Make a difference in the life of a child, family, older adult, organization or individual this holiday season. Below, you will find volunteer opportunities and donation needs at local nonprofit organizations throughout Berks County.
To volunteer, contact the agency directly. If you fulfill a wish list, please let the organization know that you found their list through United Way of Berks County.
For more information or assistance, please contact Darby Wiekrykas or call 610-685-4574.
To search for volunteer opportunities all year long, visit uwberks.org/Volunteer
Volunteer Your Time
Berks Free Medical Clinic – Reading and Robesonia
Volunteers Needed
Volunteer clinical staff are needed year-round to provide free health care to adults in our community without health insurance.
Contact Stacie Dreibelbis at clinic@wbfmc.net or 610-693-6207 X1001
Crime Alert Berks County
Shop With A Cop
We are looking for a few extra hands to wrap the presents that children choose for their special loved one(s). On Wednesday, December 19, from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, 20 children are paired with a local law enforcement officer to help spend $100 on their loved ones at Boscov’s North. We are looking for Gift Wrappers to wrap the presents that the children select.
Contact Chris Nein at cnein@ptd.net or 610-334-0633
Friend, Inc.
Christmas Gift Distributions
Volunteers are needed on the following dates:
- December 8, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Gifts are dropped off from local churches and need to be carried up a flight of stairs and match the code on the gift to the bag with the identical code.
- December 20, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Volunteers assist with pantry distribution and distribute turkeys, holiday dinner boxes and gift bags for children.
Contact Cathy Dill at cathy@friendinc.org or 610-683-7791
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Volunteer with Us
We are always looking for community members who care about creating a vibrant place for neighbors and visitors. From painting to working with our garden to helping at events, GoggleWorks is the perfect place to offer your time whether you’re a student looking for hours or a corporate group working together with a mission!
Contact Rachael Romig rromig@goggleworks.org or 610-698-6366
Habitat for Humanity of Berks County/ReStore
Santa’s Helpers Needed at ReStore
The ReStore could use some extra help during the busy holiday shopping season. Volunteers assist with a variety of tasks including receiving donations, prepping donated goods for the sales floor, displaying inventory, general cleaning and assisting customers. Volunteers must be at least 17 years old and wear closed-toe shoes. Individuals and groups of up to 7 are welcome for at least four-hour shifts. The Re-Store is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM.
Contact Eneida Powell at eneidap@habitatberks.org or 610-621-0011
Heartland Hospice
Holiday Crafters Wanted
Are you or your group creative and artistic? Are you willing to create colorful bedside decorations to bring holiday cheer to our patients? Many of our patients are in nursing facilities and have few visitors. Your decorations can add cheer to their holidays and let them know that others are thinking of them. Hospice provides quality of life to patients who have six months or less to live. Call for details.
Contact Lori Gourama at Lori.Gourama@HeartlandHospice.com or 610-373-6898
Helping Harvest
Help us Feed our Neighbors this Holiday Season
At Helping Harvest, the holidays are our busiest season! As the largest Food Distribution center in Berks and Schuylkill county; we have thousands of families we want to ensure get a wonderful holiday meal! We are always looking for individuals or groups to join us at the warehouse helping us pack Holiday Boxes, bag fresh produce, or even helping us sort through our donations! At our mobile food pantries (Mobile Markets) we are looking for volunteers to distribute food directly to families with some holiday spirit! Interested in hosting a food drive? We take donations Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm! There is never a shortage of ways to help your community, and this holiday season we could use your help, so join us today! Volunteer | Helping Harvest
Contact Kelsey Pfisterer kpfisterer@helpingharvest.org 610-926-5802 X220
Hope Rescue Mission
Kitchen Helpers
We provide 3 meals a day, 7 days a week and would love your help serving 200 + men. You can donate a meal, the ingredients, or help our chef and his team prepare food in our kitchen. Volunteers may also help with serving in the food line, busing tables, cleaning or organizing. Visit our website www.hopeforreading.org/volunteer-opportunities
Contact Sheri Golembiewski at volunteer@hopeforreading.org or 610-375-4224 x205.
