The holiday season is a time for giving. What better way to give than to give back to others in need in the Southern Crescent area? Not only does it help our community grow stronger, but if you involve your children, it gives them a lifelong lesson in the importance of helping others when you can. With that in mind, here are ways you and your family can get involved in giving back in McDonough, Stockbridge, Locust Grove, Hampton, Griffin and Jackson this holiday season...and all year long.
Know of a toy, clothing, or food drive we missed or a volunteer opportunity Henry County, Butts County, Clayton, or Spalding County we left out? Let us know by sending an email to mackidmcdonough@macaronikid.com and we'll add it to our list!
Donating toys, clothes, or food
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Local Toy Drives in and around McDonough, Stockbridge, Griffin
Noel in November Toy Drive - Stockbridge
Details: Come to Noel In November to support Connecting Henry's Community Cares Toy Shop! Admission to the event is the donation of a new, unwrapped toy.
There will be entertainment for all ages including games, a solo performance by Stevie G., the Vintage Vixens, and Santa and Mrs. Claus!
How to donate: Bring a new, unwrapped toy to Clark Community Park on November 18 from 5-7 p.m.
Have questions? https://www.connectinghenry.org/upcoming-events
Griffin Fire & Rescue Toy Drive
Details: Griffin Fire Rescue are collecting toys for local children in Spalding County DFCS & The Salvation Army. Toy collection runs through Dec 10.
How to donate: Some of the drop box locations are below.
- Fire Station #1 310 North Hill Street
- Fire Station #2 1420 Ellis Road
- Fire Station #3 101 Crescent West
- WellStar
- Chick-Fil-A
- Walmart
- Griffin Waffle Houses
- Firehouse Subs
- Bandag
- Catarina’s
- UGA Griffin
- Crescent Elementary School…and that’s just the beginning!
Community Cares Toy Shop - McDonough
Details: Community Cares is collecting new, unwrapped toys for children in Pre-K through 5th Grade. Toy ideas are puzzles and Legos, arts and crafts, board games, action figures and dolls, sporting goods, bikes and scooters, socks and throws, gloves and scarves, electronic and RC toys, and stocking stuffers. Donations are also accepted.
How to donate: Drop off or mail to: 66 Veteran's Drive, McDonough GA 30253
Have questions? https://www.connectinghenry.org/community-cares-toy-shop
Toys for Tots - Drop off Locations
Details: A small gesture goes a long way in putting a smile on the face of a child, so we encourage you to donate to the children that are less fortunate this season.
How to Donate: Drop off a new, unwrapped toy during December at one of the following locations:
- Yule Forest off Highway 155 in Stockbridge
- Axe Country, downtown McDonough
Community Development For Real People (CD4RP) Adopt A Family - McDonough
Details: The 8th Annual Adopt A Family program provides toys, clothing, and food for less fortunate families at Christmas and putting smiles on little faces and warming little hearts. We served over 200 kids last year and the need is growing in the pandemic. This year's Christmas program will be held Saturday, December 18th and we need your support.
How to Donate: CD4RP is collecting toys weekly at its CD4RP Food Drive each Tuesday from 10am-Noon at 1781 Hwy 42N McDonough, Ga 30253.
Donations can also be mailed to: CD4RP, 1781 Hwy 42N, McDonough, Ga 30253 or sent via:
- PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/BecauseWeCareHenryAS
- Cash App - $CD4RP
- Zelle - 6785712477
Chairman Jeffrey E. Turner’s Toy Drive and Holiday Fundraiser
Details: Chairman Jeffrey E. Turner’s Toy Drive and Holiday Fundraiser will be held on December 9th 6PM – 9PM All toys benefit children in the foster and Kinship Care Programs of Clayton County.
How to Donate: Bring new & unwrapped toys and/or monetary donations. Drop boxes will be located outside & masks are required to enter. All are welcome inside for to eat and drink and network. Legends Headquarters Sports Bar & Grill, 7240 N Davidson Pkwy, Stockbridge, GA 30281.
For more information: Call 770-472-8122
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Clothing & Supply Drives in McDonough and the surrounding area
Blankets for Seniors
Details: Kids Helping Community are collecting new blankets for seniors through Dec. 10
How to donate:
Dropbox Locations are:
- Queen Bee Coffee Company
- SCB Video TV Marketing
- Life Church McDonough
- Advanced Roofing and Interiors M
Have questions? http://kidshelpingcommunity.com/annual-blanket-drive/
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Food Drives in and around McDonough
Community Food Drive - Clayton County Youth Commission
Details: All food items will be donated to Hearts to Nourish Hope. Items needed: Pasta, pasta sauce, oatmeal, canned vegetables and fruit, peanut butter, canned soup, applesauce, rice, etc.
How to donate: Various drop-off-locations
Have questions? Email Ciara.dunn@claytoncountyga.gov
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Giving trees in and around McDonough
Stockings for Seniors - Oaks at Eagles Landing
Details: Help kick off the Holiday Season by donating items for Seniors in Henry County. Oaks at Eagles Landing is sponsoring Stocking for Seniors. The proceeds go to our local Senior Centers. Join us to bring joy and love to others this season. Suggestions:
- Lip Balm
- Activity books
- Tooth paste/brush
- Lotion
- Gloves
- Hats
- Warm socks
- Hand sanitizer
- Deck of cards
How to donate: Please donate items at 245 Country Club Drive, Suite 300-C, Stockbridge. Monday - Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please deliver by December 1.
Have questions? Contact Sandy Mitchell at 678-209-2033
Adopt a Senior - Henry County Parks & Recreation
Details: It’s time once again to brighten the eyes of a homebound senior for Christmas. This year, we sent wish lists to our seniors, asking them what kind of gift card that they would like. We want them to be able to get items that they need/want during the Christmas season.
How to donate: We ask that the minimum of the gift card be $25.00. In addition to the gift card, with the cold season approaching, we would like each client to receive a warm, unwrapped blanket or throw.
Have questions? Please contact Tammy Smith at 770-288-6988 or tammysmith@co.henry.ga.us.
