While the holiday season can be a wonderful time to spend with loved ones, it is also an extremely challenging time for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity. Across Delco, nonprofit organizations, churches, and volunteer groups are on the frontlines of caring for people who may experience increased hardship during the winter months.
If you are looking for a way to lend a helping hand to your neighbors during the holidays whether with time, talent, or financial resources, we have compiled a list of ways you can give back:
Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC)
Address: 1414 Meetinghouse Road, Boothwyn, PA 19061
Website: caadc.org
Mission: CAADC’s assists residents in moving toward economic self-sufficiency and strengthening the community through innovative approaches to programs, including housing, workforce development, energy conservation, social services, and community and economic development.
Ways to get involved:
- Purchase new toys and gifts for economically disadvantaged families during the holidays.
- Donate personal care items, baby supplies, and household supplies to support individuals living in shelters this winter.
- Stock the shelves of CAADC’s food cupboards by collecting non-perishable food items. All collected food items are distributed at CAADC’s three emergency shelters and at the organization’s direct service office. Find a full list of needs on their website.
Murphy’s Giving Market
Address: 7408 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby PA 19082
Website: murphysgivingmarket.org
Mission: Believing that people should be served with dignity and respect, Murphy’s Giving Market is working to end food insecurity in Delaware County with a choice-based pantry model.
Ways to get involved:
- Help unload delivery trucks and stock pantry shelves at Murphy’s Giving Market
- Donate coats, boots, gloves, and other winter gear for community members in need.
- Follow Murphy’s Giving Market on social media to learn about new and upcoming volunteer opportunities. .
Multicultural Community Family Services Food Pantry (MCFS)
Address: 7016 Terminal Square, Upper Darby, PA 19082
Website: mcfsorg.com
Mission: The Multicultural Community Family Services was founded to provide cultural and linguistic services to immigrants resettling within Philadelphia and Delaware Counties. MCFS empowers diverse individuals and families to succeed in their communities and serves more than 1000 individuals within the greater Philadelphia area.
Ways to Give: Give toward the ever-changing needs shared on their website.
CityTeam Chester
Address: 634 Sproul St, Chester, PA 19013
Website: cityteam.org/get-help/chester
Mission: CityTeam Chester is on a mission to provide hope and lasting solutions for families suffering from homelessness and poverty. They achieve this by providing hot meals, fresh produce, shelter, and essential resources.
- Volunteer your time to help sort and organize items at CityTeam’s food and clothing distribution event.
- Find seasonal opportunities to volunteer with CityTeam by packing holiday food boxes and delivering Thanksgiving meal items.
- Host a holiday donation drive with your friends, families, or coworkers to collect Thanksgiving meal items or holiday gifts for children in Delaware County.
- Find a full list of ways to get involved on their website.
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
Address: 1800 JFK Blvd, Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Website: unitedforimpact.org
Mission: As part of a global network that reaches over 40 countries and has a rich history of local impact, United Way’s mission is to end poverty and expand opportunity for all.
Ways to Give: Partner with United Way by making a financial contribution toward the programming and resources the organization makes available. Donations are invested back into nonprofits in the Greater Philadelphia area and help to fuel solutions that break cycles of poverty. Find information about how to support United Way’s efforts on their website.
Delaware County Loaves and Fishes
Address: 703 Lincoln Avenue, Prospect Park, PA 19076
Website: delcoloavesandfishes.org
Mission: Delaware County Loaves and Fishes provides nutritious food in hopes of meeting the needs of those living in poverty in Delaware County.
Ways to Give: Sign up for volunteer opportunities on their website. Opportunities include unloading deliveries, restocking shelves, pantry cleaning, and more.
St. Mary’s Food Cupboard
Address: 703 Edwards Street, Chester, PA
Website: stmaryschester.org
Mission: St. Mary’s Food Cupboard has been in operation for 35 years. Designed to be an emergency food cupboard, St. Mary’s provides food to people who are in need all year long.
Ways to Give: Find a full list of the most needed food items on their website.
Lifewerks, Inc.
Address: 28 Walnut Road, Wallingford, PA 19086
Website: lifewerks.org
Mission: Lifewerks, Inc. is on a mission to mobilize young people to serve their world and empower others to do the same.
Ways to Give: Volunteers can help with donation pick up, facility maintenance, and deliveries. Find a full list of volunteer opportunities on their website.
Media Food Bank
Address: 350 W. State Street / Media, PA 19063
Website: mediafoodbank.org
Mission: The Media Food Bank provides essential items to people in need.
Ways to Give: Volunteers can help with food pick-up, processing food donations, preparing for food distribution, and more. Find a full list of volunteer opportunities on their website.