Keystone Military Families
Stocking Stuffer Elves and Holiday Shop Helpers Needed
Volunteers are needed thru November to stuff Stockings for Soldiers at a pantry located at 331 Main St. Rear, Shoemakersville. Parking and entrance in rear of the building. Hours are 9 AM – 2 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 AM – 2 PM. Please call ahead if your group is more than 4 people. Once stockings have been packed and shipped, we will be setting up a Christmas Shoppe, sorting and packing toys for military families in need. Volunteers will be needed during December on the same days and times.
Contact Kyle Lord at keystonemilitary@yahoo.com or 610-698-2122
Mary’s Shelter
Santa’s Helpers
We have an increased need for in-person volunteers through the holiday season to organize gifts and donated items. Volunteers are welcome individually or as a group to help sort and relocate items for easy access and to ensure that gifted items are kept hidden. Please call 610-376-1973 or e-mail office@marysshelter.org to schedule a volunteer shift.
Opportunity House
Provide/Serve A Meal
Seeking a meaningful way for your business, club, church, or group of friends to give back during the holiday season? Whether you choose to prepare and serve the food or just drop it off – breakfast, lunch, and dinner dates are available.
Contact Kris Batista kbatista@opphouse.org or 610-374-4696 X234
Holiday Activities
Volunteers are invited to coordinate a Makeovers w/Haircuts, Bingo Bash or a Musical Magic Christmas Caroling residents to enjoy the holiday season. Details will be provided.
Contact Bianca Ruiz bruiz@opphouse.org or 610-207-0240
Safe Berks
Holiday Meals
Looking for small groups to cook dinner or sponsor a local restaurant to provide dinner for the residents of our Safe House. We have 40-50 people which includes parents and children. We appreciate if food can be delivered hot and ready to serve by 5 PM. Please bring earlier if you need us to re-heat food. Many dates are available.
Contact Mindy McIntosh at mindym@safeberks.org or 484-468-9637
Volunteer Gift Wrappers
We are seeking volunteers to gift-wrap at the Berkshire Mall, evenings and weekends from December 1- 24. All proceeds benefit Safe Berks.
Contact Madi Cooper giftwrap@safeberks.org or 610-373-1206 X115
Shady Hollow Assisted Riding
Helping Hands Needed
Volunteers are essential in creating a safe and supportive environment for riders, helping with tasks like leading horses during lessons, helping in the barn and working with our students. They also care for the horses by grooming and tacking, while assisting with the barn’s upkeep. Through their efforts, volunteers help riders experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of horseback riding.
Contact Amy Ondo Volunteer@HugAHorse.com or 610-568-4863
The Children’s Home of Reading
Holiday Elves Needed
Volunteers sort and organize gifts weekdays from December 5 through 12 from 10 AM – 4 PM at 200 Penn Street Reading. Small groups are better from December 10-12.
Contact ahugg@choreading.org or 610-478-8266 X1249
Activities
Groups can organize a candy Bingo, Sundae party etc. for the children.
Contact Jill Troutman jtroutman@choreading.org or 610-478-8266 X1249
The Salvation Army Hamburg Service Center- 700 S 4th St., Hamburg
Volunteer Bell Ringers
Volunteers are needed for 2-hour shifts from November 24 through December 23, Monday – Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM in Hamburg, Leesport, and Bernville area locations.
Contact Steve Clark at redkettlehamburg@gmail.com or 484-663-4797
The Salvation Army Reading Corps- 301 S. 5th St., Reading
Kettle Bell Ringers
Business groups, organizations, civic clubs and individual volunteers are needed to ring the bells at the kettles in various locations throughout Berks County from November 21 through December 23.
Sign up here http://bttr.im/1i6hr or 610-373-5208 X207
Steel River Playhouse
Annie Production Helpers
Volunteer as an usher or help with concessions in the lobby during the 12 performances of our musical holiday show – Annie – from Thursday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 22 – across 3 weekends. Volunteering is a fantastic way to contribute to the arts while enjoying some of the best live performances in the area. Volunteers see the show for free. Join us to ensure the success of the show and help spread joy and optimism this holiday season!
