26 NOVEMBER 2022 By Rachael Bouley As the holidays approach, there are Valley organizations working hard to support those in need. From family charities to animal rescue groups, there are many opportunities to get involved in meaningful causes and show support. Here are a few nonprofits that could use some assistance in making a difference this holiday season. Arizona Helping Hands azhelpinghands.org Who: Arizona Helping Hands brings hope to thousands of children in foster care. The nonprofit provides cribs, beds, linens, clothing, diapers, personal hygiene kits and educational activities to help children feel safe and comfortable. More than 4,000 kids were supported through their Basic Needs program last year. What you can do: Hope for the Holidays is in its 24 th year, and the toy drive delivers much-appreciated gifts to foster kids – folks can donate online or hold their own drive to collect new toys, such as remote control cars, sports balls, arts and crafts and STEM- based toys. The public is also invited to a community drive-thru donation event on December 6. Where: 3110 E. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix. Online donations are welcome. Why: AHH provides essential services to children in foster care while promoting health and safety. The nonprofit collects donations year-round with special school, birthday, and holiday programs as part of their vision that “every child in foster care is safe and loved.” Childhelp childhelp.org Who: Childhelp is a nonprofit focused on the prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse. Their programs include the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline and short-term residential therapeutic programs. What you can do: The Five Days of Love event is a holiday online auction running from December 5-9. Funds raised will be used to shop, wrap and deliver gifts to children entering the Childhelp Children’s Center of Arizona over the holidays. Childhelp is also collecting clothing and holding toy drive donations for new gifts to benefit kids. Where: Donations can be dropped off at 6730 N. Scottsdale Road or donated online. Why: Childhelp is on a mission to help children out of difficult and dangerous family situations and give them a life filled with love. International Rescue Committee Phoenix rescue.org Who: The IRC provides vital services for refugees, immigrants and victims of human trafficking. The nonprofit supports vulnerable populations through education, empowerment and economic well-being programs. What you can do: IRC’s annual Holiday Giving Campaign pairs newly arrived refugee families with a sponsor who provides essential items to make them feel safe and welcome. The federal government matches time and gift contributions of $2 to $1 to provide families with rental assistance and job readiness training. Why: The 2022 Holiday Giving Campaign helps refugee and asylum-seeking families from Afghanistan, Burma, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. IRC wants these families to know the community cares as they adjust to life in America. Lost Our Home Pet Rescue lostourhome.org Who: Lost Our Home is a no-kill pet rescue that helps abandoned or neglected pets find their forever families. The organization has a Temporary Care Program, offering up to 90 days of care for pets and a pet food bank program so families don’t have to give up their pets during hard times. What you can do: The Sit. Stay. Brunch. event on December 4 raises funds and awareness for lifesaving programs benefitting Arizona pets and pet families. It’s a festive celebration highlighting pet rescue efforts and animals up for adoption. Where: Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch: 7700 E. McCormick Pkwy. Why: Lost Our Home “fills the gap that once existed for pets and pet parents in crisis.” The nonprofit continues to raise funds to support animals needing food, shelter and temporary or permanent homes. Phoenix Rescue Mission phoenixrescuemission.org Who: Phoenix Rescue Mission supports men, women, and children facing homelessness, addiction and poverty. The nonprofit ensures that basic needs are met and provides food, job assistance, outreach, and recovery services. What you can do: The third annual Hungry for Change holiday campaign runs through December 31, with Mobile Pantries and Frozen Turkey Saturday set for November 12. The Thanksgiving drive-thru will happen on November 19. Where: 1540 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix. Why: The annual campaign supports thousands of families through donation drives while addressing the root causes of hunger through education and job opportunities, counseling, and more life-transforming resources. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul stvincentdepaul.net Who: Since 1946, St. Vincent de Paul has helped “feed, clothe, house, and heal individuals and families” in Phoenix. The organization serves 4,000 daily meals through five charity dining rooms and has helped 2,400 households avoid eviction with homelessness prevention programs. What you can do: The Turkey Tuesday Campaign runs throughout November and helps provide meals for families in need. A $15 donation buys one turkey. Donations are accepted online, or visit Bashas’ or Food City locations on November 22 to donate a turkey in person. Folks can also volunteer this holiday season to serve meals or sort donations. Why: SVdP believes in the power of community to feed the hungry and support the vulnerable this holiday season. Their nonprofit work strives to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Lend a helping hand with these organizations Arizona Helping Hands provides toys to 12,000 kids in foster care. PHOTO COURTESY OF ARIZONA HELPING HANDS