SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – For many, the holidays are a season for giving that often extends beyond friends and family in order to help those in need.
According to Statista, in 2021, about 14 percent of Georgia’s population lived below the poverty line. This accounts for persons or families whose collective income in the proceeding 12 months was below the national poverty level of the United States.
With poverty being a major issue for some with children, especially during the holiday season, there are some charitable programs that help out families, their pets included, who can’t afford to buy their loved ones gifts.
Here is a list of organizations participating in community-based giveaways this Christmas season.
The cause of the YMCA is strengthening the community. This includes helping families who struggle to afford gifts at Christmas through The Giving Tree program.
“December 19th 8-4 is The Giving Tree pick-up date, all participants must bring ID. All applications must be turned in before December 17th” said Front Desk Captain of the Habersham YMCA, Davonte Johnson.
A charity run by a faith-based rescue mission; part of their service is to provide assistance during holidays. Resources can range from gift cards to furniture, household goods, food baskets, toys, and even gently used furniture for an entire family.
To get a schedule of their Christmas toy drive and how to apply for it call (912) 232-1979.
This is a veteran founded and operated non-profit that continues to be Bryan County’s only local campaign organization that can distribute toys to families (Marine Toys for Tots).
“This is our fourth year servicing our community for the holidays and it means so much for us to give back to the community we live in,” said Executive Director Lynnetta M. Smith.
To distribute the toys, Combat Boots to the Boardroom will have an event located at 1000 Belfast River Road in Richmond Hill from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
“They have to sign up through our website so we can get the toys from Toys 4 Tots, and we will distribute give them out at the event on 17 December,” said Smith.
Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Pacific Cycle
They will host a ‘Christmas Bike Giveaway’ for less fortunate children in Effingham County. The giveaway will be held this Monday, December 19, at 1:00 p.m. at the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office.
To be eligible to receive a bicycle, email bbailey@effinghamcounty.org and include the following information:
• Child and guardian’s names
• Contact information (phone number and address)
• Child’s age (must be between age 2-16)
• MUST reside in Effingham County
Make sure to put “Christmas Bike Giveaway” in the subject line.
The email deadline will be this Saturday, December 17, and selected families will be notified Sunday, December 18th.
The number of bikes will be limited and preference will be given to the children of the families who are in most need of assistance.
Gift cards for the perfect size helmets and pads for the winners are sponsored, in part by, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Walmart store 1011 of Rincon, and “AreYou64.com.”
WSAV will continue to update this list