Contact Wayne Fenstermacher volunteer@SteelRiver-Playhouse.org or 610-659-7878
Superheroes for Autism
Brunch with Santa
Superheroes for Autism will host “Brunch with Santa” on December 14th, a cherished annual event aimed at supporting families with children on the Autism Spectrum. This sensory-friendly experience includes a private visit with Santa, allowing each family uninterrupted 1:1 time, and a toy selection area with items suited to children’s needs and abilities. Donations of toys, gift cards to purchase toys and food for the families would be appreciated.
Contact Deneida Perez at superheroes4autism@gmail.com or 610-413-4038
Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading
Thanksgiving at Second Street Learning Center
November 20th from 4-6PM. Join us at Second Street Learning Center as we work with school-aged children to celebrate Thanksgiving. We will be playing games, doing crafts and creating Thanksgiving related gratitude gifts for the children to gift to their families. Open to ages 11-18. Sign up here.
Family Volunteer Day
Please join us for the Youth Volunteer Corps 2024 Family Volunteer Day on Monday, November 25th, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Community members-at-large and YVC members plus their families are invited to prepare 400 lunches for New Journey Community Outreach. This event will be hosted at Alvernia University’s Student Center. 400 St. Bernardine St, Reading. We are looking for Volunteers ages 5+ and up to help assemble and prepare 400 lunches. Sign up here.
Weeding and Removing Invasives at Rentschler Arboretum
Rentschler Arboretum needs our volunteers December 2 from 2-4 PM to help pull weeds and invasive plants before winter comes. This opportunity is open to youth ages 11-18 and young adults 18-25. Sign up here.
Make and Create for Seniors
Join us December 4 from 4-6 PM as we come together this holiday season and spread joy to those who are in need. We will be making Christmas presents to be delivered to nursing homes in Berks County. Examples include; no-sew blankets, crossword puzzles, wheelchair bags, etc. Open to youth ages 11-18. Sign up here.
S.T.A.R Film Discussion Series (Racial Equity/Social Justice)
Join student leaders from the YVC Stand Together Against Racism youth initiative to discuss thought-provoking films about race on December 10 from 5:30 – 8:30 PM. Watch the movie (or read the book) prior to the virtual discussion. Students and adults are welcome to join us! Sign up here.
Lighthouse Women and Children’s Center
LightHouse Women’s & Children’s Center provides temporary housing to women and children experiencing homelessness. We will be bringing games and fun to the children currently residing at LightHouse on January 25 from 6:30 – 8 PM. Open to youth ages 11-18. Sign up here.
Fulfill a Holiday Wish
American Cancer Society
Hope Lodge Wish List
Hope Lodge in Philadelphia is where cancer patients and their caregivers, including Berks County residents, stay at no cost to receive their cancer treatment. The lodge has a wish list of products https://a.co/gVktTM9 that they would love to help provide the best daily experience for their guests and a few items for those who stay over during the holidays.
Contact Dee Mathis dee.mathis@cancer.org or 717-727-0821
Berks Coalition to End Homelessness
Wish List
This holiday season, we encourage you to think of the unhoused community. On any given night, there are 200 – 300 people sleeping outside in Berks County. Over 20 people walk into our office each week asking for supplies and resources. As the weather gets colder, we give out more supplies and we need YOUR help in building up our supplies. Check our Amazon wish list for our most needed supplies: https://a.co/eAneqE7
Berks Encore
Holiday Collection
We understand that holiday seasons can create very lonely times for the elderly in our community. Berks Encore Meals On Wheels will be delivering special holiday gift bags filled with tasty goodies and personal items to bring a bit of holiday cheer to our MOW consumers. We are looking for the following items: new mugs, boxes of individual cocoa packets, tea bags, word search booklets, individual tissue packs, warm socks, notepads, adult coloring books and colored pencils, toothbrushes, toothpaste, snack size candy.
