Hey, Concord. It's that time of year again – time to get into the spirit of giving. So many of us take our basic necessities for granted, so it's easy to forget that there are those out there who struggle every day to afford such basic things as clothes and food. With the help of Val Guy at Granite United Way, we've compiled a list of New Hampshire charities that need your help this holiday season. With a little support from you, the reader, these groups will be able to feed, clothe and give gifts to those in our community that are less fortunate.
Val told us that given the current economic climate, the wish list is longer than ever. So, if you are fortunate enough to not worry about where your next meal is coming from or what holiday gifts your kids are going to open, give some thought to giving.
–Insider Editor Ben Conant
Allenstown Welfare –
Holiday Gift Program
Allenstown Town Hall
16 School Street
Allenstown, NH 03275
Mission: We take requests at the Town Hall for children’s gifts from families in need. We hang these on our holiday tree. The giver can choose one (or several) from the tree, sign him/her out, make the purchases and return the gifts, unwrapped, to be given to the child of choice.
Service Area: Allenstown.
Adopt-a-Family/Child/Adult program: The giver is free to request a family of children and we will do our best to accommodate this.
Children/Teen Items: Art supplies, books, games and toys. Specific requests will be provided.
Gift Certificates: Game Stop gift cards, Cinema movie passes, music shop or art shop gift certificates.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Gift requests accepted until Nov. 30. Gifts to be given to a child until Dec. 21.
Contact Information:
Diane O’Callaghan, 485-4276, allenstownwelfare@metrocast.net.
American Red Cross, New Hampshire Region – Holiday Catalog Campaign
28 Concord St.
Nashua, NH 03060
Mission: A humanitarian organization led by volunteers will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
Service Area: New Hampshire.
The American Red Cross 2011 Holiday Giving Catalog offers people a chance to give something that means something and helps people in need. We believe that in this season of hope people want their gifts to really matter. Research shows that many people would prefer to receive a meaningful gift that would help someone else instead of a traditional holiday gift. We feel this gift catalog fills that need. Please visit redcross.org/gifts.
Contact Information: Stephanie Couturier, 225-6697, ext. 219, couturiers@nhredcross.org.
American Red Cross, New Hampshire Region – Holiday Mail for Heroes
28 Concord Street
Nashua, NH 03060
Mission: The holiday season is just around the corner and it’s time again to start thinking about being part of the 2011 American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes. For a fifth year American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are partnering to ensure all Americans have an opportunity to send a touch of home this holiday season to members of our U.S. Military, veterans and their families, many of whom will be far away from home this holiday season.
Starting this fall and throughout the holiday season, the Red Cross is working with Pitney Bowes mail stream technology company to collect and distribute holiday cards to American service members, veterans, and their families in the United State and around the world.
The process is very simple and takes no time at all.
All you need is a pen and a piece of paper to show your appreciation for the sacrifices members of the U.S. Armed Forces make to protect our freedoms.
Cards may be filled out at your local Simon Mall where you will find American Red Cross volunteers collecting cards and providing writing materials for you on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 4. Or, the Holiday Mail for Heroes mailbox is open and ready to receive your cards. Please send to:
Holiday Mail For Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 9.
Contact Information: Lisa Michaud, 889-6664, ext. 234, michaudl@nhredcross.org.
Blueberry Express
Day Care
8 Catamount Street
Pittsfield, NH 03263
Mission: Blueberry Express Day Care strives to provide a safe and caring environment where children and families can grow and learn with support and respect.
Service Area: Pittsfield, Barnstead, and Epsom.
Children/Teen Items: We have children aged 1 year to 7 years here at our center. Our families can use warm clothing in sizes 3T to size 8. Our children love all toys, especially books, puzzles, arts & crafts, dramatic play and trucks.
Gift Certificates: Many of our families find gift cards for groceries helpful.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 16.
Contact Information: Sarah Blackwood, 435-6149, goodhue15@hotmail.com.
Bow Human Services – Holiday Gift Giving
10 Grandview Road
Bow, NH 03304
Mission: To provide assistance for basic needs for those who do not have the resources to meet these needs and encourage community involvement.
Service Area: Bow.
Adopt a Family/Child/Adult program: Please contact for family information.
