The Giving Time of Year: Places to Donate

This time of year is sometimes called the “giving season,” a period when people are inclined to help others with gifts, money, and time. There is something in the holidays that makes us more appreciative of the things we have and opens our eyes to the needs of other people. If you are fortunate enough this year to find yourself in a position to help, here are some places where you can drop off toys, food, and clothes.

Toys for Tots is looking for toys that are brand new and still in the box, not gift-wrapped. People also sometimes donate brand new bicycles, blankets, throws, stuffed animals, and baby clothes. All donations are given to families within DeKalb County. Donations are down a little this year, but the need is greater. If you’d like to help, be sure to do so before December 16, when donations are picked up. Toys for Tots has drop-off boxes in the following locations.

Mentone:

• Moon Lake Library
• Mentone Market
• Mentone Town Hall
• St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church

Valley Head:

• Zack of All Trades
• North DeKalb Primary Care
• Side Street Deli
• Valley Head Baptist Church

Hammondville

• Lea’s Chapel Baptist Church

You can donate food, toys, and winter clothes at Hammondville Town Hall, though food is needed the most. Individuals or families who need help can drop by and pick up a bag of groceries between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Outside those hours, call Janell Frazier at 256-635-8764, and she’ll meet you there.

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Mentone has a food pantry each Wednesday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. throughout the year for individuals, couples, and families.

“We have seen a steady increase in the number of people needing help,” says Paul Howell, who oversees the program. “Especially at this time of year, and with the government shutdown in November.” You can help by putting nonperishable goods in the church’s drop boxes at the Moon Lake Library and the Mentone Post Office, or by taking them directly to the church.

Let us hope that one way or another, every individual in DeKalb County and beyond has what they need for the holidays, and perhaps a little more. Y