Memphis Holiday Gift and Food Drives: 11 Ways to Give Back!
It's the season for giving! We're highlighting 11 local holiday gift and food drives working to make the season more magical for families in need. Image: Unsplash
This holiday season, many Memphis organizations are hosting donation drives to brighten the holidays for local families. From toys and clothing to meals, here are some of the wonderful ways you can contribute and make a difference for your neighbors in need.
One by One Ministries Christmas Blessing Day
Dates: Through December 8
Drop-off Location: Online for financial gifts; contact [email protected] to coordinate drop-off of items.
More Info: onebyoneusa.org
One by One Ministries offers friendship, hope, support, and parent education to new moms through mentoring. For the holiday season, the Christian organization is accepting $25 Walmart gift cards, gift sets valued at $12 to $15, household cleaning items, nonperishable food items, Christmas decor, Christmas books, ornaments, new baby equipment and toys, and new or gently used baby clothing and accessories. Moms enrolled in One by One have a fun time “shopping” on Christmas Blessing Day!
If you’d prefer to donate cash to the Christmas Blessing Day, your donation will cover gift cards and gifts to each enrolled One by One mom.
DeNeuville Learning Center for Women Holiday Campaign
Dates: Through December 11
Drop-off Locations: You can make donations online or drop off items by mail or in person at the DLC office, 190 S. Cooper St.
More Info: dlcmemphis.org
Using a holistic, individualized approach, the DeNeuville Learning Center (DLC) provides educational programs and support services to adult female students with limited resources, as well as childcare for their children. This holiday season, DLC is raising funds to provide toys for the children and Kroger gift cards for the moms enrolled in the program.
Donations for the holiday campaign end on December 11, but funds are gratefully accepted all year to further the DLC mission of empowering women to improve their lives through education and community.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Holiday Shop
Drop off location: Order online to ship directly to the hospital
More Info: Donate Toys for Children
Every year, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital provides a shopping opportunity for patient caregivers who remain on campus during the holiday season. You can easily donate toys to bring holiday cheer to St. Jude patients and their families by using the provided wishlist. You won’t have to worry about delivering your donation, as the gifts will be shipped directly to the hospital.
Forrest Spence Fund Christmas Toy Drive
Dates: December 1 through December 12
Drop-off Location: Forrest Spence Fund Office, 2112 Court Avenue
More Info: forrestspencefund.org
The Forrest Spence Fund is spreading holiday cheer by collecting new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for children (plus their siblings and caregivers) who will be spending Christmas in the hospital. The website features a helpful Christmas Wishlist and an Amazon Smile Wishlist for gifts to purchase for each age group. Your donation will help bring a smile to a child’s face during the holiday season!
Memphis Family Connection Center Red Tub Day
Multiple dates and drop-off locations. See the website for details.
More Info: memphisfamilycc.org
In collaboration with community partners, the Memphis Family Connection Center is hosting its 15th-annual Red Tub Day, where over 1,000 children in foster care will be presented with holiday gifts.
A donation of $250 supports families in two ways: the first $125 goes towards filling a red tub with requested gifts for an individual child. The second $125 supports the Memphis Family Connection Center’s high-quality, integrated therapeutic services for families in the Memphis area throughout the year. To participate in the 2025 Red Tub Day, sign up online to fill a tub with gifts for a specific child or make a monetary donation.
Meritan Silver Bells
Dates: Through December 12
Drop-off Locations: Visit the website for multiple locations, or donate online.
More Info: meritan.org
Senior citizens love the holidays, too! You can support Meritan’s low-income, homebound clients by adopting a “Silver Bell” this holiday season. Make a senior’s holiday wishes come true by providing wrapped, labeled gifts of clothing, books, toiletries, home goods, blankets, and gift cards. Online monetary gifts are also welcome.
Porter-Leath Toy Truck Drive
Multiple dates and drop-off locations throughout December
More Info: porterleath.org
For more than two decades, Porter-Leath’s Toy Truck Drive has provided gifts to thousands of children in need. Each holiday season, the goal is to fill a truck with new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children served by Porter-Leath. Monetary gifts are also welcome, and every dollar donated is matched by a “Secret Santa,” doubling your impact and helping children across the city.
Salvation Army Angel Tree
Dates: Deadlines to deliver gifts are displayed on individual Angel tags
Drop-off Locations: Multiple
More Info: tsamm.org
You can be a part of a beloved tradition through the Salvation Army Memphis’s Angel Tree! Since 1979, generous donors have selected angels and purchased the perfect gifts to make the holidays special for children or senior adults. Find your angel at the Kroc Center, The Salvation Army Thrift Store, or adopt a child online.
MIFA Holiday Meals
Dates: Ongoing. Sponsorship support will extend beyond the holidays to help MIFA serve seniors throughout the year.
More Info: mifa.org
A holiday tradition since 1984, MIFA Meals on Wheels delivers special holiday meals, gifts, and holiday cheer to 1,200 seniors across the community. The holiday meals are made possible through the generosity of sponsors and donations. If you’re interested in taking a more hands-on role, volunteers are needed to deliver hot meals and gifts to senior clients on Saturday, December 20.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis Holiday Gift Drive
Dates: Through December 8
Drop-off Locations: Multiple
More Info: bgcm.org
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis is on a mission to provide a holiday gift for each of its young members. Collection boxes are set up at various locations throughout Memphis, making it easy to drop off a toy that will bring holiday cheer to a child. BGCM staff and volunteers will sort through the gifts and deliver them to their 20 Club sites just in time for their holiday parties.
LeBonheur Children’s Hospital Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees
Dates: November 15 through December 28
Location: Museum of Science and History at the Pink Palace
More Info: lebonheur.org
While not a traditional donation or gift drive, the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees is a longstanding and much-loved tradition in Memphis. The always-charming, magical event benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. It’s a perfect holiday tradition for the whole family to enjoy!
Each of these organizations makes an incredible impact on Memphis families, and they’re ready to welcome your support this holiday season. Whether you’re inspired to give a toy, coat, or monetary contribution, every donation will make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
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Gaye Swan
As a professional writer of over 20 years, Gaye is an avid traveler and enjoys highlighting food, culture, and attractions around the South. While Gaye is passionate about life in Memphis, she grew up in Meridian and is still a Mississippi girl at heart.