Last week we gave you pie; this week we're giving you an opportunity to give to an organization in need. Is this a feel-good month or what? You may thank us with stickers and donations toward our candy bowl fund, if you wish. (Just kidding, unless you really want to bring us candy. Also, we like motivational stickers best. And Skittles.)
This is our third annual giving guide and our third year working with United Way of Merrimack County. We are forever indebted to Val Guy, manager of marketing and communications, for collecting more than 50 submissions from nonprofits and organizations looking for volunteers and donations this holiday season. Val, you are the wind beneath our wings – thanks for being the team member who does all the work. We owe you a doughnut.
This guide is intended to help plan your holiday giving, whether you have time to spare, a few extra bucks or a collection of hats and mittens that could use a good home. Listings are listed in alphabetical order and include information on the organization's mission, needs, deadline for donations and contact information. Hopefully a few of these will inspire you to action – pitch in and make the season a little brighter for inpiduals and families in need.
If you'd like to let people know about other giving opportunities, or if you're a nonprofit that was not included in the guide, tell us about it by e-mailing news@theconcordinsider.com. Please include “Giving Guide” in the subject line. That way you'll stand out from all of the e-mails about Rolex watches and beard trimmers.
Allenstown Welfare
16 School St., Allenstown
Mission: To help those in need.
Service Area: Allenstown
Adopt-a-Family/Child Items: We take requests from families in need and hang them as ornaments on the town hall lobby holiday tree. Our families range from two to five sisters/brothers and from infants to teens. Come to the town hall and pick the names off the tree. Specific gift requests along with the child’s age and gender will be on the ornament. You can buy what is on sale and let us do the sorting and distributing. There are always lots of requests for children’s boots and mittens, hoodies, journals, art supplies, books and sports stuff.
Gift Certificates: Each year, time is saved and kids get to choose for themselves when they have a gift certificate from Borders for books, Michaels for art supplies, Best Buy for CD’s and DVD’s and Toys 'R Us.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 16
Contact: Diane O'Callaghan, 485-4276,
allenstownwelfare@comcast.net
Blueberry Express Daycare
8 Catamount St., Pittsfield
Mission: Providing quality child care to everyone.
Service Area: Pittsfield
Children/Teen Items: Children's sizes 2T to 10/12, any toys appropriate to ages 1 through 8 years of age. Warm coats and ski pants are often needed.
Gift Certificates: Gas or food cards for families.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 20
Contact: Sarah Blackwood, 435-6149, goodhue15@hotmail.com
Town of Boscawen Food Pantry
116 N. Main St., Boscawen
Mission: To provide all residents in need with at least three meals.
Service Area: Boscawen
Food Basket Items: Holiday baskets will be given out on Dec. 22. Turkey and ham donations would be greatly appreciated.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 15
Contact: Pamela Hardy,
753-9188, phardy@townofboscawen.org, phardy12258@hotmail.com.
Town of Bow Human Services
10 Grandview Road, Bow
Mission: To assist with basic needs for those that do not have the resources to meet these needs.
Service Area: Bow
Adopt-a-Child Items: Adopt-a-child from the giving tree located at the Bow Branch of Merrimack County Savings Bank.
Food Basket Items: Non-perishable food.
Gift Certificates: Gas cards, grocery stores, department stores.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 17
Contact: Deb Bourbeau, 228-1187, ext. 19, dbourbeau@dhhs.state.nh.us
Centennial Senior Center
PO Box 4149, Concord
Mission: Centennial Senior Center is defining how, together, we will transform Concord into a more livable community through advocacy for area seniors, ongoing assessment of changing needs and building connections.
Service Area: Greater Concord
Other Items: Paper/cleaning products, hot cups, napkins, small plates, paper towels, Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, bookcase, gently used books/magazines, newspaper subscriptions (Concord Monitor, Union leader, New York Times), magazine subscriptions (some large print when available), new or gently used laptop computer for use by senior during program hours.
Delivery Address: West Street Ward House, 41 West St., Concord. (Please call first.)
Contact: Kim Murdoch,
228,6630, kmurdoch@centennialseniorcenter.org
Town of Chichester Food Pantry
54 Main St., Chichester
Mission: To help those families in need.
Service Area: Chichester
Food Basket Items: Any non-perishable food items.
Other Items: Toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, laundry detergents and all household cleaners. Personal hygiene items for both genders is also needed.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Ongoing
Contact: Donna Chagnon, 798-5350, d_chagnon@tds.net
Child and Family Services of New Hampshire Counseling
103 N. State St., Concord
Mission: Child and Family Services is an independent non-profit agency dedicated to advancing the well-being of children by providing an array of social services to strengthen family life and by promoting community commitment to the needs of children. For additional information, visit cfsnh.org/pages/programs/familysupport/counseling.html.
