From food distributions and toy drives to festive events and hands-on volunteering, Arizona’s nonprofits are offering countless ways to spread holiday cheer and make a meaningful impact this year.
United Food Bank is offering a variety of ways for the community to give back and support families across the East Valley and Eastern Arizona. The Neighbor’s Pantry Food Distribution takes place on December 5 and 19 at the Volunteer Center in Mesa, providing produce, bakery, and more to neighbors in need. On December 13, the annual Food and Toy Drive collects donations for children, with toy donations benefiting Chandler Care Center and food donations supporting United Food Bank. Guests can enjoy music, snacks, and photos with Santa.
The first-ever CAN Tree Drive at Dink & Dine Pickle Park on December 15 invites teams to construct holiday trees entirely from canned goods, followed by a celebratory event with live music, hot cocoa, and awards. United Food Bank also hosts its annual Holiday Distribution on December 17 at the Mesa Convention Center, providing complete holiday meal kits for families to pick up via drive-through.
The Salvation Army in Prescott is spreading holiday cheer through its Angel Tree at Pine Ridge Marketplace. Visitors can select a tag representing a child, detailing their name, age, clothing sizes, and Christmas wish, then shop for gifts and return them unwrapped by December 15. Donations can be dropped off at Pine Ridge or at the Salvation Army office.
Salt + Lime Modern Mexican Grill is donating a portion of proceeds from its $5 unlimited chips-and-salsa to the Maag Toy Foundation, supporting Arizona children through toy drives, events, and tournaments. Trevor’s Liquor in Paradise Valley is hosting a community toy drive on December 6, aiming to fill an entire truck with toys to support foster children through The Foster Alliance.
The Foster Alliance also holds its annual Toy Fest from December 11-13, allowing children and families to “shop” for gifts with volunteer personal shoppers, participate in holiday crafts, and meet Santa.
Yates Buick GMC is collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots through December 15, with free photos with Santa offered on December 6 to create festive family memories.
For those looking to volunteer, Harvest Compassion Center in Phoenix welcomes individuals to help sort donations, stock shelves, and assist guests. Phoenix Rescue Mission invites volunteers to support food bank operations, community outreach, and its Christmas Distribution on December 20.
Ryan’s House offers a variety of roles, from assisting children with activities and supporting clinical staff to teen programs that raise awareness and facilitate community engagement. The Joy Bus, serving individuals with cancer, seeks volunteers to help with meal delivery, diner operations, and fundraising efforts. Youth for Troops provides family-friendly opportunities like assembling care packages, writing appreciation cards, and supporting veterans at events.
Better Piggies Rescue is hosting a family-friendly book reading event on December 6 to celebrate its rescued pigs and raise funds for its sanctuary. The Better Business Bureau Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland California is donating 2,000 blankets to local homeless shelters through Sackcloth & Ashes’ one-for-one model, with supporters able to contribute by purchasing blankets online through December 14.
Southwest Human Development’s Gingerbread Kids Holiday Gift Drive allows volunteers to “adopt” a child by sponsoring their personalized holiday wish list, helping more than 1,500 children in underserved communities experience the joy of receiving gifts this season.
Wine Girl and The Housewarming Project, are hosting the fifth annual “Fill the Bus” toy drive on December 7, from 12 to 4 p.m. Guests are invited to donate toys for the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, which supports families managing pediatric cancer. Donors receive a discounted glass of wine while shopping.
Brody’s Italian is supporting the Sojourner Center’s annual Gifting Hope Holiday Program, which allows survivors to select gifts for their families in a safe environment. Through December 15, guests can donate new, unwrapped toys, clothing, and household essentials and receive a 10 percent discount on their meal.
Westside Concepts (Haymaker, NW Coffee, Copper & Sage, Cantina Gueros, Maple & Rye, and Four Corners Taphouse) is partnering with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to bring joy to children in need. Through December 10, guests can drop off new, unwrapped toys at any Westside Concepts location and receive a $5 gift card for their next visit.
