Holiday donation ideas that support local nonprofits

With COVID-19, the white elephants or gift exchanges that may have happened in person may only happen by Zoom or porch drop-off. But there are still ways to virtually share the love.

What better way to celebrate the season of giving by giving back to your community?

Here are five nonprofits you could donate to in honor of a cause you or your loved ones care about.

Salvation Army

This year, you may notice fewer of those iconic Red Kettles at store entrances. With COVID-19, The Salvation Army may see up to 50% decrease in its Red Kettle funds due to factors like increased online shopping, unemployment rates and people carrying less cash and fewer coins. Thankfully, there are ways to help brighten the holidays. Donations support homeless shelters, grocery and bill-pay assistance and The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Your donation to the Angel Tree program will take the pressure off parents to make the hard decision between paying rent/utilities and putting presents under the tree. (Be right back, reminiscing on the magical joy of Christmas morning as a child and unwrapping gifts from Santa.)

Christmas Mother

Speaking of Christmas, the Richmond Christmas Mother Fund began in 1935 with the mission to brighten the holidays for individuals and families who are in need in the Greater Richmond region. The Richmond Christmas Mother Fund supports the tradition of community generosity by community members to their less fortunate neighbors through holiday assistance programs, such as toys, gifts, clothing or food donations. You can fill out the donation form and enter the name of the person or group to whom your donation is for. P.S. Chesterfield-Colonial Heights also has its own Christmas Mother program.

Feed More

A few words that come to mind when we think of the holiday season: friends, family, laughter, and food. The last word already has our stomachs growling for the happiness that is turkey and pie. You can pass along the holiday happiness and help provide meals to your neighbors in need with Feed More’s holiday cards. Choose between two designs to send a message to a loved one who may not be able to join you for the in-person festivities. You also can add a note explaining how the gift of food was made in their honor. Everyone deserves to have their hearts and tummies full this holiday season.

Richmond Animal League

Whether your gift recipient is a dog or cat lover, the Richmond Animal League (RAL) will steal anyone’s hearts with its adorable 2020 Holiday Gift Guide catalog. Seriously, a cuddle package and spa day? Too many feels. Best of all, the gifts are budget friendly to everyone’s wallet, ranging from $15 to $2,500. The RAL also will send a custom card to the person who inspired you to give such a purrfect gift.

ChildFund International

While your gift list may have the latest technology, gadgets and maybe some fuzzy socks, ChildFund International has a different kind of list. Mosquito nets, eggs and health stations are the types of gifts ChildFund seeks to distribute and transform children’s lives. If you’re looking to give a gift in honor of someone special, you can print a card or have ChildFund send one on your behalf. The gift catalog isn’t the only way to give back. There are more ways to get involved through monthly donations, volunteering opportunities and fundraising teams. Whichever you choose, it’s a thoughtful gift.

And while these are just a few ideas, making a donation to your favorite nonprofit or a nonprofit that resonates with your loved ones is always a great idea. Read around The Phil or check out a larger list of nonprofits on ConnectVA for ideas.