Food Basket/Food Items: Non-perishable food donations are needed.
Children/Teen Items: Items for teenagers, current DVDs, CDs, MP3 players, games, gift cards, mittens, gloves, hats, and socks.
Adult/Senior Items: Warm pajamas, socks, gloves, gift cards, flannel shirts and sweaters.
Gift Certificates: Gas cards, grocery stores, Wal-Mart.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 12.
Contact Information: Deb Bourbeau, 228-1187, ext. 19, creativebow@aol.com.
Casey Family Services
200 Sanborn Street
Franklin, NH 03235
Mission: Casey Family Services is a child welfare agency serving the most vulnerable children and their families.
Service Area: Franklin, Hill.
Food Basket/Food Items: Any non-perishable, non-expired food items are welcome. Items that can make a complete meal are in need the most. Spaghetti, sauce, pasta, tuna fish, peanut butter, macaroni & cheese, soups, can or package pasta or rice meals, canned fruit, vegetables, juice.
Children/Teen Items: Toys and games for boys and girls ages birth to 18 (teens still in high school), gender neutral (legos, art supplies, games), gender specific (dolls, trucks), hats, mittens, sizes birth to adult, coats and snow pants (child 3T to adult XXXL), boots child, youth and adult sizes.
Gift Certificates: Gift cards to Wal-Mart, Market Basket, or Hannaford would help our clients obtain the food & personal care items needed for everyday in addition to help with the added expenses of the holiday season. Home goods (blankets, pillows, bath towels, washcloths). Gift cards are the best donation possible.
Casey Family Services staff is able to go shopping and buy what family members need and then give it to the families. A list is in the process of being put together for specific families. Personal care products (toothpaste, shampoo, tooth brushes, hair brushes, hair accessory and such) are much appreciated as well. Gift cards to movie theaters, Itunes, movie/game rental places, cell phone gift cards are great gifts for teens (ages 13-17). Any items are greatly appreciated.
Deadline to Receive Gifts:
Dec. 9.
Contact Information: Kattie McKinnon, 934-3170, kmckinnon@caseyfamilyservices.org.
Chichester Food Pantry
54 Main Street
Chichester, NH 03258
Mission: A food pantry offering food assistance to the residents of Chichester.
Service Area: Chichester.
Food Basket/Food Items: The pantry is in constant need of cleaning and laundry detergents, toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex and personal hygiene items for men and women.
Contact Information: Donna Chagnon, 798-5350, d_chagnon@tds.net.
Child and Family Services of New Hampshire – Group Home
240 North Main Street
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: We are a community based residential program for at-risk teens who cannot live at home due to abuse, neglect, or delinquency petitions.
Service Area: Concord, Manchester, Laconia & Franklin.
Children/Teen Items: Gloves & mittens for teenage boys and girls.
Gift Certificates: Certificates to fast food, movies, Itunes.
Other: Desperately need new pillows, with protective covers and protective covers for mattresses, towels, and sheet sets.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities: Our teens would love to help with deliveries, packing food baskets, bell ringing, etc., after school and weekends.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 18.
Contact Information: Angela Spinney, 518-4005, spinneya@cfsnh.org.
The Children’s Place and Parent Education Center – Early Enrichment Program
27 Burns Ave
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: We offer support services, childcare, parent education and community outreach programs.
Service Area: The greater Concord area.
Gift Certificates: Gift certificates to businesses such as Wal-Mart, Target, Michaels, Hannaford’s, Shaw’s, Market Basket, and Toys R Us to purchase items for use in our Early Enrichment Childcare program.
Contact Information: Susan Fuller, 224-9920, sfuller@thechildrensplacenh.org.
The Children’s Place and Parent Education Center – Family Support Program
27 Burns Ave
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: We offer support services, childcare, parent education and community outreach programs.
Service Area: The greater Concord area.
Gift Certificates: Gift certificates to businesses such as Wal-Mart, Target, Michaels, Hannaford’s, Shaw’s, Market Basket, and Toys-R-Us to purchase items for use in our toddlers and parents play group and our babies and parents support group.
Contact Information: Susan Fuller, 224-9920, sfuller@thechildrensplacenh.org.