Service Area: Statewide
Gift Certificates: Gift cards for gas and food stores for four clients.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: ASAP
Contact: Karen Goddard, 518-4157, goddardk@cfsnh.org
Child and Family Services of New Hampshire – Group Home
240 N. Main St., Concord
Mission: Child and Family Services is an independent nonprofit agency dedicated to advancing the well being of children by providing an array of social services to strengthen family life and by promoting community commitment to the needs of children. For more information, visit cfsnh.org/pages/programs/TeenServices/grouphome.html.
Service Area: Statewide
Children/Teen Items: Hooded sweatshirts, slippers, gloves, scarves, sports equipment, batteries, magazines, make-up, hair products.
Gift Certificates: Hair salons, Walmart, music stores, fast food.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 15
Contact: Angela Spinney, 518-4080, spinneya@cfsnh.org
Child and Family Services of New Hampshire – Integrated Home Based Services
103 N. State St., Concord
Mission: Child and Family Services is an independent non-profit agency dedicated to advancing the well-being of children by providing an array of social services to strengthen family life and by promoting community commitment to the needs of children. For more information, visit cfsnh.org/pages/programs/familysupport/integratedhomebased.html.
Service Area: Statewide
Adult/Senior Items: Adult gifts, personal care items: shampoo, soap, body wash, etc.
Gift Certificates: Gift cards would be the biggest help – gas cards, movie passes, Target, Walmart, Market Basket, Shaw’s, Hannaford and fast food gift cards.
Other Items: Children/teen gifts
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Anytime
Contact: Nicole Goyette, 518-4127, goyetten@cfsnh.org
Child and Family Services of New Hampshire Parenting Plus
103 N. State St., Concord
Mission: Child and Family Services is an independent non-profit agency dedicated to advancing the well-being of children by promoting an array of social services to strengthen family life and by promoting community commitment to the needs of children. For more information, visit http://www.cfsnh.org/pages/programs/familysupport/parentingplus.html.
Service Area: Statewide
Adult/Senior Items: Any clothing for a single mom.
Child/Teen Items: Any clothing for two teenage boys (pants size 32Lx31W, size large men’s shirts) or anything size 16-18.
Food Program: Food for one adult and two teen boys.
Gift Certificates: Market Basket, Walmart, Target, Hannaford, Shaw’s.
Other Items: Any gifts for a single mom and two teen boys would be appreciated.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: ASAP
Contact: Rachel Kelly, 518-4148,
kellyr@cfsnh.org
The Children’s Place and Parent Education Center
27 Burns Ave., Concord
Mission: To strengthen families through support and outreach
Service Area: Greater Concord
Food Basket Items: Turkeys or holiday hams for needy families.
Children/Teen Items: We serve families who have pre-school children under the age of 7 – any clothing or gift items should be age appropriate to this group. Educational toys, Play dough, Thomas the Tank Engine toys, Disney DVDs, Dora the Explorer toys, Lincoln Logs, washable markers, children’s books, Tonka Trucks, Mr. Potato Head, children’s shoes sizes 6-13, clothing sizes 2T to 5T, infant clothing.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 23
Contact: Susan Lunt, 224-9920, susanlunt@thechildrensplacenh.org
Community Bridges
2 Whitney Road, Concord
Mission: Community Bridges promotes involvement and connection to community for people who experience disability from a variety of causes, including development delays, aging, chronic health conditions or traumatic brain injury.
Service Area: Central New Hampshire
Other Items: Last year, Community Bridges provided services to more than 1,500 families and inpiduals. Particularly during the holidays, those families turn to us for help with essential items such as clothes, coats, boots, hats and gloves, developmentally appropriate toys and even trees. Partners in Health provided holiday gifts to 26 families and 37 children last year. Early Supports and Services provided gifts for close to 30 families and 60 children last year. This year we have received requests to provide gifts for 30 Early Supports and Services children ages 8 months to 17 years. (Visit communitybridgesnh.org under “Early Supports and Services” to review the full request list.)