Contact Michelle Goodhart mgoodhart@berksencore.org or 610-374-3195 X225
Berks Free Medical Clinic- Reading and Robesonia
Support Efforts to Provide Free Health Care to Adults without Health Insurance
Donations of Staples (office supplies) and Walmart (diabetic supplies for patients) gift cards, white copy paper, US forever postage stamps, boxes of tissues, paper towels, disinfecting wipes and bottled water.
Contact Stacie Dreibelbis at clinic@wbfmc.net or 610-693-6207 X1001
Connections Work
Share Christmas Joy
Connections Work coordinates a Holiday Gift Project each year to serve children of incarcerated or justice-involved parents. (925 children received gifts last year) This year’s wish list includes stuffed animals, children’s hats, scarves and gloves, new or gently used books (for all ages), coloring books, 24 packs of crayons and stocking stuffers. Donations should be delivered by November 20 to the Connections Work office at 19 N 6th St., 4th Flr., Rdg. Donors are asked to call the office first to set up a time to deliver their donation.
Contact Erin Delson edelson@connectionswork.org 484-260-3860 X3860
Bethany Children’s Home
Special Holiday Collection
Please join us in helping youths aged 10-21 years who will be residing at Bethany Children’s Home this holiday season. Through your special gifts you will create new positive memories in their life. For many this will be their first Christmas with personal gifts. We kindly ask that all items are new and unwrapped. We are unable to distribute used items to the youth. We appreciate age-appropriate gifts with the consideration of parental warnings, modesty and safety. Christmas gifts will ONLY be received at the ADMbuilding located off Bethany Road at our Upper Gate entrance. Look for the signs. All gifts are needed by December 18. Christmas Wish List click here.
Contact Jocelynn Phillips 610-589-6834 to schedule your drop off
Breast Cancer Support Services
Secret Santas- Kids’ Corner
Secret Santas – Please check our Amazon Wish List link: Amazon Wish List
Kids’ Corner – Please check our WalMart Wish List link : WalMart Wish List
Contact Madisyn Klein at madisyn@bcssberks.org or 610-478-1447
Dayspring Homes
Personal Care Stocking Stuffers and Gift Cards
Please consider assisting the residents this holiday season by providing the little things they need such as personal hygiene products. These include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, hairbrushes, ChapStick, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, mini comb or hairbrush etc.
Contact Vicki Swain at vswain@dayspringhomes.org or 610-376-5648 X228
Easterseals Eastern PA
Families attending our specialty medical clinics often do not have the resources to meet basic hygiene and housekeeping needs. Those with demonstrated financial need can request items from the inventory in our Client Assistance Closet. We need your help to keep it stocked! The following items are most needed by families: diapers (size 1/size 2/size 3/size 4), sippy cups, baby shampoo and conditioner, diaper cream, toddler toothbrushes, toothbrushes (kid/adult), toothpaste (kid/adult), shampoo (kid/adult), conditioner (kid/adult), deodorant, moisturizer/lotion, bar soap, BandAids, first aid cream, tissues, paper towels, bathroom spray cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, and laundry detergent. Items may be delivered to our center at 90 George Street in Reading by appointment.
Contact Lori Wehr at Lwehr@esep.org or 610-289-0114 x205
Family Promise of Berks County
Share the Gift of Connectivity
Help unsheltered families and youth feel CONNECTED this holiday season by donating portable/wireless chargers, small power banks, charging cables, and USB port wall chargers. No need to wrap these items! Thoughtful gifts can be dropped off at our office at 325 North 5th Street in Reading between the hours of 9:00am and 2:00pm, Monday-Thursday. We will accept donations anytime between now and December 20th! Please call if special drop off is needed.
Contact Jill Skoutelas Jskoutelas@familypromiseofberks.org 610-373-3323 x105
Fostering Hope
Holiday Gift Cards
Our organization is looking for gift cards to help our families impacted by foster care in Berks County to purchase gifts for the holiday season. The gift cards should be $50 or less per card to any store in Berks County where our families can shop for gifts.