Community Action Program Merrimack County – Head Start/Early Head Start
PO Box 1016
Concord, NH 03302
Mission: Head Start/Early Head Start is a child development preschool and family support program for families with incomes below the poverty guidelines.
Service Area: Concord, Franklin, Pittsfield & Warner.
Gift Certificates: Our families are struggling to make ends meet. They need gas cards to use for transporting their children to our preschool centers, dental and doctor’s appointments. They also need gift certificates to buy food at grocery stores (Market Basket, Hannaford, and Shaw’s).
Delivery Address:
2 Industrial Park Drive,
Concord, NH 03302
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 22.
Contact Information:
Roxanne Marsh, 225-3295, rmarsh@bm-cap.org.
Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties – Horseshoe Pond Place Senior Resource Center
26 Commercial Street, Suite 105
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: Horseshoe Pond Place Senior Center provides wellness programs that are open to all Concord area seniors, ages 60 and over. Our programs include: a nutritionally-balanced lunch, gentle exercise classes, as well as other social activities.
Service Area: Greater Concord area.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities:
Looking for volunteers to assist serving lunch to the senior public any day Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: January.
Contact Information:
Polly Fife, 228-6956, pfife@bm-cap.org.
Community Action Program, Belknap-Merrimack Counties – Pittsfield Area Senior Center
74 Main Street
Pittsfield, NH 03262
Mission: The Pittsfield Senior Center promotes independence and wellbeing for seniors through a healthy and active lifestyle, increased social interaction, and sound nutrition program.
Service Area: Barnstead, Chichester, Epsom, and Pittsfield.
Adult/Senior Items: We would like to receive night lights because they will help prevent falls during the night. We have need of night lights that plug into electrical outlets and night lights that can “stick anywhere” for rooms that do not have an outlet in the needed location for a light.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 19.
Contact Information: Leslie Vogt, 435-8482, lvogt@bm-cap.org.
Community Bridges – Early Supports and Services
70 Pembroke Rd
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: Community Bridges addresses the needs of people with disabilities in Greater Merrimack County. Early Supports and Services provides services to children 0-3 with developmental delays.
Service Area: Greater Merrimack County.
Children/Teen Items: Developmentally appropriate toys for 0-3 age kids and infant/toddler winter clothing and boots.
Gift Certificates: Needy families have a child under 3 with a disability. Gift cards are for the family to buy needed items such as developmentally appropriate toys and winter wear, such as coats, gloves and boots for all children in the family. $25 and $50 gift certificates at general department stores such as Target and Wal-Mart work best. We usually provide assistance to 75-80 families. Last year we helped more than 100 children. Early Supports & Services program provides evaluation, developmental therapies, parent education and support to children birth to age 3 with developmental delays and their families.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 16.
Contact Information: Ellyn Schreiber, 225-4153, ext. 278, eschreiber@communitybridgesnh.org.
Concord Coalition to End Homelessness – Concord Homeless Resource Center
PO Box 3393
Concord, NH 03302
Mission: The mission of the Concord Homeless Resource Center is 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 area.
Food Basket/Food Items: Food baskets with hot chocolate, coffee, creamer, and sugar are always needed. When guests come in for assistance, we like to offer the warmth and friendliness of a cup of joe.
Gift Certificates: It would be helpful for us to have $10 gift certificates to Market Basket and Wal- Mart. Often guests come to the Resource Center and need diapers, infant formula, or batteries. Some of our homeless guests don't have any income for food so gift cards with small amounts would be useful and appreciated.
Delivery Address:
6B S. State St.,
Concord, NH 03301
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 23.
Contact Information: Marcia Sprague, 290-3375, homeless.resource@gmail.com.
Concord-Merrimack County SPCA – SPCA Wish List Drive
130 Washington Street
Penacook, NH 03303
Mission: The Concord-Merrimack County SPCA is dedicated to caring for abandoned and homeless pets, protecting and advocating for pets in need, and promoting the humane treatment of all animals.
Vision Statement: The Concord-Merrimack County SPCA envisions our community to be a safe haven for animals, where the animal-human bond is nurtured and all animals are treated with compassion and respect.
Service Area: Merrimack County.
