Celebrate the Season of Giving With These Local Charities

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is well underway. The lights are brightly shining, the Christmas trees are well-adorned, determined shoppers are on the hunt for bargains, and people are celebrating with family and friends.

Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in, well, the wrapping, and all the other details, it’s easy to lose sight of the spirit of the season. Helping out someone else in need and putting a smile on a child’s face are a few ways we can do our part this year. Coat and clothing drives, as well as toy collections, are happening throughout Delaware County. Patch recommends some ways that you can lend a hand, and make this holiday a special one for your neighbors in need.

Delaware County Courthouse

• The Sheriff’s Department has a Mitten Tree in the lobby, where you can drop off new gloves, hats, scarves, coats, slippers or pajamas. Anyone who donates will have their name written on a paper mitten to be displayed on the tree. It runs through Dec. 16.

 Operation Warm

• It’s a national, non-profit program based in Chadds Ford that provides brand new coats to children in need. This winter, Operation Warm is working to reach its one millionth child. The money raised and coats collected in Delaware County will benefit only those in Delaware County. To find out how you can purchase a coat, visit Operation Warm’s website.

 One Warm Coat

• Through Dec. 16, Media Children’s House in Aston will be collecting coats as part of One Warm Coat. Coats of all shapes and sizes are welcome, and they will be distributed to local children and adults. More than a million coats have been provided to those in need since 1992.

 Salvation Army

• There are several programs that allow you to help families across the Delaware Valley, including the Angel Giving Tree program (buy a gift on a child’s wish list) and Stockings For Kids Holiday Toy Drive. Many businesses across the Patch area participate, including , Bryn Mawr Trust in Media and Chester Heights, and . For a complete list of participating locations, and for more on the Christmas programs, visit the Salvation Army’s website.
• In addition, you’ll find the signature Red Kettles across Delaware County at malls such as Springfield Mall, grocery stores and other locations, or donate online.

 Crozer Keystone Hospitals

• The annual toy drive will run through Dec. 16, with all toys being donated to the Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC). Your unopened toys can be dropped off at Community Hospital in Chester, Delco Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill, Springfield Hospital, Taylor Hospital and Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

 Community Action Agency of Delaware County

• CAADC will hold a separate Holiday Toy Drive for 1,000 children from their shelter and transitional housing facilities. New, unwrapped toys will be collected through Dec. 19 at dozens of locations. Visit CAADC online to find a location near you.