To continue to support our families and give them the best holiday ever, we are asking for in kind or monetary donation to meet the specific needs and requests of families. Your contribution of $100 can go a long way to giving families hope and joy by providing: holiday gifts for children and families in need, transportation assistance for a family to take their child with chronic health care needs to out of town doctor visits, coverage for co-pays, respite for the family of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and for a child to attend a school field trip, special shoes or development equipment.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Ongoing
Contact: Adra Darling, 225-4153, ext. 387, adarling@
communitybridgesnh.org
Concord Coalition to End Homelessness Day Resource Center
27 Pleasant St., Concord
Mission: To provide a supportive and respectful environment to assist people who are homeless or on the verge of becoming homeless so they may work on immediate and/or long term issues, which in turn will foster improved self-esteem and ability to change their life circumstances.
Service Area: Greater Concord
Food Items: Coffee, caffeinated.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 8
Contact: Marcia Sprague,
dayresourcecenter@gmail.com
Concord Human Services
247 Pleasant St., Concord
Mission: To provide interim assistance with basic needs for those who do not have the resources to meet these needs and encourage community involvement in addressing issues to help break the circle of poverty.
Service Area: Concord/Penacook
Other Items: Warm gloves, mittens and hats for adults and children, new toys, games smf books for children of all ages, non-perishable food pantry items, hygiene items. Please call for specific children or adult needs.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 14
Contact: Jackie Whatmough, 225-8575, jwhatmough@onconcord.com
Concord-Merrimack County SPCA – Making Ends Meet Program
130 Washington St., Penacook
Mission: To care for and find homes for unwanted pets
Service Area: Merrimack County
Other Items: The “Making Ends Meet” program pet food pantry was created to help pet owners in our community who are facing temporary financial hardship. The program is in need of cat food and scoopable litter.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 18
Contact: Linda O’Bara, 753-9801,
lobara@concordspca.org
Cornerstone Community Church – The Christmas Conspiracy
8 Hethlon Road, Canterbury
Mission: Substitute consumption with compassion this Christmas by practicing four simple but powerful countercultural concepts: worship fully, spend less, give more, love all.
Service Area: Concord
Other Items: We’re providing opportunities for people to develop and express compassion for those near and far. We will: provide Advent services to our community here in Concord beginning Sunday, Nov. 29, for the four Sundays before Christmas that will teach you how to worship fully, spend less, give more and love all; in November, our kids are partnering with biteback.net to provide mosquito nets to children in Africa where malaria, a preventable and treatable disease, kills more than HIV/AIDS – $10 provides a bed net that will protect a child for about three years; in December we’ll be raising contributions and taking a Christmas Eve offering to provide clean safe drinking water to those who have none by drilling wells with Living Water International, water.cc – every $1 provides clean safe water for one person for one year; and, to help people locally get out of debt, stop living paycheck to paycheck and develop the ability to be as generous as they want to be, we are offering Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University (DaveRamsey.com/FPU) right now and with several new classes beginning after the first of the year.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: BiteBack Mosquito Net contributions – Dec. 1. Living Water International contributions – Dec. 31. Financial Peace University – Jan. 15.
Contact: Brian Foreman, 225–2550, mail@cornerstonenh.org
Danbury Community Center – Secret Santa Program
15 High St., Danbury
Mission: Nonprofit community center.
Service Area: Danbury
Food Basket Items: We offer a holiday food basket for a family/elderly person to help with preparing a holiday meal along with some everyday staples. Any canned or non-perishable food items: canned vegetables, fruits, applesauce, pasta, pasta sauce, canned meats, hot chocolate, tea, crackers, boxed potatoes, stuffing mixes, etc.
Children/Teen Items: New toys all age groups, new clothing any sizes, socks and shoes.
Gift Certificates: Gift certificates to grocery stores or department stores like as Walmart, Target or K-Mart.
Volunteer Opportunities: Wrapping secret Santa gifts on Tuesday, Dec. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 23 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 18
Contact: Becky Huntoon, 7683424, becky@dccnh.com
Families in Transition
9 Odd Fellows Ave., Concord
Mission: To provide safe affordable housing and comprehensive social services to inpiduals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, enabling them to gain self-sufficiency and respect
Service Area: Concord and Manchester
Adopt-A-Family/Child Items: “FIT Wish” is an opportunity for each of our families to ask for three gifts totaling $75 in value for each of their children. Donors then go out and do the shopping for these families. We ask the donors not to wrap the gifts so that the parents are able to be a part of the experience and wrap the gifts themselves.
Food Basket Items: Fixings for a great holiday meal, including potatoes, vegetables, rolls, gravy, desserts and even the turkey.
Children/Teen Items: Baby items in correspondence to The Family Place, our latest addition that offers daycare and afterschool programming. Needs include diapers, baby wipes, sippy cups, crib sheets, washable blankets, baby food, etc.
