As the holidays approach, we naturally shift our attention to finding the perfect gifts for our families and friends. But, they aren’t the only ones who need our care this time of year.
In the Greater Toronto Area, there are many organizations accepting donations for those in need during the holiday season, and beyond. Read on to discover five local organizations that support a demographic near and dear to my heart - moms and young children!
Last year, we adopted a “24 Days of Kindness” challenge with our preschooler - a way to teach her how to be kind (not just around the holidays), and the importance of giving back.
One of her challenges was to select a charity to donate to. As an animal lover, she naturally chose the local animal shelter, where we donated a bag of dog and cat food to animals in need.
This year, we’ve opted to give to a cause close to our hearts - new moms and young children in need.
Even in the best circumstances, parenting can be quite the challenge. But for some, even affording the basic necessities is a struggle. It’s no secret that babies need a ton of stuff, but all of that stuff comes at a hefty cost. That’s why so many shelters and charities that serve women accept donations of baby gear, maternity gear and beyond.
In the Greater Toronto Area, there are so many fabulous organizations accepting donations this holiday season (and beyond) - in the form of money, time or gifts.
So what will we be donating this year? When donating to organizations, we choose brands that our family knows and loves, and uses every day! Philips Avent is one of those brands.
From the very beginning, we have been a Philips Avent family. Some of our favourites?
Philips Avent Natural Bottles - These BPA-free bottles have an ergonomic shape for maximum comfort, making them easy to hold and grip in any direction. The ultra soft nipple more closely resembles the breast, making an easier transition from breast to bottle.
Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottles with Airfree Vent - These bottles are designed to reduce colic, gas and reflux. The shape of the nipple allows a secure latch and stays full even when the bottle is horizontal, allowing baby to drink in an upright position so that they swallow less air as they drink.
Philips Avent Soothie Snuggle - The same great Soothie that many families and medical professionals know and trust, but with a soft, lightweight snuggly toy to help make babies feel secure.
If you have gently used baby gear that you’d like to donate, or if you’d like to give the gift of brand-new items, money or even time, here are five fabulous organizations in the Greater Toronto Area that are in need.
The New Mom Project
The New Mom Project was started to provide marginalized families with basic baby necessities to get them off to a great and loving start. Since 2014 they have helped over 1000 families!
What they accept: Donations of gently used or new items and distribute them to families in need.
The Birthday Candle Project
The Birthday Candle Project believes that every child deserves to be celebrated. Their mission is to bring joyful birthday celebrations to children living in women’s shelters in Toronto. They partner with organizations and individual families to collect unused (or gently used) party supplies, and then through a little creativity and magic, build parties for children who deserve to be celebrated!
What they accept: New or gently-used party supplies, birthday gifts and gift cards. They also have an option of building a Pack-a-Party.
Toronto Diaper Bank
The Diaper Bank of Toronto helps fill a critical and otherwise unmet need for diapers among the most vulnerable in our community. They believe that clean diapers are a basic need for babies and their caregivers, yet 1 in 4 children in Toronto live in poverty and these families are at risk or have experienced diaper need.
What they accept: The Diaper Bank accepts financial support, but also loose, opened and new packages of diapers. They will also accept wipes and formula.
Jessie’s Centre
This organization helps young mothers with kids and those expecting by providing them with resources. Their mission is to nurture the healthy development of pregnant teenagers, young parents and their children.
What they accept: The centre is always on the lookout for baby clothes, clothes for young women, and maternity wear.
Boys & Girls Club of East Scarborough
The Boys & Girls Club of East Scarborough provides services to 5,000 low-income children and youth from the surrounding area. Services include licensed childcare, early-years programs, before- and after-school programs, sports and recreation clubs, and leadership development.
What they accept: This holiday season they are looking for donations for The Holiday Box (a program that gives families small items they need for day-to-day life), Sponsor a Child (a program where you purchase gifts, clothing and groceries for a child) and their Toy Drive (where you can drop off an unwrapped toy that will be gifted to a child).
This holiday season, celebrate motherhood by giving a little bit of yourself to the mothers who don’t know you but need your help!
How do you give back? Do you have a charity that you donate to around the holiday season, or beyond? I’d love to hear!
*Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Philips Avent. I received products and/or compensation in exchange for this post. All opinions and advice shares are 100% that of To & Fro.
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