With Thanksgiving and the holiday season quickly approaching, what better way to celebrate all that you’re thankful for than giving back to others? The Lehigh Valley provides many opportunities to participate in charitable work. Whether you choose to donate goods or your time, there is something for everyone.
Photo courtesy of Valley Youth House
Valley Youth House
Donate
The Valley Youth House works to help abused, neglected and homeless youth and their families. Here is a list of items they are looking for:
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Gift cards to local businesses: CVS, Game Stop, Kmart, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens, Walmart, Wawa, etc.
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Gift cards to any clothing store in Allentown, Bethlehem or Easton: Aero, American Eagle, Champs, Deb Shop, Footlocker, Forever 21, Hot Topic, Lids, Macy’s, Old Navy, Tillys, TJ Maxx, Wet Seal, etc.
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Gift cards to local restaurants: Applebees, Burger King, Chipotle, McDonalds, Panera Bread, Qdoba, etc.
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Gift cards to local grocery stores: Bottom Dollar, Giant, Wegmans, Weis, etc.
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Journals and pens for older teens: art-supplies-sketch pad and pencils, gel pens, etc.
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Personal hygiene and beauty products: Bath & Body Works sets, body wash & lotion sets, brush and comb sets, etc.
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Sports memorabilia
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Tickets to local movie theatre, sports or entertainment events, etc.
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Individually wrapped/bagged candy: gummies, Skittles, Starburst, anything chocolate (but NO nuts)
Donations can be dropped off between 8am-3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday, December 1-December 12 at Valley Youth House 829 Linden St., Allentown.
Questions about donations? Contact Mary Link at mlink@valleyyouthhouse.org, or 610.820.0166 or visit valleyyouthhouse.org.
Photo courtesy of Westminster Village
Westminster Village
Volunteer
Westminster Village is a non-profit Presbyterian senior living community offering senior living services that include independent living, personal care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, adult day programs along with additional special services for senior citizens.
This senior living community is looking for volunteers to help bake Christmas cookies with their residents. The cookie baking will take place on Tuesday, December 9 at 2 p.m. and Friday, December 19 at 2 p.m.
Westminster Village is located at 803 N. Wahneta St., Allentown.
Questions? Contact Emily Whitmire at ewhitmire@presbyterianseniorliving.org, 610.782.8333 or visit wmvallentown.org.
Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
Donate
The Boys & Girls Club of Allentown helps young people reach their full potential through positive activities and encouragement. They are looking for the following items:
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New children’s and/or family board games
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New cooking supplies for cooking classes
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Cookie Sheets
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Cupcake tins
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Bake ware pans
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Measuring cups
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Mixing Bowls
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Measuring spoons
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Cooking utensils
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Pot Holders
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Donations can be dropped off at the Administration offices located in the back of 720 N. 6th St., Allentown.
Questions about donations? Contact Cheryl Laub at bgcalaub@aol.com, 610.432.9944 or visit bgcallentown.org.
Photo courtesy of the American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society
Volunteer
The American Cancer Society is looking for Santa Callers. Male volunteer callers are needed December 1-4 from 6-8 p.m. Santa’s will receive a number of completed forms with information regarding the time of the call, child and specifics provided by the person who placed the “order” for the call. 5-6 volunteers are needed each night.
Calls are being made from the American Cancer Society office located at 3893 Adler Pc, Suite 170, Bethlehem.
Questions? Contact Catharine Lee at catharine.lee@cancer.org, 610.921.2329 ext. 3017 or visit facebook.com/LehighValleyAmericanCancerSociety.
Photo courtesy of Meals on Wheels of Northampton County
Meals on Wheels of Northampton County
Donate
Meals on Wheels of Northampton County supports the independent living of the elderly and disabled in the community by providing healthy meals and a friendly smile of a delivery volunteer. They are currently looking for the following donations:
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Bath towels
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Lap robes
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Shawls
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Blankets
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Stamps
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Note cards
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Toiletries (Shampoo, conditioner, shaving crème, toothbrushes, disposable razors, soap, etc.)
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Men and Women’s slipper socks
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Department store gift cards
Donations can be dropped off at Meals on Wheels located at 4240 Fritch Dr., Bethlehem.
Questions about donations? Contact Monica McCandless at monica@mealsonwheelspa.org, 610.691.1030 or visit mealsonwheelspa.org.
