It’s the season of giving and there are many agencies and organizations in Greater Flint that help needy families during the holidays. We’ve compiled a list of these local groups that can use your donation – where you can make a difference and help make the holidays magical for everyone!
Carriage Town Ministries
605 Garland St. Flint MI 48503
810.233.8787
To make a monetary donation during the holidays, please make your check payable to Carriage Town Ministries and mail to:
Carriage Town Ministries
P.O. Box 318, Flint MI 48501-0318
Catholic Charities
Wish List
This year’s list includes hats, gloves and mittens, gently used coats and boots, blankets, comforters, sleeping bags, new towels and socks, toiletries (including hotel and travel-sized), new toys and non-perishable food. All gifts are tax deductible.
Where to Donate:
You can make a monetary or Wish List donation at one of these three locations:
Catholic Charities of Genesee County
901 Chippewa St., Flint 48503
Catholic Charities of Shiawassee County
120 W. Exchange St., Ste. 300, Owosso 48867
Restoring Hope Capital Campaign
517 East Fifth Ave., Flint 48503
Old Newsboys of Flint
6255 Taylor Dr., Flint 48057
810.744.1840
Christmas Box Program
Old Newsboys of Flint is best known for its Christmas Box Program. Children who are low-income or suffer from special circumstances qualify for the program. Once qualified, he or she receives a sweatshirt and sweatpants, socks, underclothes, a hat and pair of warm gloves, dental hygiene products and a beautiful, new age-appropriate gift. Every $20 donation sponsors one child in the Christmas Box Program.
Old Newsboys Fundraising Events
December 5
Luigi’s “Blue Christmas”
Luigi’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, Flint 6-10pm
Everyone who wants to help provide a child with a brighter Christmas is invited to this Sponsor a Child Party that includes a complimentary buffet and music by Blue Hawaiians!
December 14
Annual Paper Day Sale, 9am-2pm
Across Genesee County
December 15
Pancake Breakfast with Santa
Clio Fire Station No.1, 9am-Noon
Salvation Army
211 W. Kearsley St., Flint MI 48502
810.232.2196
Christmas Assistance Program
Help underprivileged families by making a donation.
Visit CentralUSA.SalvationArmy.org/Genesee
Red Kettle Collection
Red Kettle bell-ringers are collecting monetary
donations at various Genesee County locations.
Toys for Tots – Genesee County
4425 S. Saginaw St., Flint MI 48507
810.715.4401
Local Coordinating Officer: Vicki Muckenthaler.
The Marine Toys for Tots Program is thankful for the many generous corporate sponsors and donors who contribute and help raise monetary donations, toys and program awareness. Their support helps millions of the less fortunate. Ninety-seven percent of a Toys for Tots donation goes to its mission of providing toys, books and other gifts to children. The campaign ends December 21. To donate, visit Flint-Mi.ToysForTots.org and click the “Toy Drop-Offs” tab.
Shelter of Flint, Inc.
924 Cedar St., Flint MI 48503
810.238.4711
The Shelter accepts gifts throughout the holiday season – monetary donations are always gratefully accepted. You can send your check or money order to:
Shelter of Flint, 924 Cedar St., Flint 48503
or call 810.238.4711 ext 305
Angel Tree
This program provides gifts of new clothing and toys to thousands of children who otherwise might not have anything for Christmas. Angel Tree may also include the collection of food and meals to help needy families enjoy the holiday season. Angel Trees are set up in various business offices, malls, non-profits and other locations, decorated with tags bearing the name, age, clothing size and toy requests of an underprivileged child. Many businesses help keep this service running, and their staff pool money to participate.
Adopt a Family Program
Homelessness and need do not take a break for the holidays and your support truly makes a difference in the lives of families at Shelter of Flint. On average, there are 90 families at the shelter during the holidays. The Adopt a Family program helps to bridge the gap between hopeless and hopeful – bringing joy to kids and families. When you are matched with a family, information including their first names, ages, genders and sizes, along with their wish list (with no single item valued over $30) will be sent to you. You will be provided with the date to return the newly purchased, wrapped and labeled gifts to Shelter of Flint. For more info, call the Development Department at 810.238.4711 ext. 305 or email sof@shelterofflint.org.
Wish List
Shelter of Flint accepts in-kind donations, which can be dropped off at the Emergency Shelter Location, Monday-Friday between 8am-4pm. Please call before dropping off donations. Wish List items include: deodorant, body wash, shampoo and conditioner (for all hair types), lotion, adult incontinence products, gift cards ($10-$25 value), bath towels and wash cloths (white), twin-sized bedding (white), strollers, car seats, single-serving food items, travel-size hygiene products, socks, laundry baskets, household cleaning supplies, toilet paper, laundry soap, canned goods, air mattresses, dishes, silverware, pots and pans, small appliances (toasters, coffee pots) and dish towels.
Whaley Children’s Center
1201 N. Grand Traverse St., Flint MI 48503
810.234.3603
This holiday season, you, your family, organization or business can choose one of the two gift-giving ideas below and help bring joy to one of the 48 children who reside at Whaley Children’s Center. If you would like to help Whaley celebrate the holidays in any other way, call Ashleigh Sanders at 810.600.0110 or email ASanders@WhaleyChildren.org.
Sponsor A Child
To sponsor a child, simply provide three items from the Wish List (totaling no more than $75): one set of pajamas, one pair of tennis shoes, and one stocking full of goodies (small toys, socks, underwear, etc.) A Wish List with gift options and the children’s sizes will be made available.
Gift Cards
Christmas Cash Gift Cards may not seem as thoughtful as a gift, but Whaley kids love having the spending power that a gift card provides. The organization hopes to provide every child with a $25 gift card to retail stores such as Target, Wal-Mart or Meijer.