Contact Paula Gyomber at outreach.berks@fosteringhopepa.com or 610-406-3794
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts – 20th Anniversary Growth
Wood You Help Us
We invite you to our newly renovated woodshop, but also ask for your help in acquiring the final items we need! We are hoping to find new/like new:
- Handtools (bench planes, hand saws, chisels)
- Jet JWL-1642EVS wood lathe and accessories (can be used)
- MLCS Professional Router Table Package with Powerlift Pro
Amazon Wishlist: https://a.co/bnXmNlM
Help Children with the Arts!
In 2024 GoggleWorks offered 319 scholarships to children for our After School Arts Program (ASAP). By helping us to purchase the items needed for the classes, it keeps the program free for the kids! Amazon Wishlist – https://a.co/byrnZFD
Winter Garden Prep
The GoggleWorks Gardens at Lauer’s Park produces 1,000 pounds of food annually, hosts volunteer nights, and creates free and community accessible programming for emerging artists through the Soil & Stage Open Mic Nights. Help us keep it clean, tidy & growing!
Amazon Wishlist – https://a.co/fr3hHEF
We Throw the Best Parties
Our community signature events are the coolest in town bringing together hundreds of families. Our signature events are always FREE to attend and your donations can help us continue to offer free activities and things to do/create! Amazon Wishlist – https://a.co/7FDpKp8
Caring for Ceramics
Our ceramics studio is a bustling community of artists. With your help, we will be able to grow the amount of items we have to offer to students, workshops and studio artists as we continue to grow! Amazon Wishlist – https://a.co/1vbtS0E
Contact Rachael Romig, rromig@goggleworks.org 610-698-6366
Hannah’s Hope Ministries
Gift Giving
Please help our mothers and children have a Happy Holiday by donating gift cards from Walmart, Target, Giant, Redner’s, Boscov’s, WAWA and local restaurants.
Contact Betsy Santiago at hannahshopeministriesreading.org or (610) 655-7716 .
Hope Rescue Mission and Lighthouse
Helping through the Holidays
Amazon Gift Cards or purchasing items from our Amazon Wish List are great ways to partner with Hope Rescue Mission. There are many needs over the winter months, and this is a wonderful gift for those we serve.
LightHouse Women & Children’s Center Amazon.com
Collection Drives
We are always collecting new and gently used men, women and children’s clothing. Bags can be dropped off at one of our many bins located in Berks County. A list of bin locations is available www.hopeforreading.org/donateitems. In addition the following items are always appreciated.
The Mission – shampoo, deodorant, razors, shaving gel, long underwear – medium – 3X, underwear – medium – 3X, sweatpants – medium – 3X
LightHouse – diapers – sizes 4, 5, & 6, Lysol wipes, toilet paper, paper towels
Contact Sheri Golembiewski at volunteer@hopeforreading.org or 610-375-4224 X205
Keystone Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Santa’s Helpers
KDHHS will be making Holiday Baskets for families in need. We are requesting gift cards in any dollar amount from Giant, Weis, Redner’s or other grocery stores. All gift cards should be dropped off at the agency’s new location 1290 Broadcasting Rd. Ste. 1, Wyomissing during business hours by December 19.
Contact Lori Fisher at lfisher@kdhhs.org or 610-685-4523
Keystone Military Families
Stockings For Soldiers- Thanksgiving – Christmas Collections
Christmas Stockings
- Stockings – 18″ to 20″ in size. Handmade or purchased
- Christmas hats – Santa, reindeer or elf type
- Paper or plastic Christmas decorations – no glass ornaments
- Ground or instant Coffee, Kcups, and hot tea. Coffee creamer and sugar packets too! Hot chocolate or hot cider.
- Power Bars, cereal bars, trail mix, granola bars and healthy snacks
- Slim Jims, Beef or Turkey Jerky
- Sunflower Seeds & Nuts in small packages
- Individual snacks like crackers, cookies, cheese/cracker kits
- Peanut Butter & Jelly – individual size please
- Candy canes
- Small sewing kits and manicure kits
- Sunscreen and Chap Stick with sunscreen, Blistex
- Aspirin, Tylenol and cold meds in small packages
- Vitamins, supplements, and protein powder
- 5 Hour Energy and similar products
- Mens and Ladies calf high socks or boot socks in black or white. Cotton or wool please
- Thermal gloves or glove liners
Drop off by November 30.
