The Best Holiday Charities: Toy and Food Drives in San Diego

One of the most important parts of the holiday season is giving to those in need. Here in San Diego, there are thousands of underprivileged families, children, veterans and homeless that need your help to make it through another year. If you want to spread some holiday joy to those in need, contact one of San Diego’s many charity groups to sponsor, donate or volunteer your time and services. It’s only through the compassion and goodwill of local citizens that keep these organizations going strong, and helps put smiles on the faces of the less-fortunate.

UNICEF

UNICEF helps save more lives than any other humanitarian organization. It operates in more than 190 countries and territories around the world, providing vaccines, medical treatment, food and water to children and families in need. 91% of all donations received goes directly into assisting those in need.

UNICEF is now holding the $1 Million Match—a program that matches 100% of every dollar donated. Your help is needed to help reach the goal of raising $1 million for children in need this holiday season. Monthly giving is encouraged as it helps donations go further and helps more children. You can donate anywhere from 50¢ a day to $3.33 a day, and you can increase, decrease or cancel your pledge whenever you wish. Visit UNICEFUSA.org to donate.

Feeding America San Diego

Feeding America San Diego is the largest hunger-relief organizations in the county. It has teamed up with ABC 10, Azteca San Diego 15 and Live Well San Diego to raise 1 million meals for families in need this season, and it needs your help to make it a success.

Feeding America San Diego is calling on sponsors, donors and volunteers to brighten the holidays for thousands of hungry families and children. For each $1 donation, 6 meals are provided. They accept one-time and monthly donations. You can make donations or sign up to volunteer online at FeedingAmericaSD.org or by calling (858) 452-3663.

Spirit of Sharing

Spirit of Sharing is a nonprofit organization that helps local active duty military families during the holidays. Their services begin every year right after Thanksgiving and last through the Christmas holiday.

All donations to Spirit of Sharing go toward school supplies, clothes, toys, gift cards and food for military families in need. To donate, contact Rachel Walker at (760) 726-8100, or send an email to SpiritOfSharing@gmail.com. You can visit the website at SpiritOfSharing.org.

San Diego Food Bank

The San Diego Food Bank is once again hosting the annual Holiday Food Drive. Sponsored by Vons, First Five San Diego, Wells Fargo, San Diego Chargers, FOX 5 San Diego, KyXy 69.5 and U-T San Diego, the 2014 Holiday Food Drive will benefit thousands of families in need this Christmas.

You can donate by purchasing a $10 food bag from any San Diego Vons store, or you can donate online through the San Diego Food Bank website. You can even sign up to host your own food drive, or virtual food drive, online. San Diego Food Bank can provide 5 meals for hungry San Diegans for every $1 donated. Visit SanDiegoFoodBank.org to donate or find out more about hosting your own food drive.

Toys For Tots

Every year, the Toys For Tots Foundation raises thousands of toys for underprivileged kids in San Diego. They host a number of drop-off locations around the county and are supported by some of San Diego’s biggest contributors, like Hasbro, Build a Bear Workshop, the UPS Store, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, ABC and Disney.

Drop-off locations have ended (Dec. 19) but you can still make donations—simply drop off toys at any San Diego Fire Department. You can visit Toys For Tots website at ToysForTots.org or send an email to mtftf@toysfortots.org to make a donation.

It’s All About the Kids

It’s All About the Kids is a San Diego charity organization that collects over 1,500 toys for kids in San Diego and Baja, Mexico. They’re always seeking sponsors, donations and volunteers to help them in their efforts. You can donate or sign up for volunteer services by contacting Angela Brannon at (858) 229-3663 or by emailing angela@itsallaboutthekids.org. You can also visit their website at ItsAllAboutTheKids.org.