It’s the season of giving, so if you are looking for big or small ways to help out in your community, here are some options:
Toys for Tots is a non-profit public charity run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve with the mission to provide unwrapped toys for economically disadvantaged children. Since 1947, Toys for Tots has distributed more than 708 million toys to 314 million children. Eugene and Springfield are home to many drop sites, where in 2024, 18,097 toys were distributed to 13,512 children in our community. Donate online at toysfortots.org or in stores by mid-December.
Angel Trees and Giving Trees provide new clothing and toys for children in needy families through the support of donors. Angel Trees provide toys and clothing to hundreds of thousands of children every year. You can find many Angel Trees, and other giving trees around Eugene, at Walmart and other locations. These trees give you a wishlist for a specific kid. Donations close mid-December.
Giving machines that help aid local nonprofits can be found throughout Eugene. You can find them in the Valley River Center Mall. Through these machines, you can purchase items such as fresh produce, health kits or utility assistance. The items generally range from $5 to $150. In 2024 these giving machines raised $60,000 for nonprofits in this area.
Food for Lane County is a private, nonprofit food bank aiming to reduce hunger in our community. You can help by donating food at a local food drive or at the Food for Lane County (FFLC) building (770 Bailey Hill Road, Eugene). You can also donate money through their website (foodforlanecounty.org). FFLC offers many volunteer options, including Meals on Wheels, Food Rescue Express, GrassRoots Garden and more. It is possible to sign up for these individual volunteer shifts to organize and process donations through their website.
Burrito Brigade is another local nonprofit aiming to reduce hunger in our community. Burrito Brigade was started in 2014, and since then they have served 349,250 burritos to Eugene and Springfield. Burrito Brigade accepts donations of money or of excess produce and other supplies. You can find the link to donate, along with a list of items that they are currently accepting on their website (burritobrigade.org). Burrito Brigade also offers many volunteer options including their Waste to Taste program, their weekend Burrito Brigade or helping out with their Little Free Pantries.
Bags of Love is a nonprofit organization aiming to support children suffering from abuse, neglect, poverty, homelessness or disaster. They have distributed Bags of Love to more than 37,000 local children. These bags are customized to the unique age, gender, needs and preferences of each child. You can volunteer or donate new or gently used items at a drop site.
Free Little Libraries and Free Little Pantries can be found all across Eugene and Springfield. The libraries accept new and used books, and the pantries accept nonperishable food, unopened beverages, and new/unused hygiene products.
Finally, if you are looking for a small way to help out your community you can consider paying it forward, shopping at a local business, baking for a neighbor, writing letters to nursing homes, or donating blood.
Article by Anna Andrejko