Gift Certificates: Office supplies, department, grocery and pet store gift certificates for pet and cleaning supplies such as laundry detergent, bleach, paper towels, garbage bags, Dawn dish soap and hand sanitizer.
Other Items: Quality adult pet food for dogs and cats, dog toys, cat toys. We are hosting an Open House and Wish List Drive on Dec. 3 from noon to 2 p.m. Refreshments will be available, as well as door prizes and holiday cheer.
Contact Information: Shannon Camara, 753.6751, scamara@concordspca.org.
Families in Transition
122 Market Street
Manchester, NH 03101
Mission: Families in Transition, a nonprofit organization located in Manchester and Concord, was founded in 1995 in response to the growing number of homeless inpiduals and families in the greater Manchester area and throughout the state. Since its inception, FIT has been committed to providing only the most innovative, comprehensive, and effective interventions specifically designed to help homeless inpiduals and families reach beyond the cycle of homelessness to lead healthy and successful lives. Our belief is that having a home is a basic human right and is fundamental to becoming an engaged and contributing member of our community.
Service Area: Concord & Manchester.
Adopt-A-Family/Inpidual Items: FIT Wish (Sponsor a Families in Transition youth during the Holidays for $75, fulfill a child’s wish list).
Food Basket/Food Items: Non-perishable food items for our three emergency food pantries in Manchester and Concord.
Children/Teen Items: Our therapeutic center, the Family Place, is for our children that live here at Families in Transition. This center has a large wish list of items they are in need of that we are looking for support of donors.
Adult/Senior Items: Each family that moves in receives brand new home essential items to start fresh in their new home. These items can be anything from brand new pots and pans, dishes, bedding, towels, washcloths, silverware, etc. If you are interested we can provide you with a list of items that we supply families with when they move in.
Gift Certificates: Grocery stores, Wal-Mart, fun things to do with children (movies, bowling, etc.).
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities: Socially FIT. This is a social opportunity we have for our families monthly. We are looking for groups of volunteers to come in and sponsor the event. You can plan an ice cream party, game night, dinner, make your own pizzas, crafts or anything else that might interest you. The Socially FITs allow our families to come together with the community and socialize in a safe and fun way.
We are looking for volunteers that would like to help us wrap the children’s presents for the holidays (minimum age 15).
Delivery Address:
OutFITers Boutique
Bicentennial Square
Concord, NH 03101
Deadline to Receive Gifts: January 10.
Contact Information: Diane Morris, 935-7900, ext. 1721, volunteer@fitnh.org.
Fellowship Housing Opportunities
36 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: To offer affordable and decent housing for inpiduals struggling with mental illness and to help these inpiduals work their way back into self sufficiently.
Service Area: Concord.
Food Basket/Food Items: Our group home will have a holiday dinner and get together on Christmas Day so any festive type of foods are always appreciated to add to this event.
Adult/Senior Items: Always a need for hats, gloves, scarves and boots for adult men and women.
There is also an ongoing need for toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, etc.
Gift Certificates: Bus and taxi ride passes, gift cards for haircuts, local coffee shops and restaurants – McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts is a favorite, CVS and Market Basket gift cards as our clients shop there all the time.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 25.
Contact Information: Kathy Michael, 225-1767, kmichael@fellowshiphousing.org.
The Friendly Kitchen
PO Box 373
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: To provide a meal for the hungry in a warm and caring nondiscriminating environment through the coordination of community volunteer resources.
Service Area: Concord.
Food Basket/Food Items: The Friendly Kitchen needs the following food items to help us feed breakfast daily during the winter months; oatmeal (not instant), cream of wheat cereal, brown sugar, raisins, cinnamon, hot chocolate, and coffee.
Gift Certificates: The Friendly Kitchen needs gift certificates (small denominations) from grocery stores and department stores.
Delivery Address:
Sacred Heart Church
52 Pleasant Street
Concord NH
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 23. Contact Information:
Jennifer Lombardo, 224-7678, thefriendlykitchen@thefriendlykitchen.org.
Friends of Forgotten Children – Holiday Giving
224 Bog Road
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: To assist children, families, and seniors experiencing hardships by helping to improve their quality of life and to insure greater stability. To establish a working and cooperative relationship with service organizations and to act as a conduit for human services requests.