Thanksgiving
- Canned Corn
- Canned Green Beans
- Canned Yams or Sweet Potatoes
- Canned Pumpkin or Pumpkin Pie Filling
- Cans or Jars of Turkey Gravy. Packets are OK
- Canned Cranberry Sauce
- Jars or cans of Applesauce
- Boxes or Bags of Stuffing Mix
- Boxes of Instant mashed Potatoes
- Bread, Roll, or Biscuit Mix•Nuts or Mints
- Salt & Pepper
- Bottled juice or juice boxes
- Flour
- Sugar
- Vanilla
- Chocolate Chips
- Baking Soda
- Baking Powder
- $15 to $30 gift card for a turkey.
Contact Kyle Lord at keystonemilitary@yahoo.com or 610-698-2122
Mary’s Shelter
Wish List Items
We are always grateful for the receipt of items on our wish list such as toiletries, clothing, household necessities and gift cards. These items are provided to our residents, clients and community members who are in need. Our wish lists can be found on our website MS Wish List and also our Amazon Wish List Amazon Wish List.
Please call 610-376-1973 or e-mail office@marysshelter.org if you have any questions.
New Journey Community Outreach
Christmas Giving
Help us provide warm and nutritious meals this holiday season by helping in our daily soup kitchen. We are looking for bagged lunches or made ahead meals that can be heated here and portioned for lunch distribution. We serve an average of 400 lunches a day. We’d love to have your group working in our kitchen to help spread warmth and hope to our neighbors. Any number of bagged lunches/sandwiches would help.
Contact Jeff Laylon at jlaylon@njcoinc.org or 610-375-2662 X24
Opportunity House
Winter Needs
- Children’s winter coats, sizes 12 MO-Youth XL
- New or gently used, adult’s winter coats, sizes Adult XS-5XL
- New or gently used, gloves, scarves, hats and earmuffs
- New, bed sheets (sizes Twin, Twin XL and Queen)
- Blankets and pillows
- New bath Towels
- New children’s socks, underwear and other layering garments, sizes 12 MO-Youth XL
- New adult’s socks, underwear and other layering garments, sixes XS-XXL
- New Hot Hands, or other self-warming devices
Contact Kris Batista kbatista@opphouse.org or 610-374-4696 X234
Adopt a Family/Adopt a Child
Celebrate the season of giving by sponsoring a family or child from our Shelter and Housing Program. Participants provide gifts, meals, and essentials to help families experience the joy of the holidays. This initiative fosters community spirit and allows donors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need, creating lasting memories and hope during this special time of year.
Contact Kim Long at klong@opphouse.org or 610-504-8032
Reading School District
Knights Closet
The Knights Closet supports Reading’s students and families with basic need items such as hygiene products, cold weather gear, coats, and gift cards (Walmart, Target, grocery stores, restaurants, haircuts, etc.).
Contact Emily Snisky at knightscloset@readingsd.org
Rock Hollow Woods Environmental Learning Center
Send a Child to Nature Camp
Sponsor a child to attend one of Rick Hollow Woods’ nature camps. These children will be immersed in an authentic nature experience with certified teachers, along with those teachers that are hidden in the creek, forest, meadows and sunlight. They get dirty, have fun, learn about the natural world around them, become environmental stewards and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Contact Michelle Zeitz at info@rockhollowwoods.org or 610-582-0415
Safe Berks
Holiday Gift Donor
Please consider donating unwrapped gifts for the holiday season for parents and children who reside in our Safe House, transitional housing, or utilize our other services – this adds up to over 100 parents and children at any given time. Children’s ages range from infancy up to 17 years. Please contact Safe Berks for a list. You may also “sponsor” a family for Christmas by providing gifts for the whole family.
