Oklahoma City Charities Need Your Help This Holiday

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! But for those in need, the holidays can be a tremendously difficult time. As Oklahomans, we pride ourselves on supporting the community and taking care of each other. There are endless opportunities to give back this holiday season.

As we finish up the year, we challenge you to pick a local nonprofit organization or charity and give it your support. Whether you donate time, money or goods, your contributions can make a big impact on the well-being of your fellow OKC residents who need your help.

We’ve compiled a list of just a few of the charities doing good in the community this holiday season. Pick your favorite and spread a little holiday cheer.

Central Oklahoma Humane Society

The Central Oklahoma Humane Society does wonderful things to support local animals in need. During the holidays, it requests donations of non-clumping kitty litter, peanut butter, puppy training pads, toys, heating pads without automatic shut-off, fleece blankets, digital scales, digital thermometers, Clorox bleach and paper towels. These items can be dropped off at 7500 N. Western Avenue or 6002 S. Western Avenue. Visit the website for more information on volunteer opportunities.

City Rescue Mission

The OKC City Rescue Mission provides shelter, hot meals and a “path back to hope” for OKC’s homeless. Around the holidays, it also offers presents for homeless children in our area. Cash donations are always appreciated, but you can also donate gifts, toiletries, clothing and non-perishable goods at the City Rescue Mission’s front desk. For more information, visit the website.

Feed the Children

Feed the Children is a national organization headquartered in Oklahoma City with the lofty goal to end childhood hunger. The “No Hunger Holidays” campaign is an initiative to help feed thousands across the country and bring more awareness to the plight of hunger. You can volunteer or donate to support the cause. You can also join the #ShareYourGood social media challenge.

Red Andrews Christmas Dinner

Each Christmas Eve and Christmas Day since 1947, the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner at the Cox Convention Center has provided free warm meals, coats and toys to Oklahomans in need. You can support the annual dinner by donating money, coats, toys or time. Visit the website for more information on how you can get involved.

Restore OKC

Restore OKC is a faith-based community development ministry that serves the Oklahoma City community by providing job training, employment opportunities, student support, affordable housing and home repair. To support Restore OKC, you can donate money, uniform pants, long-sleeve shirts, Walmart gift cards, Lowes’ gift cards and working vehicles. See more information from the ministry below, or visit the website to see how you can help.

Salvation Army Central Oklahoma

The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma offers two holiday assistance programs. The Angel Tree program helps families with children, ages 0 to 12, and senior citizens, ages 62 and older; recipients are chosen based on income. Last year, over 2,000 Angels received Christmas assistance.

Also, the Red Kettle campaign is well-known across the country as a way for people to donate cash and loose change while doing their holiday shopping. Look for volunteers manning a red kettle outside local stores. To volunteer with the Salvation Army, email Liz Banks at [email protected] or call 405-246-1107.

The Sharing Tree

The Sharing Tree started as a local initiative called the Christmas Connection. They now serve local families at Christmas and all year long by providing better Christmas mornings, school uniforms and crisis intervention. A $20 donation can provide a new toy or winter coat for a child in need, and $50 can provide a special Christmas morning for one child. In addition to monetary donations, you can donate clothing, toys and household items. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Donna Robison at 405-634-2006 or visit the website for more information.

Toys for Tots OKC

Toys for Tots is one of the most well-known national Christmas initiatives, founded by the U.S. Marine Corp. The local chapter of Toys for Tots provides gifts for Oklahoma kids in need, and there are many ways to get involved. You can volunteer to transport or store toys and assist at the local warehouse. You can also sign up to become a toy drop-off site or host a Toys for Tots event. For more information, email [email protected] or call 405-537-5010.

Volunteer at INTEGRIS

There are numerous ways to get involved at INTEGRIS by becoming a volunteer. From administrative support to pet therapy, there are so many patients who benefit from your company and care. Visit the volunteer page to see how you can help at an INTEGRIS location near you.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy holiday season!