Boston Holiday Donation Resources: A Complete Guide
Give back this season with these great options to donate toys, clothes and even recycle your Christmas tree! You’ll help local families and support the Boston community.
Image credit: Christmas in the City
Best Toy Donation Spots in the Boston Area and Middlesex County, MA
If you're looking to clear out some gently used toys, here are a few fantastic organizations that can help you do just that:
Christmas in the City: This Boston-based organization helps bring holiday joy to families living in shelters or transitional housing. Each year, Christmas in the City hosts a holiday party, providing gifts and a festive experience for thousands of children. You can support the cause by donating toys, sponsoring a family, or volunteering.
The Cape Cod Neighbors Fund: Through the Cape Cod Council of Churches, the Neighbors Fund helps provide gift card assistance for families with young children to cover holiday essentials such as groceries, clothing, and toys. This is a great way to give back if you’re closer to the Cape Cod area.
The Kennedy Center: The annual holiday gift drive at the Kennedy Center in Charlestown supports over 700 children from low-income families in Boston.
Toys for Tots: The Marine Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them to children in need across the country. This program helps bring the joy of Christmas to children who might otherwise go without. To find a drop-off location or learn more about how to contribute, visit Toys for Tots.
The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army’s holiday programs provide new clothes and toys to children who might otherwise go without. You can support by adopting an “angel” or donating directly.
Additional Donation Locations
If you’re looking for more ways to make a difference, here are a few more organizations doing incredible work that will put your donations to good use.
Enka Society: This local charity provides non-perishable food and personal care items to Winchester residents who require extra assistance in meeting basic needs. They also have a clothing boutique that accepts new and used donations. Proceeds go towards funding their various programs. Visit Enka Society for more info.
Mission of Deeds: They are a volunteer-supported nonprofit that gives new beds and gently used donated furniture, kitchen items, and basic household goods, free of charge, to people leaving homelessness and others in great need. Learn about how to donate on the Mission of Deeds Website.
Catie’s Closet: Catie’s Closet helps low-income students gain access to essential items like clothing and toiletries directly within their schools. You can get involved by donating clothes, hosting a drive, or shopping from their Amazon wishlist.
Food for Free: This Cambridge-based organization believes that access to healthy food is a fundamental right. Food for Free works with local partners to provide fresh groceries to over 150,000 people across Eastern Massachusetts. You can support them by donating food or funds, or by volunteering your time to help pack and deliver groceries.
Y2Y Harvard Square: Y2Y Harvard Square is a youth-led homeless shelter serving young adults between the ages of 18 and 24. The shelter provides beds, meals, clothing, and essential toiletries to those in need. You can help by donating high-need items like blankets and towels, or by volunteering your time.
And for even more ways to give back this holiday season, check out this comprehensive list of Holiday Donation Resources.
How to Dispose of Your Christmas Tree in Boston
Once the holiday festivities are over, it's important to properly dispose of your Christmas tree. The City of Boston offers several convenient options:
Image credit: Christmas Tree for Me
Curbside Pickup: From December 30, 2024, through January 10, 2025, Boston will collect Christmas trees curbside on your regular household recycling day. Be sure to place your tree curbside by 6 a.m. without any ornaments, lights, or stands. Trees will be turned into compost and used in community gardens, parks, and schools throughout the city.
Goat-Powered Tree Recycling: For a fun and eco-friendly option, consider Goat-Powered Tree Recycling offered by Christmas Tree for Me! They make it hassle-free by removing your tree from its stand, wrapping it, and even sweeping your floor. The best part? Local goats will munch on your tree, helping to recycle it in a sustainable way. Service ends January 5, 2025.
Local Scouts Tree Pickup: Many local scout troops offer tree disposal services as a fundraiser. For example, the Winchester Boy Scouts have previously collected trees for $20 each. Check with your local scouts to see if they are offering a similar program this year!