If you’re looking for a way to give back this holiday season, then take a look at these ten charities. Donating to these causes may allow you to brighten someone else’s holiday season and serve as the perfect gift for someone in need.

Charities for Holiday gifts:

“Toys for Tots”

The organization “Toys for Tots” has been around since 1947. It ensures that children who otherwise may not receive gifts this holiday season, will still wake up to a present under their tree on Christmas morning. Over the years,“Toys for Tots” has given over 584 million unwrapped toys to children in need and 265 million children have been helped. To abide by COVID-19 policies, they are now offering a virtual shopping option for donations.

Charities for Hunger:

“Feeding America”

“Feeding America” is an organization that gives food to children and families that would otherwise not be able to afford it. With the ongoing food crisis in America, almost 50 million people will go hungry because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Feeding America” is supported by many farmers and manufacturers.

Parmenter Food Pantry:

Parameter Food Pantry is a local Wayland volunteer organization that is run by the Parmenter Foundation which gives food to many Wayland families. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Parmenter Food Pantry is continuing to help residents. They recommend that donations are nonperishable food items like pasta and canned soup or household items like toilet paper and tissues.

“Cradles to Crayons”:

“Cradles to Crayons” is a nonprofit organization that helps children in difficult financial situations receive basic necessities like coats, shoes and books. The items that the nonprofit accepts have to be new or slightly used items. You can give to “Cradles to Crayons” by donating or volunteering this Christmas.

“Buddy Dog Humane Society”:

The local animal shelter “Buddy Dog Humane Society” helps stray dogs and cats find safe and loving homes. Every year since 1976, the society has worked to give more than 1,000 animals homes. Although there are no current volunteer opportunities because of COVID-19 precautions, there are still other ways to give back, including donating collars and cat litter for the animals.

“Horizons for Homeless Children”:

“Horizons for Homeless Children” is another local nonprofit organization to give back to this holiday season. “Horizons for Homeless Children” assists homeless children and their families by helping them with early education and giving them the resources they need to thrive. Some ways to help are donating a gift that will support the children’s education or joining the “Horizons for Homeless Children” community.

“REACH Beyond Domestic Violence”:

This local nonprofit organization serves as a support system for victims of domestic abuse. “REACH Beyond Domestic Violence” works hard to prevent unhealthy relationships in the Metrowest community. They have a 24-hour-a-day hotline and various outreach programs to help those in need. A donation to “REACH Beyond Domestic Violence” could go towards supporting survivors of abuse by providing them with basic necessities.

“More Than Words”:

This local nonprofit organization focuses on teenagers in the Greater Boston Area who are in foster care, do not have homes or have dropped out of school. Through this support system, teenagers are able to find job opportunities. In doing so, they can learn leadership skills, visit workshops and plan for their futures. A donation to “More Than Words” would go towards their work in creating opportunities for these young adults.

“Samaritans Hope”:

“Samaritans Hope” calls attention to stigmas surrounding suicide and supports people who have been impacted by suicide. They offer a 24-hour-a-day helpline, outreach programs and grief counseling services.

“MSPCA-Angell”:

“MSPCA-Angell” is another nonprofit organization that helps animals in Massachusetts. With its array of services and cute animals, “MSPCA-Angell” works to find animals safe and loving homes, providing the animals with the medical care they need. They offer many different ways to support the cause like becoming an advocate for the animals, fundraising or volunteering.