Adult Items: Essential baskets are given to each and every family entering our program. These baskets are filled with basic needs items such as laundry baskets, pots and pans, dishes, flatware, cooking utensils, kitchen towels, twin bed sheets and comforters, bath towels, brooms, pillows, shower curtains and hooks.
Gift Certificates: Gift certificates to help fill the Concord location food pantry. Gift certificates to local grocery stores or similar stores would help give the FIT staff the means to purchase the items needed.
Delivery: Must contact FIT prior to delivery.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 18.
Contact: Pamela Punsky, 641-1143, ext. 311, ppunsky@fitnh.org
Fellowship Housing Opportunities, Inc.
36 Pleasant St., Concord
Mission: To offer decent, affordable housing and quality behavioral health services that promote recovery from mental illness.
Service Area: Concord
Food Basket Items: Non-perishable items that can be distributed to our tenants and are “ready to eat”: soups, beef stews, spaghetti meals, canned hams, chili, tuna, etc. Our tenants would appreciate homemade meals as well or some holiday cookies.
Adult/Senior Items: Basic house wares, bed pillows, twin sheet sets, mattress pads, comforters, bath towels, cleaning tools (brooms, vacuums, dusters) and cleaning supplies, glass cleaner, cleansers, etc.
Gift Certificates: The lack of transportation is an issue for many of our tenants so gift cards to downtown stores and businesses are very helpful. Gift cards for coffee shops, restaurants, Market Basket, CVS, Rite Aid, etc. would be very valuable. Also gift cards for hair cuts at local salons. CAT bus tickets can help folks get beyond downtown.
Volunteer Opportunities: Someone with music ability for our Christmas party.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 19.
Contact: Kathy Michael, 225-1767, kmichael@
fellowshiphousing.org
First Congregational Church, Concord, UCC Food Pantry
177 N. Main St., Concord
Mission: To provide groceries to those in need.
Service Area: Concord
Food Items: Items for grocery bags of food: canned tuna, one pound bags of rice, canned soup, bars of soap, shampoo, Kleenex.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 21
Contact: Bobbi Boley, 226-0525,
secretary@
concordsfirstchurch.org, b.boley@comcast.net
The Friendly Kitchen
14 Montgomery St., Concord
Mission: The Friendly Kitchen seeks to provide a meal for the hungry in a warm and caring non-discriminating environment through the coordination of community volunteer resources.
Service Area: Concord
Food Basket Items: The Friendly Kitchen serves breakfast seven days a week during the winter months. We are in need of hot cereal, cold cereal, brown sugar, sugar, raisins, juices, coffee and hot chocolate.
Gift Certificates: Certificates to local grocery stores will help the program to purchase the food that they need to prepare meals but that do not get donated.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Anytime
Contact: Jennifer Lombardo, 224-7678, thefriendlykitchen@
thefriendlykitchen.org
Friends of Forgotten Children
224 Bog Road, Concord
Mission: We offer a hand up, not a hand out.
Service Area: Greater Concord
Adopt-a-Family/Child Items: We ask that companies and inpiduals adopt an inpidual child and provide up to three holiday wishes. These wishes should be both toys and new clothing. Please contact our office to adopt a child.
Food Basket Items: We are Concord’s largest food pantry, serving more than 5,000 clients each year. Non-perishable food items are always a need to help sustain us throughout the year, not just during the holidays.
Children/Teen Items: Toys for children ages 0 to 18, clothing of all sizes and for both genders – they will be passed out according to the child’s wish list.
Adult/Senior Items: Seniors in our program enjoy new pajamas of all sizes, especially plus sizes, and sweets (including sugar free sweets).
Gift Certificates: Gift certificates to the mall, Walmart, Target, general supply stores, restaurant gift cards, grocery stores and gas cards.
Other Items: Personal care items such as shampoo, soap or laundry detergent.
Volunteer Opportunities: We will need help packing gifts Dec. 12-14. Please call our office for specific times and details.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 11
Contact: Andrew Barnes, 753-4801, andrew.barnes@fofcnh.org
The Friends of the Concord City Auditorium
PO Box 652, 2 Prince Street, Concord
Mission: To preserve and maintain our historic municipal stage and foster its affordable and accessible use by everyone in our community.
Service Area: Concord
Food Basket Items: Special boxes for donations of non-perishable food items will be placed in the lobby and delivered regularly to The Friendly Kitchen. In addition, old eyeglasses are collected for the Lions Club program New Eyes for the Needy. New children’s toys will be given to Toys for Tots at the Concord Dance Academy shows Dec. 5-6.
