Written by Erica Spina on 07.12.15

The holidays are a time for giving, so why not give back to those in need. With many Montrealers in need of food, clothing, and shelter, there is no better time to get into the spirit of giving. Here are a few places that do their part in organizing food and clothing drives that you can check out. So get involved and give back; you’ll be happy you did!

Blankets for the Homeless

Blankets for the Homeless Montreal

When: December 20th (as well as monthly gatherings)
Where: Place Emilie Gamelin

Blankets for the Homeless is an organization that wants to raise awareness for Montreal’s homeless community and what it is you can do to help! Blankets for the Homeless organize monthly gatherings (the last Sunday of every month) where people can help out by contributing ready-to-eat food, clothing (any unwanted articles of clothing like hats, gloves, scarves, pants, jackets, sweaters, shirts, and more), and spreading the word. You can also help out by volunteering your time preparing food or being on hand during gatherings in front of Place Emilie Gamelin. The next drive is just in time for Christmas on December 20th. Come dressed warm (the gatherings are outside) and ready to make a difference in someone’s day!

The Big Media Food Drive

bigmediafooddrive

When: December 3rd, 2015
Where: Everywhere in Quebec

This year marks the 15th edition of the Big Media Food Drive. An annual event held on December 3, 2015, where every street corner around Quebec is a collection site, and hundreds of media and thousands of volunteers unite in order to collect as many non-perishable items and cash donations as they can to help all those in need. The Big Media Food Drive is on behalf of Sun Youth, which distributes Christmas and Chanukah baskets during the holiday season from donations received during this drive. Check out their website to find out how to help.

Somwhr Toy Drive

somwhr toy drive montreal

When: December 17, 2015 to December 19, 2015
Where: Somwhr Liquor Lounge

This year, Somwhr Liquor Lounge, who recently opened their doors in Montreal’s Old Port, is also getting involved in the gift of giving! In collaboration with the Sainte-Justine Foundation, Somwhr is hosting a 3-day weekend toy drive. They ask that teddy bears or any material toys should not be given due to sanitary concerns so be cautious before you donate! After the toy drive, Santa Claus will deliver all the toys to the children at the Sainte-Justine Hospital.

Sun Youth

Sun Youth Montreal

When: December 18, 2015 to December 24, 2015
Where: Sun Youth

Every year Sun Youth and its volunteers get together to create Christmas and Chanukah baskets during the holiday season for those in need. From December 18, 2015 to December 24, 2015, there is a Christmas basket giveaway, and the Chanukah baskets are usually given around the same time, depending on the Hebrew calendar. Each year, these baskets are filled with food and distributed to about 12,000 people. Children 12 years old and under receive a toy or new game. It is thanks to all the volunteers and donors that Sun Youth is successful in helping all these people each year, so why not be one of them and help!

Southside Café & Terrasse: Toy & Food Drive

Southside cafe and terrasse montreal

When: December 20, 2015 (10:00am to 5:00pm)
Where: Southside Café and Terrasse

A local café and terrasse located in Saint-Leonard is doing its part in getting involved this holiday season. On December 20th, 2015, Southside Café & Terrasse is hosting its own food and toy drive. They ask that all those who wish to help Montrealers in need come by with toys and non-perishable items. All the items that are collected that day will be donated to the Welcome Hall Mission. If you wish to make a donation you can also call (514) 298-1988.

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