Unexpected Ways to Give

In this season of giving, when considering ways to give back to your community, think outside the box! We have collected some information on opportunities that will allow you to give in unexpected—and impactful—ways. 

Donate Items/Goods

• Basket of Hope delivers baskets filled with toys, games, craft items, stuffed animals, gift cards, and more to children diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness. Donations can be mailed or made online. 
• Fire Truck O’Toys has collected over 45,000 toys for six St. Louis children’s hospitals. Their goal for 2021 is 5,000 toys. You can help by mailing or dropping off a new, unwrapped toy—or by making a one-time or monthly donation and let the organization do the shopping.  

• Helping Hand-Me-Downs accepts all new and gently used children’s items for any age, from clothing to baby gear or personal care items. Large item pickup is available or there is a drop box outside the Ellisville location. 
• Sew Me St. Louis accepts donations of fabric and sewing supplies and makes it available to local groups for community sewing projects. 
• St. Louis Children’s Hospital celebrates milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, and the end of treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. Top wish list items include infant/toddler toys, stuffed animals, and art supplies. Donations can be dropped off in person, please see website for instructions. 

Volunteer Using Your Car

• AARP Driver Safety Volunteers work locally to train people to drive more safely. 
• Meals on Wheels of Greater St. Louis is an all-volunteer program that delivers affordable and nutritious meals to those in need in our area. They have a variety of volunteer positions available. 
• The Red Cross uses volunteer drivers to deliver lifesaving blood products to local hospitals. The application to become a volunteer Transportation specialist can be completed online. 
• STL Food Angels provides food and groceries to high-risk populations in the St. Louis City. They work with nonprofit partner organizations to assist with last-mile deliveries and delivery of pick-up food boxes. 

Volunteer Virtually 

• Smithsonian Digital Volunteers help make historical documents and biodiversity data more accessible by reviewing and transcribing field notes, diaries, manuscripts, and more. 
• Translators Without Borders depends on volunteers to translate millions of words and run the organization. There are engaging projects available to suit all preferences. 
• The Trevor Project trains volunteers to become crisis support counselors for LGBTQ young people by phone or text/chat. 

DIY Service Projects 

• Create cuddly no-sew fleece blankets for shelter animals 
• Make a cozy cocoa kit to spread holiday cheer 
• Create a sensory busy mat 
• See more DIY service projects at United Way’s Volunteer Center 

Other Options

If you decide a monetary donation is the best fit for your charitable goals, consider participating in #GivingTuesday or plan your gift for Give STL Day. Give STL Day is powered by the St. Louis Community Foundation.

Additionally, consider making a gift to a fund at the St. Louis Community Foundation.

Reminder: before making a donation to any organization, please be sure to review their individual requirements for donated items and donation pickup/drop off. If you are considering volunteering, please review volunteer requirements and the application process. 

Generosity is never expected but always appreciated.