HOLIDAY GIVING GUIDE

The holidays bring a certain cheer and warmth to cold winter months and the giving spirit that accompanies the season is completely infectious. For anyone eager to share their cheer, comfort or love with others who may be lacking, we’ve found some charities and organizations in the OKC metro that are always accepting volunteers. 

The Sharing Tree is a metro area nonprofit that provides a dignified shopping experience for families in need. They offer Christmas donation packages that range from $20 to $200. Contributions may include a winter coat for a child or uniforms for five children. Whatever families are able to give is sure to help a child.

The Sharing Tree facility is set up like a large department store, with separate sections for clothing, appliances, books and so on. Most items are donated. The nonprofit operates year-round providing school uniforms, basic necessities and support for families. 

They accept donations of time, items and money and are in need of extra help during the holidays. Learn more at sharingtreeok.org.

The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma has many opportunities available to volunteer. 

Until Dec. 24, they’re looking for bell ringers for their Red Kettle campaign. The volunteering group will entertain and greet shoppers with holiday cheer as they enter and exit businesses. This campaign is the Salvation Army’s largest annual fundraiser. 

Until Dec.17, the Salvation Army needs volunteers to help organize and wrap presents for the families in their Angel Tree program, which provides families in need with Christmas presents for children. 

From Dec. 19 until Dec. 23, you can donate your time to assist families in picking up their Angel Tree gifts. 

For more information on volunteering at the Salvation Army, contact Liz Banks at 405-246-1107 or liz.banks@uss.salvationarmy.org.

Skyline Urban Ministry’s Christmas Grace program seeks to provide holiday presents for families in need this season. Each donor is paired with a family in need to buy presents for. Those families who aren’t paired with a donor can visit the Skyline Christmas store and pick out presents for their children. To find out more about donating or volunteering, contact Veronica Nunez at (405) 632-2644 or vnunez@skylineurbanministry.org.