Volunteer Opportunities: The Audi’s Dec. 6 holiday open house welcomes volunteers to set-up, serve the large potluck supper crowd, stay for the entertainment, “Judy’s Scary Little Christmas,” and afterward help clean up and deliver the food and toy donations.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: All holiday shows through Dec. 19.
Contact: Carol Bagan, 225-2164, carolbagan@comcast.net
The Friends Program Emergency Housing
30 Thompson St., Concord
Mission: To provide temporary housing to homeless families.
Service Area: Merrimack County, primarily the City of Concord.
Children/Teen Items: Educational toys for ages 0-15 years old, boys clothing 12-36 months, girls clothing 24 months and 3T-5T and socks for both boys and girls of all sizes.
Adult/Senior Items: Women’s clothing sizes 12-16, men’s pants sizes 34×30 and 34×32, men’s shirts and sweatshirts, large and extra-large, wool socks for both men and women.
Gift Certificates: Most of our clients do not have transportation and some either have no income or limited income, so gift certificates to Walmart, Target and Market Basket are always appreciated, as well as CAT passes and gas cards.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 18.
Contact: Arolyn Chappell, 228-1462, achappell@friendsprogram.org
The Friends Program Junior/Senior Friends Youth Mentoring
249 Pleasant St., Concord
Mission: Founded in 1975, The Friends Program is a nonprofit United Way social service organization that strengthens communities by building relationships that empower people, encourage community service and restore faith in the human spirit. The Junior Senior Friends Program is a youth mentoring program matching volunteers (senior friends) with youth (junior friends) in a one-to-one relationship that creates positive opportunities for youth.
Service Area: Merrimack County
Food Basket Items: Approximately 50 low-income families can benefit from donations of: canned fruit and vegetables, canned tuna, canned soup, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, crackers, juice and toiletries.
Children/Teen Items: If interested in purchasing toys, gifts or clothing for a child under age 18, we would ask you to contact us and we will assign a case sheet to you with specifics.
Gift Certificates: Market Basket, Hannaford, Shaw’s, Walmart, Rite Aid.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: De. 18
Contact: Brooke Noonan, 228-1193, bnoonan@friendsprogram.org
The Friends Program Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
249 Pleasant St., Concord
Mission: Mobilizes volunteers to provide assistance to the frail elderly.
Service Area: Merrimack County
Adult Items: Personal care items: regular sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, toothpaste, talcum powder (Gold Bond), hair brushes and combs and toothbrushes.
Gift Certificates: Walmart, Market Basket, Shaw’s.
Delivery Address: 84 S. Main St., Concord.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 22.
Contact: Donna Odde, 224-3452. rsvp@friendsprogram.org
Granite State Council International Reading Association
107 Penacook St., Penacook
Mission: To create a culture of reading and the love of learning by creating a community within GSRC and local councils to be the bedrock of literacy for New Hampshire.
Service Area: Capital region. (Books to be distributed through food baskets in conjunction with Capital Region Food Program.)
Other Items: New books appropriate for children and adolescents up to age 18 for distribution in food baskets. Monetary donations also accepted to purchase books.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers needed for packing books into baskets at time of packing Capital Region Food Program baskets (usually Dec. 22-24).
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 22
Contact: Madonna Ciocca, 753-8533, madciocca@aol.com
Immaculate Conception Church Food Pantry
9 Bonney St., Penacook
Mission: To help those in need.
Service Area: Penacook, Boscawen
Gift Certificates: Gas cards, grocery store cards.
Other Items: Hats, scarves, mittens for all ages, personal hygiene products for both men and women, disposable diapers for 6 months and up.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 10.
Contact: Janet Perusse, 753.4413 ext. 5, foodpantry@icpenacook.org
Lake Sunapee Region VNA and Hospice
107 Newport Road, PO Box 2209, New London
Mission: Provides comprehensive health care services that support the dignity and independence of inpiduals and families, and allows people to remain safely in their own homes.
Service Area: 17 towns in the Lake Sunapee region
Gift Certificates: Our Kearsarge Community Christmas Project strives to fulfill requests from area families in need for holiday gift items. We always have gaps between the items requested and items donated, so our volunteers use gift cards and certificates to purchase those additional gift items. They are wonderful and helpful donations for an important project!
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 7
Contact: Cathy Raymond, 526-4077, craymond@
lakesunapeevna.org
Loudon Food Pantry Holiday Food Basket
30 Chichester Road, Unit D, Loudon
Mission: Loudon Food Pantry is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which strives to feed those who find it financially difficult to feed themselves.