Contact Mindy McIntosh at mindym@safeberks.org or 484-468-9637
The LGBT Center of Greater Reading
It’s the Season for Giving
Help fill our pantry with donations of personal care products. Soap, shampoo, conditioner, razors, shaving cream, lotion, menstrual products, tissues, combs, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Additional items are monthly bus passes, blankets, warm scarves, gloves, socks and hats and $25 gift cards to Goodwill.
Contact Jox Brown volunteer@lgbtcenterofreading.com or 484-468-9637
The Salvation Army Reading Corps- 301 S. 5th St., Reading
Adopt an Angel
Generous donors are needed to sponsor children, seniors, and veterans for our Angel Tree Program. Angel Tree tags are provided based upon request by the donor. Gift suggestions are provided by families, seniors and veterans.
Contact Kristy Kushner kristy.kushner@use.salvationarmy.org or 610-373-5208 X205
The Children’s Home of Reading
Wish List
The Holiday Gift Drive is under way and we are looking to fill more than 16,000 tags for the programs in Reading. Gifts are $25-$30 each and we are in need of gift cards for the teens in our programs in denomination of $25-$30. Movie tickets and gift certificates to bowling, skating, batting cages, restaurants are all welcome. These items help our kids experience real life activities, they may never have before.
Contact Head Elf Katy at chor.lych@gmail.com or ahugg@choreading.org
Toys4Tots
Gift Donations
Please visit the website to provide a gift(s) berks-pa.toysfortots.org or see the list of drop off locations.
Contact Sue Koch at toysfortotsberks@gmail.com
United Way of Berks County
Help Us Spread Warmth this Holiday Season
Consider doing a new or gently used coat drive of all sizes for men, women & children (12 mos. – youth XL). There are a number of agencies that requested coats for their clients, families etc.
Contact Darby Wiekrykas darbyw@uwberks.org 610-685-4574
Wernersville State Hospital
Personal Gift Giving
Brighten a resident’s Christmas with a small gift! Items include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, scented lotions, toothpaste, deodorant, body powder, alcohol-free hair gel, chap sticks, slipper socks with grippers, gloves (men only), winter hats, baseball caps, purses with small handles, wristlets, canvas carryalls, lipsticks, hair ties and scrunchies, memo pads (no spiral backs), adult coloring books (no staples), word search books, decks of regular playing cards, UNO card game, Skippo Card game, cards, stationery, sketch pads and crayons. Please contact below to confirm day and time you will be arriving to drop off donations prior to delivery week. No wrapping paper please, we need large and extra-large gift bags, tape and gift tags.
Contact Kathy Ellett at kellett@pa.gov or 610-670-4164
Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge-Promotes the visibility of Native Americans
Agency Support
Shop our Amazon Wish List and Barnes & Noble Wish List to help us grow our community outreach and expand our Indigenous library collection. We welcome gift card donations and small gifts for community giveaways. A general supply wish list may be found on our website.
Contact Amanda Funk at amanda@widoktadwen.org or 484-258-2817
YMCA of Reading & Berks County
Child Care and School Age Classrooms Wish List
The Child Care Center needs assistance with donations of various items, including dress-up clothing, hardcover books, a Lego table and Legos, Wiki sticks/water beads, Magna-tiles, building blocks, and art supplies (crayons, markers).
Contact Shelley Eppihimer at seppihimer@ymcarbc.org or 610-378-4728
Parenting Pathways (Formerly Baby University) Wish List
The Baby University Program needs assistance with donations of various items, including, filler paper, 1-inch binders, 1-2 year pocket planners, baby wipes, baby bath wash, lotion, picture frames, sippy cups, family games (Uno, Roll & Play, Connect Four), journals. Toys: push pull, educational toys that teach shapes, counting, colors and writing.
Transitional Living Wish List
The YMCA is home to several transitional living programs and the residents are in need of various items, including, cook ware, dish towels and rags, bath towels and wash rags, sheets, blankets, shampoo, conditioner, body gel, scented lotions, tooth paste, soaps, deodorant, chap sticks, socks, gloves and winter hats. We are not accepting clothing, books, plush or stuffed toys.
Contact Gena Pina-Garcia at gpinagarcia@ymcarbc.org or 610-378-4748