Service Area: Concord, Bow, Canterbury, Loudon, Penacook, Salisbury, Webster, Boscawen, Andover.
Adopt-a-Family/Inpidual Items: We coordinate an adopt-a-family and inpidual gift giving opportunities through our “Stars” program.
Stars can be obtained by calling the office during normal hours of operation. Each star identifies an inpidual, wish list for toys, and clothing sizes.
Children/Teen Items: Clothing and new toys for children up to age 10; clothing and age appropriate gifts such as MP3 players and gift certificates for children up to 18 years of age.
Adult/Senior Items: Grocery store & restaurant certificates, gas cards, hats, gloves, stockings.
Gift Certificates: For teens and seniors: movie gift certificates, gas cards, and restaurant certificates.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed to help with Christmas pickup. Please call the office for specific times and locations.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 12.
Contact Information: Cheryl Correllus, 753-4801, info@fofcnh.org.
Girls Incorporated of New Hampshire – Concord Girls Center
39 Green St.
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: Girls Incorporated of New Hampshire inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold! Our programs are research based and address the critical needs of girls today.
Service Area: Concord, Bow and Penacook.
Adopt-a-Family/Inpidual Items: Girls Inc. has several families that could be helped by Adopt-a-Family. We are happy to talk with interested inpiduals about our families needs and provide a list of wishes.
Food Basket/Food Items: Girls Inc. has several families that are in need this holiday season. Food baskets that include non-perishable 12 foods such as canned vegetables, canned fruits, spaghetti sauce, and pasta would be very helpful.
Children/Teens Items: Many of our families do not have extra funds after paying for the very basics (shelter, food, etc) for the holidays. Girls Inc. does have specific wishes for specific families but in general, board games, winter clothing, pajamas and socks are in high demand.
Gift Certificates: In some cases when gift certificates are donated, we give them to the families so they can shop for their own family. They are always very grateful and are excited to tell us everything they were able to purchase for their children. Types of gift certificates that are needed include Wal-Mart, department stores and grocery stores.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 20.
Contact Information: Karen Billings, 223-0087, karenbillings@girlsincnewhampshire.org.
Granite State Reading Council – Books for Food Baskets
107 Penacook St.
Penacook, NH 03303
Mission: Granite State Reading Council distributes quality children’s books to children across the state. Books in food baskets distributed by Capitol Region Holiday Food Program is a venue we use to get quality books into the hands of children. We also sponsor New Hampshire Family Literacy Day, as well as other events that promote literacy.
Service Area: The books are distributed to Concord and 14 of the surrounding communities.
Gift Certificates: Books.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 18.
Contact Information: Donna Ciocca, 753-8522, madciocca@aol.com.
Hopkinton Human Services – Operation Christmas
330 Main Street
Hopkinton, NH 03229
Mission: Town Human Services, Hopkinton Food Pantry.
Service Area: Hopkinton, Contoocook.
Adopt-a-Family/Child & Adult/Senior Items: Please call 746-5729 or email humanservices@tds.net for specific needs.
Gift Certificates: Gas and food certificates.
Delivery Address:
Slusser Senior Center
61 Houston Drive
Contoocook, NH 03229
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 19.
Contact Information: Marilyn Ceriello Bresaw, 746-5729, humanservices@tds.net.
Lutheran Social Services – Disability Services
261 Sheep Davis Road
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: In response to Christ’s love, Lutheran Social Services serves and cares for people in need.
Service Area: Merrimack County and beyond.
Adopt-a-Family/Child/Adult program: Arrange to visit clients to play cards, a board game, or work on a hobby.
Gift Certificates: Gift cards for local coffee shops or restaurants.
Other Items: Sponsor a client to take music lessons at Concord Community Music School, or sponsor a membership at a local health club.
Contact Information: Pat Luoma, 224-8111, pluoma@lssne.org.
Lutheran Social Services – Services for New Americans
261 Sheep Davis Road, Suite A1
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: In response to Christ’s love, Lutheran Social Services serves and cares for people in need.
Service Area: Concord, Laconia, and Nashua.