Service Area: Canterbury, Chichester, Epsom, Loudon
Food Basket Items: Pie crust, pie tins, pie fillings, cake frosting, cake mixes, Jell-o, pudding, soup, cranberry sauce, turkey stuffing (or non-meat specific stuffing), turkey gravy, roasting pans, canned vegetables, shelf-stable juice, beans (canned or dried), canned fruit, tomato products (such as spaghetti sauce or diced tomatoes), pasta (canned, dried or mixes), canned meat, peanut butter, breakfast items and we also accept produce such as carrots, squash, apples and onions. If you wish to donate a fresh product, please call ahead with how much you plan on purchasing.
Other Items: Monetary donations are accepted to purchase items we are short on.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Holiday boxes are being prepared and handed out through Nov. 20. There will be some last minute sign ups after that.
Contact: Sarah Houck, 724-9731,
loudonfoodpantry@yahoo.com
Lutheran Social Services New American Services
261 Sheep Davis Road, Suite A-1, Concord
Mission: New American Services resettles refugees in New Hampshire.
Service Area: Concord
Adult Items: Personal care/cleaning supplies: shampoo, bar soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine products (please, no tampons), deodorant, cleaning spray (please, non-bleach products only), dishwashing liquid, sponges, paper towels and laundry detergent.
Gift Certificates: Walmart
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 18
Contact: Abigail Stoutimore, 224-8111, astoutimore@gmail.com
McKenna House Salvation Army
100 South Fruit St., Concord
Mission: McKenna House is a 26-bed emergency housing program for men and women.
Service Area: Concord and surrounding towns.
Food Basket Items: Meat, milk, eggs.
Adult/Senior Items: Warm clothing in larger sizes, boots and sneakers size 10, 11 and 12.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 21.
Contact: Lorrie Dale, 228.3505, lorrie_dale@use.salvationarmy.org
Merrimack Valley Day Care
19 N. Fruit St., Concord
Mission: Provide childcare for children 3 months through 10 years.
Service Area: Concord and surrounding towns
Children/Teen Items: Clothing and age appropriate games and toys for children 6 years through 10 years of age.
Gift Certificates: Gift cards for groceries or gasoline for parents in need.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 18
Contact: Shawn Taylor, 224-1632,
sdt1999@yahoo.com
The Nature Conservancy New Hampshire Chapter
22 Bridge St., Fourth Floor Concord
Mission: To preserve plants, animals and natural communities that represent the persity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
Service Area: Statewide
Other Items: Monetary donations are accepted to support our conservation efforts.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Anytime
Contact Information: Tiffany McKenna, director of philanthropy, 224-5853, ext. 15,
tmckenna@tnc.org
New Hampshire Association for the Blind
25 Walker St., Concord
Mission: To advance the independence for persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Service Area: Merrimack County
Other Items: Monetary donations that would allow for the purchase of: talking compass at $70, talking scale at $90, talking watch/clock at $30-$40, hand-held magnifier at $50, white cane (for orientation and mobility) at $40. Please make checks payable to the NH Association for the Blind and mail to delivery address.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 31.
Contact: Kathleen Turner, 224-4039, ext. 341, kturner@sightcenter.org
United Church of Penacook – Open Door Community Kitchen
Community Drive and East St., Penacook
Mission: To provide hot meals for those in need.
Service Area: Penacook/Boscawen
Gift Certificates: Local grocery stores or discount stores.
Other Items: Donations are always welcome to cover the expense of feeding 20-25 people per meal. We also accept monetary donations so we may purchase meat, vegetables and other food staples plus beverages, cleaning supplies, paper/plastic supplies such paper towels and cups, and the many items needed to maintain a kitchen. Non-perishable items can be delivered to the United Church of Penacook weekdays between 9 am and noon.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Anytime
Contact: Lynne Raleigh, 753-9246, lcrdesigned@msn.com
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Granite State College
8 Old Suncook Road, Concord
Mission: To build a vibrant, sustainable membership organization that creates and provides intellectually stimulating lifelong-learning opportunities for residents age 50 and older.
Service Area: Concord (also Manchester, Seacoast and Conway).
Other Items: Gift “financial assistance” cards for annual membership ($40) and/or any donations ($5 and up) toward class tuition. This is an opportunity to enable and encourage financially challenged seniors to meet peers and get out of the house to attend classes and other events.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 15
Contact: Virginia Martin, 513-1377, virginia.martin@granite.edu
Pembroke Welfare Office
311 Pembroke St., Pembroke
Mission: During the holidays, food baskets and gifts for children are distributed to Pembroke families who are not signed up for these programs anywhere else. We have a “Giving Tree” program and gratefully accept check donations to aid in the purchase of warm clothing, etc. Please make checks payable to Pembroke Welfare – Giving Tree Fund.
