Best Local Organizations For Holiday Donations In Minnesota

Every organization under the sun is asking for donations over the holiday season. This is because many are feeling more generous and giving during this annual time of celebration. Take time to donate time, money or goods to a local organization in order to help those in your own community. These organizations work directly with the needy and would love a donation this year.

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

2445 Prior Ave. N.
Roseville, MN 55113
(651) 746-3400
www.salvationarmynorth.org

The Red Kettles of the Salvation Army may be one of the most recognizable donation sites during the holidays. With volunteer bell ringers at every station wishing shoppers a Merry Christmas, the collection kettles are hard to miss. The money collected through this project helps support those in the community that need a little help over the holidays. The organization provides goods and services to low-income families and provides food and clothing for those in shelters. The kettles may be the easiest place to make a donation this year, they are truly everywhere and individuals need not drive around to find a collection site. Volunteer to ring a bell or just help with a monetary donation this year.

Disabled American Veterans
State Veterans Service Building
20 W. 12th St.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 291-1212
www.davmn.org

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is an organization made up of veterans and volunteers dedicated to helping other veterans. Aside from providing assistance with job placement, medical needs and counseling, the DAV helps support disabled veterans and their families with food and clothing needs. Donations to the DAV are taken year round and they even have a service that will come and pick up your donation to make it easier on you. During the winter, DAV encourages donations of winter coats and household goods but also appreciates durable medical equipment and any used vehicles. Give back to those that have served the country this holiday season.

Good In The 'Hood
2101 Chicago Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 217-4003
www.goodinthehood.org

Good In The 'Hood started as a non-profit organization to help connect families in crises with other organizations that could help them. Today, the organization partners with other community resources to raise donations for the community and help people in difficult situations make it through. Good In The 'Hood focuses on inspiring kindness in the community and works to promote change in the way people interact with one another. It accepts donations and volunteers to help deliver and collect resources and many individuals and families who have been helped in the past go on to volunteer in the future.

Related:  Best Places In Minnesota To Give Back This Holiday Season

Catholic Charities of St. Paul And Minneapolis
1200 2nd Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 204-8500
www.cctwincities.org

Catholic Charities work year-round to raise money for those in the community with housing needs and other disadvantages. The organization provides soup kitchens on-site to individuals living in shelters or on the streets. Aside from helping to feed and house members of the community, job and medical assistance are offered as well. Catholic Charities focuses on anyone struggling to find food or housing and vulnerable adults in the community. It accepts donations of food, time and any other resources that may be helpful during the winter months.

Toys For Tots - Minnesota 
Various Drop-Off Locations
(612) 713-4820
www.minneapolis-mn.toysfortots.org

What started in the 1940s in Los Angeles to provide toys to needy children over the holidays has become an official annual activity of the United States Marine Corps. Each year, cities across the country collect new toys to deliver to children of families that cannot afford presents over the holidays. The Marine Reserves take on the task of organizing and supporting the toy drive as well as delivering the toys. Minnesota often has one of the highest collection rates for toys each year compared with the rest of the United States cities, showing the support locals have for this project. Drop-off sites are always located in Toys R Us stores and will also be placed throughout the state. Check the website to find the closest drop-off site.

Related: Best Winter And Holiday Activities In Minnesota

Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.