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Buddy the Elf may think the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear. But for those of you whose vocals aren’t quite up to par, we’ve got a better idea. Here are seven programs, many with multiple locations, for you to spread holiday cheer to those in need throughout South Carolina.
- Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital Wish List, Columbia
‘Tis the season to spend at home with loved ones, but sometimes life gets in the way and we aren’t all so lucky. Nothing sounds less holly jolly than an unexpected hospital stay over the holidays. Fortunately, you can make it a little better! Child Life at Palmetto Health is putting together a Holiday Market made up of your donations. Those generous contributions will be used to set up an in-hospital store where parents and other caregivers are given tickets to shop with. Head to https://www.palmettohealthchildrens.org/ways-to-give/donate to check out what kind of gifts are going to put the biggest smiles on those kids’ faces!
- Miracle Hill Ministries, Greenville, Spartanburg, Cherokee County, Shepherd’s Gate
Miracle Hill provides shelter, food and comprehensive care year-round at four locations. If you want to lend an extra hand this holiday season, sponsor a gift or two. Their website – https://miraclehill.org/christmas/ – has specific wish lists for both adults and children. You will also find information about drop-off times and locations, as well as shopping tips. We all want to spread joy and kindness and there is no better place than one that may not find it otherwise.
- Safe Harbor, Greenville, Anderson and Oconee
Safe Harbour supports women who have suffered domestic abuse by providing transitional housing, counseling and child and family therapy programs. Often these women are unable to find resources for the holidays. Contact the staff at holidayprogram@safeharborsc.org to sponsor a family. You can spread kindness and joy to as many women and children as your heart desires! Just let them know and they will provide you with age, gender, size etc. You can find a holiday gift guide, as well as delivery and drop-off information at https://safeharborsc.org/holiday-giving/.
- MUSC Child Life Donation Wish List, Charleston
The Child Life Department at MUSC will receive holiday donations December 13 through December 23! Head to the website to check out the wish list full of toys, crafts, books, video games and movies for the thousands of children that visit the facility each year. Be sure to note the priority needs list before you start shopping! You can also find the designated days and times for drop-off at https://www.musckids.org/patients-and-visitors/patient-and-family-resources/child-life-program/holiday-giving. I know we all love a good gift wrapping party, but these items should be new and in their original packaging. If you can’t get to it during the holidays, don’t worry. They accept gifts year-round!
- Greer Relief Christmas Program, Greer
The Greer Relief Christmas program is doing things a little differently this year. Though their goal remains the same – to provide neighbors in need with Christmas gifts for their family under the tree – instead of sponsoring specific families, you can sponsor every family! As a hand up, not a hand out, the new process is in place to give families more empowerment and self-sufficiency to be able to “shop” for their own children. You can donate individually or join together with you school, corporation, church, etc. and set up a toy drive, make a monetary donation, help out with gift wrapping supplies for the gift wrapping station or volunteer as an elf at the shoppe!
- United Way’s Holiday Partners Program, Rock Hill
United Way of York County is partnering with WRHI’s Toys for Happiness and The Herald’s Empty Stocking Fund to distribute a little bit of magic to those who need it most. They are collecting donations for children from newborns to 14 years old. Those donations can come in the form of financial, toys, and/or volunteering. You’ll basically be the Santa of York County, so find out how here: https://www.unitedwayofyc.org/hp_donations.
- Salvation Army, locations throughout SC
The Salvation army has tons of holiday donation programs this time of year! Such as Angel Tree and toy drives. There are locations all over South Carolina. You can check their website here: https://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/locations/. Pick out your closest location and check out what programs they are taking part in.