Food Basket/Food Items: Need bags of rice, dry beans (lentil pinto, red beans, garbanzo), and tea.
Children/Teen Items: Hats, mittens and scarves. Coats, toddler sizes and children from ages 6 to 16, no extra large sizes. New socks for toddlers, and ages 6 to 16.
Adult/Senior Items: Hats, mittens, and scarves. Coats in sizes small and medium. No large or extra large. New socks for adults. Blankets.
Gift Certificates: Supermarkets, Wal-Mart, Target.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 16.
Contact Information: Elaine Kidd, 224-8111, ext. 2241, ekidd@lssne.org.
The Mayhew Program
293 West Shore Road
PO Box 120
Bristol, NH 03222
Mission: Mayhew challenges and helps at-risk New Hampshire boys to believe in themselves, work well with others and find their bests.
Service Area: Mayhew serves 202 boys from Belknap, Cheshire, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Strafford and Rockingham counties.
Gift Certificates: Our Community Outreach staff conducts approximately 1600 mentoring visits each school year. While we strive to find free or low-cost activities to do with the boys, we would appreciate vouchers for the boys to: ski/snowboard, bowl, attend the Museum of Science, attend the New England Aquarium and attend local sporting events.
Contact Information: Lisa Foley, 744-6131, lisa@mayhew.org.
Merrimack Valley Day Care Service
19 North Fruit Street
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: To provide affordable, quality care for children 3 months through 10 years of age while parents are working or in training programs.
Service Area: The majority of our children are from Concord but we also serve many surrounding communities in Merrimack County.
Child/Teen Items: Age appropriate toys for children through early teens as we do have children with older siblings.
Gift Certificates: Gas, food and gift cards to local businesses.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 19.
Contact Information: Shawn Taylor, 224-1632, sdt1999@yahoo.com.
New Hampshire Association for the Blind McGreal Sight Center
25 Walker Street
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: The New Hampshire Association for the Blind is the only statewide, private, non-profit organization that provides vision rehabilitation services to people of all ages. Our mission is to advance the independence of persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Service Area: All counties of New Hampshire in inpidual homes and schools.
Other Items: Gifts by check or cash would be used to purchase assistive aid and devices that are required by so many of our visually impaired or blind clients. For example a white cane at $40, a handheld magnifier at $50, a talking compass at $70, a money reader at $100, voice labeling system at $150. A donation of any amount is appreciated.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 31.
Contact Information: Marcia Clark, 224-4039, mclark@sightcenter.org.
Penacook Community Center – Childcare & Senior Program
76 Community Drive
Penacook, NH 03303
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: Boscawen, Canterbury, Concord, Franklin, Loudon, Penacook, Salisbury, Webster.
Children/Teen Items: Toys for children ages 2-5 years old. Mittens, hats and scarves for children ages 2-12.
Adult/Senior Items: Mittens, hats, and scarves for seniors.
Gift Certificates: Gas cards and grocery store gift certificates for families in need.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 19.
Contact Information: Deb Cuddahy, 753-9700, debc@penacookcommunitycenter.org.
Pittsfield Youth Workshop
5 Park Street
PO Box 206
Pittsfield, NH 03263
Mission: PYW provides programs which empower youth by helping them develop useful skills, self esteem, and meaningful friendships by 16 involving them in activities which are interesting, challenging and healthy avenues to self discovery.
Service Area: Pittsfield.
Children/Teen Items: Winter hats, scarves, mittens and/or gloves in youth medium, large and adult sizes small, medium and large (for both male and female).
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 22.
Contact Information: Paula Martel, 435-8272, paula@pittsfieldyouthworkshop.org.
Rape & Domestic Violence Crisis Center Shelter
PO Box 1344
Concord, NH 03302-1344
Mission: To serve victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking, as well as their family members.
Service Area: Merrimack County.
Children/Teen Items: Children’s clothing 3T-6T, coloring books, crayons, puzzles, children’s toys for 8-12 year olds, sox for boys & girls.
Adult/Senior Items: Clock radio, women’s personal care products (body wash, deodorant, razors, shampoo, conditioner etc.), pocket calendar (2012), socks, robe (size medium or large), pj’s (size med or large) women’s slippers (size med or large), women’s mittens or gloves, women’s scarves.
