The holiday season is in full swing, and Lynchburg is gearing up to help those in need. Many of our community members go without basic necessities during the holidays, and local organizations are stepping up to make a difference! They’re going above and beyond to provide what they can to make this month merry and bright–and you can be a part of it!
Toys For Tots
Toys for Tots provided over 18 million toys to over 7 million children during the holiday season in 2019, and they aren’t planning to slow down anytime soon. Local families can sign up to benefit on their website, and if you’d like to participate in making their holiday celebrations joyful, you can get more information on their website. Toys for Tots collects toys and books (children receive 2 toys each and 3 books count as one gift!). Homemade toys are accepted, too.
Current Lynchburg toy collection locations include:
- City Hall – 900 Church Street, Lynchburg 24504
- Fire Administration – 800 Madison Street, Lynchburg 24504
- Fire Station #3 – 4701 Fort Avenue, Lynchburg 24502
- Fire Station #5 – 4800 Boonsboro Road, Lynchburg 24503
- Fire Station #7 – 2624 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg 24501
- Social Services – 99 Ninth Street, Lynchburg 24504
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels of Greater Lynchburg provides hot meals to homebound people in our community year-round, including during the holiday season. During the holidays, they make a point to serve festive meals that include menu items like turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and more. Furthermore, during this season, Meals on Wheels usually likes to try to do a little extra if they can, such as delivering free groceries or even gifts to clients. If you want to volunteer to take part in MOW’s mission, or would like to receive meals, you can sign up on their website.
HumanKind
Year-round, HumanKind makes a difference in the Lynchburg community by providing education, financial assistance, housing, and much more. During the holidays, they double down on giving by providing locals a chance to become an eligible family’s Christmas Angel. This program accepts donations of gifts, wrapping paper, and financial support so HumanKind workers can deliver these gifts in time for Christmas. Learn more or request support at the HumanKind website!
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank assists families in need throughout Central Virginia, and it helps support other local food banks as well. If you want to contribute food, you can donate to them at any time. And if you need some extra help this year, you can sign up to receive aid on their website.
If you’d like to take part in an event that supports the BRAFB while also enjoying a night out, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s holiday concert is taking place in Charlottesville on December 16. One dollar from each ticket will be donated to help feed hungry families through the BRAFB.
Salvation Army
Every year during the holidays, volunteers with red kettles show up at local shopping centers and community hubs, ringing bells to raise awareness for the Salvation Army’s commitment to feeding hungry people during this season.
An idea that was conceived all the way back in 1891, the Salvation Army now uses this campaign to feed over 4.5 million people during the holidays. You can help by dropping your spare change into the kettle as you pass by, volunteering to be a bell ringer, or giving online.
If you’re in need of assistance, you can find your local Salvation Army branch on their website or call the Lynchburg branch at 434-845-5939. Criteria for receiving aid from the Salvation Army can be found here.
Parkview Community Mission
Parkview Community Mission helps people by providing them with basic necessities, such as food and clothing. The holiday season is an important time for them, and they’re doubling down on bringing in and providing resources as the holidays get closer.
One event PCM is doing to help the community this year is their second annual “Twelve Trees of Christmas” event. The proceeds from this event will help provide for families in need during this time. You can get involved or request assistance on their website.
We’re Here to Help, Too!
Our purpose is to help our patients and friends year-round. We know the holiday season can be challenging for many reasons, and we’re here to help ease those burdens. We also partner with multiple local organizations, so even if we can’t immediately provide for your needs, we can connect you with someone who can! Contact us today!