday gifts. While you're in the giving spirit, it's easy to pick up an extra item or two for those less fortunate in the Delaware Valley area. Ample area organizations collect donations of toys, funds and food to ensure everyone has a happy holiday. Making it even easier, many stores and shopping centers double as collection sites. These are the best places to make holiday gift donations in Philadelphia.

 

Toys for Tots Philadelphia
Gunnery Sgt. David Pierson
Toys for Tots Coordinator
3rd Battalion 14th Marines
Bristol, PA 19007
(215) 826-4116
philadelphia-pa.toysfortots.org

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is probably the most well-known holiday gift donation program. Although it is a national program, drives are coordinated locally. New, unwrapped toys are collected at sites throughout the city, including at national sponsor Toys"R"Us stores, to provide needy children with a new toy at Christmas. For drop-off locations, visit Philadelphia's Toys for Tots website.

Holiday Gift Card Drive
Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia
2100 Arch St., 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(866) 532-7669
www.jfcsphilly.orgThe Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia helps families through its annual holiday gift card drive. Donate gift cards to supermarkets, pharmacies and super centers (Target, Walmart, Kmart, etc.) so that families may purchase what they need for their celebration, whether it's food or toys. The JFCS has about 15,000 clients it helps each year, and this year, your family may be a part of spreading that holiday spirit.Related: Local Expert Advises Research Before Donating To Charities

The guest services station at the Cherry Hill Mall is one place families can drop off donations for the Center for Family Services.

Center for Family Services
584 Benson St.
Camden, NJ 08103
(856) 964-1990
www.centerffs.orgThe Center for Family Services provides holiday gifts to children in need all over South Jersey through its Holiday Gift Project. Anyone can help by donating a gift or by sponsoring a child. Gift ideas listed on the website include everything from clothing to supermarket gift cards to electronics. To drop off a donation, visit one of the three Center for Family Services offices (Camden, Voorhees, Williamstown) or stop by the Courier Post office in Cherry Hill, The Promenade at Sagemore in Marlton, the Cherry Hill Mall or the Old Navy in Deptford.

Philabundance
3616 S. Galloway St.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 339-0900
www.philabundance.orgWith 900,000 people in the Delaware Valley area at risk of hunger or malnutrition, it's likely some families will want for food on the table this year. Philabundance, the region's largest hunger-relief organization, collects food throughout the year to distribute to those who need it and partners with agencies who also distribute food. Perishable food can be dropped off at the main office and warehouse on Galloway Street, while non-perishable food may only be donated at the organization's other location at 302 W. Berks St., also in Philadelphia. Financial donations are also accepted.Related: Philabundance Needs Help Meeting Increased Demand
Generocity.org
1170 Devon Park Drive
Wayne, PA 19087
(610) 975-9000
www.generocity.org/Generocity.org is a great resource tool for those in the Philadelphia region who want to help, but do not not where or how. The site publishes articles about "social good" and connects volunteers with organizations that could use their help. Those who want to donate something but may not have the extra funds to provide a physical gift will easily find a way to give their manpower to those in need.
Samantha Sinclair is a freelance writer who lives in South Jersey. She has two boys who love "adventuring." Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
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