Holiday Giving in Somerville

[steeks99.livejournal.com]

With one holiday down, and another barreling down on us, does anyone have suggestions for Somerville-centric gift/clothing/charity drives? Or perhaps local stores that have those gift trees where you choose specific item(s) to purchase and donate? I'm fortunate to not have holiday needs, but I know others may, and I'd like to do something right where I live.

Comments

[ron_newman]

Buy knitted goods (gloves, hats, scarves, bags, etc.) at the Nave Gallery. Proceeds support the Somerville Homeless Coalition. Open Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 pm, through December 16.

See http://davis-square.livejournal.com/3011959.html

ETA: If you want to sew or knit or crochet something to sell at this event, they'd love that too!

[mytheria.livejournal.com]

Look at the Elizabeth Peabody House? They have a bunch of programs and might be a good focus.

[steeks99.livejournal.com]

Thanks for both ideas, I will check them out. No knitting unfortunately (or fortunately for them).

[aerynne.livejournal.com]

In past years we have donated directly to the Somerville Homeless Coalition.

[nomacmac.livejournal.com]

Toys for Local Children http://www.toysforlocalchildren.org/ is a more local version of Toys for Tots. According to their website, there are drop-off boxes at City Municipal buildings, fire departments, East Cambridge Savings Bank branches and Boston Sports Club.

[nomacmac.livejournal.com]

If anyone wants to help animals, the "Roots and Shoots" club at the Brown School is doing a collection drive for the MSPCA. (Roots and Shoots, founded by Jane Goodall, is a club where kids identify problems in their community and take action to solve the problem) Send me a message and I will send you my address (near the Brown School) or arrange a pick-up.

The MSPCA wish list includes: blankets, towels, sheets, soft bedding, animal beds (I assume the sheets/towels can be used, as long as they are clean)
for dogs: training treats, gentle leader headcollars or martingale collars, interactive/hard to destroy toys, beef or chicken broth
for cats: toys, grooming burshes, cat carriers, litter boxes, digital food scale
for rabbits and small mammals: timothy hay, carefresh pet bedding, wooden toys or houses
Misc: hand sanitizer, bleach, dishwashing liquid, pens, paper towels, office supplies

[rmd.livejournal.com]

How do I give stuff to the MSPCA? I didn't see an obvious "donate stuff" link on their web site. If the folks at Pets In Need (over in the Mad Oyster building at the corner of Bradley and Pearl streets) don't want my old sheets, I'd love to give them to the MSPCA.

[nomacmac.livejournal.com]

The MSPCA wish list above is from a list my son brought home from school. The after-school club he participates in is doing a collection for them. I assume his teacher or a volunteer will deliver everything they collect. If you have things you would like to donate, you could drop them on our porch near the Brown School, or if you are local, I can pick up. Send me a livejournal message to make arrangements. Thanks!

[mamajoan.livejournal.com]

Will they take donations of cash as well?

[nomacmac.livejournal.com]

Money wasn't on the list, but I am sure they would love it.

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

I wish i had thought of this when my cat died. we just trashed the cat carrier. Bummer. :(

[notnatalie.livejournal.com]

If you prefer giving to an individual child with a specific request, The Home for Little Wanderers has this list:
http://www.giftdrive-thehome.org/showchildren.php
Boston.