Service Area: Pembroke
Children/Teen Items: Board games, books, crafts for all ages, age appropriate toys for younger children, hooded sweatshirts, hats, gloves, mittens, socks and underwear for all ages and all sizes.
Gift Certificates: Walmart, Target, Borders, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, pizza places, the mall, hair salons, gas stations and grocery stores.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 15.
Contact: Muriel Previe, 485.4747, ext. 204, mprevie@pembroke-nh.com
Penacook Community Center, Inc.
76 Community Drive, Penacook
Mission: The Penacook Community Center is a non-profit, multi-purpose organization, established in 1948 with a mission of providing the citizens of Penacook and surrounding towns opportunities to promote, develop and maintain social, educational and recreational activities.
Service Area: Bow, Boscawen, Concord, Franklin, Loudon, Penacook, Salisbury and Webster.
Children/Teen Items: Hats, mittens and scarves.
Gift Certificates: Gift certificates to local stores.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 18
Contact: Deb Cuddahy, 753-9700,
pcc-center@comcast.net
Pittsfield Area Senior Center
74 Main St., Pittsfield
Mission: Pittsfield Area Senior Center is a warm place for engaging senior citizens to visit and participate in activities. We offer a fun, friendly, non-threatening environment where seniors play and also volunteer preparing Meals-On-Wheels and Congregate Dining Monday through Friday. Our rural transportation bus runs daily from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Service Area: Barnstead, Chichester, Epsom, Loudon and Pittsfield.
Adult/Senior Items: Fleece blankets, fleece lap robes, flannel sheets, socks and slippers, gloves, hats, shawls, scarves. These are items that may be worn indoors where heat is limited.
Gift Certificates: Vouchers for electric and/or fuel specific to client’s company. Pharmacy vouchers.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 18
Contact: Lynne Joyce, 435-8482,
pascnh@gmail.com
Pittsfield Youth Workshop
PO Box 206, 5 Park St., Pittsfield
Mission: After school drop-in center for youth in grades 6 through 12 that is committed to providing programs and services that empower youth by helping them to develop useful skills, self-esteem, and meaningful friendships by involving them in activities that are interesting, challenging and healthy avenues to self discovery
Service Area: Pittsfield and surrounding towns.
Food Basket Items: Many youth show up at the workshop hungry and in need of a snack or meal. Healthy snacks are always best (fruit and/or vegetables). We also like to have canned soups, Cup-O-Noodle, macaroni and cheese, pasta, pasta sauce, pizza mix, peanut butter, jelly, canned tuna, cereal, cake, brownies, muffin mix, popcorn and drink mixes.
Gift Certificates: We are always in need of supplies (arts and crafts) that run out or for drop-in items (pool sticks) that break or wear out. Gift cards make it easy to replace items when no funds are available. Walmart carries many of the supplies we are in need of.
Other Items: Toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, paper bowls, napkins, plastic silverware, hand and dish soap, bathroom cleaners, poster board, photo paper, black and color printer cartridges HP75XL and HP74XL, headphones.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 22
Contact: Paula Driscoll, 435.8272, pauladriscoll@
pittsfieldyouthworkshop.org
Rape and Domestic Violence Crisis Center
PO Box 1344, Concord
Mission: To serve victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking with 24-hour crisis line, a shelter for women fleeing an abusive relationship, court and hospital advocacy and community education.
Service Area: Merrimack County
Adult Items: Personal hygiene items for women (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, powder, feminine hygiene products), clock radios with an alarm, hair dryers, mittens, one-size-fits-all robes, stationery, pens, stamps and warm socks.
Gift Certificates: Market Basket, phone cards, gas cards, beauty salons, Borders or Gibsons.
Delivery Address: 15 Pleasant St., Room 2, Concord, NH 03301
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 21
Contact: Michelle Stevenson, 225-7376, ext. 224,
volunteercoordinator@rdvcc.org
Reach4Hope
542 Pembroke St., Pembroke
Mission: Volunteers provide weekly visits with the homeless and less fortunate making a connection with those struggling and assisting them with their basic needs
Service Area: Concord
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers set up our van on Saturday mornings across from The Friendly Kitchen, providing supplies to meet basic needs including soap, toothpaste/toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, lotion, body powder, lip balm, laundry soap, razors/shaving cream, toilet paper, tissues, socks, T-shirts, underwear, thermal underwear/socks, dweatshirts, jackets, boots, tents, sleeping bags, bottled water, hand warmers and gloves and hats.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Anytime
Contact: Lorinda Monroe, director/treasurer, 224-3674, themonroefamily@comcast.net
Riverbend Community Mental Health, Inc. Parent Child Center
105 Loudon Road, Concord
Mission: To support, honor and strengthen families.