Gift Certificates: Market Basket, CVS, Rite Aid, Wal-Mart, Target or Walgreens, gas cards.
Other: Baby monitors.
Delivery Address:
15 Pleasant Street, Room 2,
Concord, NH 03301
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 19.
Contact Information: Krista Zimmerman, 225-7376, directservicesadvocate.rdvcc.org.
Riverbend Community Mental Health – Residential Programs
PO Box 2032
Concord, NH 03302
Mission: Riverbend’s Residential Programs provide housing options along with comprehensive psychiatric treatment and community support services to adults with a severe and chronic mental illness.
Service Area: Merrimack County.
Food Basket/Food Items: Home cooked items to be shared by the residents including baked goods and fresh fruit.
Adult/Senior Items: Exercise clothes, sweat suits, especially in extra large sizes, and sneakers for both men and women.
Gift Certificates: Gift certificates to Market Basket, CVS, Rite Aid and Wal-Mart help clients buy personal toiletries, socks and underwear.
Delivery Address:
#4 Prescott Park,
105 Loudon Road,
Concord, NH 03301
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 23.
Contact Information: Gayle Kimball, Director of Development, 226-7510, ext. 4333, gkimball@riverbendcmhc.org.
St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry, St. Peter’s Church Food Pantry
135 North State Street
Concord, NH 03301-6400
Mission: Provides food and non-food items to households in need from the Greater Concord area.
Service Area: Greater Concord.
Food Basket/Food Items: Food baskets are provided to 325 households/11,150 inpiduals (including the homeless) each month, and the need is higher that it was in 2010. We are continuing to see a rise in the number of blended families and homeless (inpiduals and families). Items needed include peanut butter, grape jelly, fruit juice, spaghetti and sauce, Ramen noodles, canned soup, canned vegetables and fruit, beef stew, pork & beans, tuna fish, and oatmeal cereal.
Adult/Senior Items: While food items are the primary service provided, there are many non-food items requested by clients, and food pantry budgets are strained in trying to provide them. The items include toilet paper, toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, deodorant, laundry & dish detergent, diapers, diaper wipes, and shampoo.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 20.
Contact Information: George Weber, 225-0108, ga-mi-weber@comcast.net.
The Salvation Army – McKenna House homeless shelter.
100 South Fruit Street
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: The Salvation Army/McKenna House is a 26-bed homeless shelter for single men and women. Residents are provided with a warm bed, three meals a day, toiletries, laundry services, clothing and case management.
Service Area: Throughout the state.
Adult/Senior Items: We are in need of warm clothing. Mostly large men’s clothing, winter boots, socks, and boxers.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 21.
Contact Information: Lorrie Dale, 228–3505, lorrie_dale@use.salvationarmy.org.
Second Start Adult Basic Education
17 Knight Street
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: Our mission is to help people become more productive workers, family members and community citizens by providing supportive, affordable and effective education programs.
Service Area: Merrimack County.
Other: Please consider helping a newly settled refugee to get to English language classes. Not everyone is able to use the city’s CAT bus. So the Second Start bus transports some adults. A donation of $60 would provide a student’s transportation to school for a whole month. A gift contribution of any size will be gratefully appreciated!
Contact Information: Joanne Del Deo, 228-1341 ext. 4205, jdeldeo@second-start.org.
West Congregational Church – Christmas Gift Tag Programs
499 North State Street
Concord, NH 03301
Mission: To help those in need.
Service Area: West Concord.
Children/Teen Items: Toys, gifts, clothing.
Gift Cards: Certificates and vouchers.
Other Requests: We have had a very large need – our food pantry continues to provide food and needs for more and more of our friends and neighbors. Please find it in your heart to help a family this holiday season.
If you would like to help a child have a more memorable Christmas this year, come to our church on Sunday and feel free to take a tag or two. Completed Christmas tag items may also be brought to our food pantry and Friday 10 a.m.-noon.
Thank you so much and God bless you and your family this holiday season.
Deadline to Receive Gifts: Dec. 25.
Contact Information: Patti Burwen, 224-4142 (church) or 591-7036 (Patti), angel75791@aol.com.
