The holiday season is the perfect time to give back to the community that gives us so much all year long. Whether through donations, volunteering or spreading awareness, there are countless ways to make a difference right here at home. Here we have included some of the ways we can make a tangible contribution to fellow Memphians through a variety of local charities and organizations (we wish we could include them all) doing meaningful work in the River City. From helping families in need to animals in need, we hope you can find a cause that speaks to your heart during this season of giving.
Catholic Charities of West Tennessee welcomes anyone in crisis—no matter their background or beliefs. Each day, the organization provides food, clothing and personal care essentials while connecting individuals to housing and other vital resources so that all members of our community can experience stability, dignity and hope. Sadly, the needs continue to grow and gifts of time and financial generosity can make a meaningful difference for a neighbor facing hunger, homelessness or hardship. Visit ccwtn.org for a list of immediate needs and volunteer opportunities.
Our friends at the Forrest Spence Fund ensure that the children of Memphis (along with their siblings and caregivers) who are hospitalized over the holidays receive thoughtful, age-appropriate gifts. Visit forrestspencefund.org to shop their Christmas wish list for all ages and donate new, unwrapped toys for their Christmas toy drive through December 12th. You can also explore their ongoing volunteer opportunities to help spread cheer this holiday season and beyond as they assist families coping with a critically or chronically ill child throughout the Mid-South each day.
Su Casa Family Ministries exists to connect and empower the Latino immigrant community through connection and education by offering both adult English classes and dual-language preschool classes. You can support Su Casa by purchasing a set of holiday greeting cards made by their preschool students for $50. Your gift of any value helps to subsidize the cost of high quality-education for immigrant families in need this winter at sucasamemphis.org.
The gracious Dorothy Day House on Union Avenue provides housing and support services for families experiencing homelessness in Memphis, TN. Working with other local
agencies, staff members and volunteers, they provide families in need with a safe environment and the means to re-establish their independence. All guests are welcomed.
Each year, the Dorothy Day House seeks Christmas Wishlist Sponsors. Each wish list found on their website dorothydaymemphis.org includes a need, want, wear and read—they ask sponsors to budget $100–$150 per list which ensures that every parent and child in the Dorothy Day House can celebrate the season with hope and joy.
Calvary Episcopal Church, the “Mother Parish of Memphis and Shelby County,” offers multiple community ministries, including the Calvary Closet, Room at the Inn and Thistle and Bee, Inc. Each year at this time, Calvary provides Emmanuel Meals, a Christmas dinner prepared for our neighbors who are experiencing poverty or homelessness. You can volunteer to cook, serve, clean up and more online at calvarymemphis.org where paper turkeys are also available for $40 which subsidizes the cost of the meal.
The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County cares for more than 300 animals each day, which requires a lot of food and supplies. They have made it easy to donate the most needed items through their handy Amazon wish list. From food and bedding to toys and treats, donations can be delivered directly to the shelter or simply drop off. For the dogs and cats wishing for a forever family this season, visit memphishumane.org.