Services Area: Merrimack County
Other Items: Our families need hygiene products, diapers, wipes, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, children’s soap and bath wash, body wash, deodorants etc.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 15
Contact: Michelle Kolias, 226-7510, ext. 4325,
mkolias@riverbendcmhc.org
Rubia Sewing Confidence
PO Box 100, Warner
Mission: To develop economic opportunities through craft heritage to support education and to promote health and well-being for Afghan women and their families.
Service Area: Statewide
Gift Certificates: Joanne Fabrics and other sewing stores for supplies; grocery store cards.
Other Items: Sewing supplies, sewing machines
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers to help Burundian refugees learn sewing.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Anytime
Contact: Rachel Lehr, 397-3438, staff@rubiahandwork.org
Second Start
17 Knight St., Concord
Mission: Second Start is committed to improving the educational and economic well being of residents. Our goal is to help people become more productive workers, family members and community citizens.
Service Area: Merrimack County
Other Items: Help someone get their GED for Christmas! Any donated amount will be put into a fund for the increasing number of economically disadvantaged adults who cannot afford the $65 examination fee. (All recipients will be pre-screened for readiness by passing the practice test first.)
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Jan. 1
Contact: Joanne Del Deo, 228-1341, ext. 4205,
jdeldeo@second-start.org
St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry – St. Peter’s Church
135 N. State St., Concord
Mission: Provide food and non-food items to those in need.
Service Area: Greater Concord
Food Basket Items: Currently the pantry is providing food baskets to 70 percent more inpiduals, households and people under 18 than in 2008. Items needed are peanut butter, grape jelly, fruit juice, spaghetti sauce, Ramen noodles, soup, macaroni and cheese, beef stew, beef franks, pork and beans, tuna fish and pasta.
Other items: Toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, laundry and dish detergent, diapers, diaper wipes, shampoo, rolls of food wrap and sandwich bags.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec.18
Contact: George Weber, 225-0108, ga-mi-weber@comcast.net
United Church of Penacook – Diaconate Fund, UCP Food Pantry
21 Merrimack St., Penacook
Mission: The United Church of Penacook is committed to helping our community members going through hard times. Our food pantry is open every Tuesday. We are always open to hearing specific needs (gas, fuel assistance, etc.).
Service Area: Penacook/Boscawen
Food Basket Items: Non-perishable items: canned proteins, meats, stews, beans, chowders, vegetables, rice, beans, pasta.
Gift Certificates: Gas stations, grocery stores and pharmacies.
Other Items: Toiletry items like shampoo, conditioner, soaps, toothbrushes and toothpaste. We are also able to accept monetary donations earmarked for the fund of your choice and will supply receipts upon request.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 21, though need is ongoing throughout the winter months.
Contact: Cheryl Rodgers, 753-8471, ucpcheryl@hotmail.com
West Congregational Church Food Pantry
499 N. State St., Concord
Mission: Our food pantry is open on Fridays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the second and fourth Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Service Area: Concord, Penacook
Food Basket Items: 20 pound turkeys for 15 baskets.
Children/Teen Items: Need Christmas gifts for needy children.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Thanksgiving items needed by Nov. 22, Christmas items needed by Dec. 6.
Contact: Patti Burwen, 224-4142 (West Church),591-7036 (Patti),
angel75791@aol.com
White Birch Community Center
PO Box 2035, Henniker
Mission: A community service organization providing, social, recreation and education programs to older adults in the greater Henniker area.
Service Area: Henniker, Hillsboro and Weare
Gift Certificates: Grocery store cards (usually Market Basket) and gas cards.
Delivery Address: 51 Hall Ave.,
Henniker
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 16
Contact: Pat Mathison, 428.7860,
patmat@
whitebirchcommunitycenter.org
Zonta Club of Concord Baby Layette Project
Mission: Zonta Club of Concord is part of a global organization of professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. The program provides newborns and mothers with some basic essentials prior to leaving the hospital. Services are provided to families in need.
(Partnership of Zonta Club of Concord, Women at Shae Farm and Concord Hospital.)
Service Area: Concord
Other Items: Yarn and fabric. The women at Shae Farm make baby blankets and quilts for the project.
Delivery Address: Please call to make arrangements for delivery.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Anytime
Contact: Marie Lang, 225-1108,
palang1997@aol.com
