Join the Spirit of Giving by Supporting these Holiday Drives in our Community!

By Xitlally Velasco

With the holiday season approaching, it’s time to come together and make a meaningful difference for those in need. Community donation drives are in full swing, offering easy ways to spread warmth, kindness, and support across our neighborhoods. From food collections to gift donations, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved and brighten someone’s holiday.


1. Project Santa at Open Door Mission.

Image courtesy of Open Door Mission

Open Door Mission’s Project Santa brings holiday cheer to children in need, ensuring every boy and girl wakes up to gifts on Christmas morning. Community members can drop off toys at any iHeart Media location or Open Door Mission’s Donation Centers.

For those who prefer to contribute from home, Open Door Mission also offers an Amazon Wish List for Project Santa, allowing toys to be purchased and shipped directly to brighten a child’s holiday.

Item List:

  • Fisher-Price or Playskool Toddler Toys

  • Action Figures

  • Board Games & Puzzles (Especially for Children 8+ & Family Time)

  • Cars (All sizes, especially Matchbox & Hot Wheel sets)

  • Baby Dolls 

  • Barbie Dolls

  • $10.00 Gift Cards for Walmart & Target

  • Play-Doh Sets


2. The Salvation Army Walmart Tree.

Image courtesy of The Salvation Army

For over 40 years, The Salvation Army and Walmart have worked together to meet community needs, and this Christmas, they’re partnering to encourage everyone to “Love Beyond” through the Angel Tree program. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program brings holiday joy to more than a million children each year by providing new clothing and toys.

Simply pick a tag from the Angel Tree at your local Walmart or use Walmart’s Spark Good Registry to shop online. Once gifts are received, The Salvation Army distributes them to families in need, creating a memorable Christmas morning for every child.


3. Donate a Thanksgiving Meal through Heartland Hope Mission.

Image courtesy of Heartland Hope Mission Facebook

With your support, Heartland Hope Mission can provide essential food and meaningful care to those in our community who need it most. Just $35 delivers a Thanksgiving meal kit to a family of four, complete with a turkey or ham and all the sides needed for a warm holiday meal at home with loved ones.

  • $35 provides Thanksgiving for one family.

  • $70 provides Thanksgiving for two families.

  • $105 provides Thanksgiving for three families.


4. St. Jude’s Thanks and Giving Campaign.

Image courtesy of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

In this season of gratitude and giving back, St. Jude’s holiday campaign has become a cherished tradition, where supporters, donors, corporate, and organizational partners come together to inspire joy and generosity in support of St. Jude’s lifesaving mission.


5. Gobble for Good Turkey Drive at the Stephen Center.

Image courtesy of Stephen Center Facebook

Gobble 4 Good helps feed vulnerable individuals and families year-round. Donations of turkey and ham can be dropped off at Stephen Center’s loading dock (2723 Q Street). These donations support meals for residents in the Pettigrew Emergency Shelter, HERO Addiction Recovery Program, and permanent supportive housing. These donations provide essential nutrition and are shared with local pantries throughout Omaha, making a lasting impact across the community.

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