The holidays are a time for giving back, and you may be thinking of ways you can support your local community. Here at The Stop, we’re always asked what’s most useful during this period – and this year, we have a special list!
Donate Cash
Making a donation directly to The Stop helps us to respond flexibly to the needs of our community and purchase good quality fresh grocery items. It also helps us plan more confidently for the quieter periods, so if you’re thinking about supporting a food bank this holiday season, donating or fundraising cash is always highly welcomed.
Contribute Physical Items
For Our Food Bank
We always need food items, and this year is no different. Food inflation has raised the cost of a single food hamper from $60 in February to $85 now. Here’s our list of key items that we’re always on the look out for. We’re also seeking sweet treats like candy and other non-perishable snacks to give out for our holiday meal services.
For Our Healthy Beginnings Program
Each year we assemble gift baskets for the amazing participants of our perinatal program, Healthy Beginnings. The families in these programs are often living below the poverty line, and struggle to afford core wellbeing items, so we try and find and distribute them during the holiday season. We’re looking for:
- Personal care items and toiletries (toothpaste, soaps, deodorants, hair products)
- Candles, bath accessories, and aromatherapy
- Festive sweets and treats
- Diapers (for newborn to four-month-old babies especially)
- Baby formula
For Our Community Members
During the holidays, we try to distribute special gifts to our community members who access our free drop-in meals program, who can be homeless, living below the poverty line, or struggling to make ends meet. It’s our way of making people feel special and like they’re being looked after by their community. This winter we’re seeking the following to distribute through our drop-in:
- Unworn hats, scarves, gloves, and warm socks
- Warm layers, including long sleeve tops, sweaters
- Good quality blankets and sleeping bags
- Personal care items and toiletries (toothpaste, deodorants, soaps, hair products)
- Fun items like crosswords, puzzles, and sudoku
Gift a Holiday Box
The Stop Farmers’ Market Holiday Gift Box is back! This year’s edition includes 13 incredible local products that can be purchased for yourself, family, or given as gifts. There’s also an option to buy a box for a family in need. Boxes are $150 each and can be picked up at The Stop Farmers’ Market (Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St.) on Saturday, December 9 or Saturday, December 16. Shop local and reserve yours today by emailing thestopholidaybox@gmail.com.
Run a Fundraiser
Are you hosting an office party or dinner party in the next few weeks and looking for a way to make an impact? Why not run a fundraiser and ask guests for donations to The Stop! It’s an easy, low effort way to help out, and you can feel good while having fun. Create your own page here.
Buy a Coffee Bundle
If you have a coffee lover in your life, look no further. Throughout December, Neighbourhood Coffee will be donating a portion of sales from their holiday gift boxes to The Stop. These delightful boxes include a blend of their beans, as well as some artisanal local treats. Boxes range in size and price, but all include a contribution to The Stop. You can buy yours here.
If you have some creative ideas of things you’d like to do, or would like more information, please get in touch at donate@thestop.org.