Whether you’re donating to local charities and distribution centers or volunteering within your community, take a moment to share a little kindness with the help of these resources. After all, it’s the season of giving.
Where to Donate
No matter if you’re donate holiday items or everyday necessities, the following is a selection of donation centers across New Orleans that collect items for important causes.
- Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO): Drop off new or gently used pet items, including beds, towels, toys, leashes, cleaning supplies, as well as gift cards and other supplies, at their shelter location. Visit their website for more information.
- Community Fridges: Local community fridges across the city accept food, drinks, prepared meals, and bottled water, and hygiene items from residents who want to contribute directly. Visit their website for fridge locations, accepted items, and mission details.
- Covenant House New Orleans: Accepting donations for youth staying at the shelter based on care center and young families’ wishlists. there is a particular need for items for teens, ages 16-22, who are often overlooked. The shelter accepts new or gently used clothing, hygiene kits, backpacks, linens, toys, headphones, books, and more. Refer to the website for item lists.
- Grace at the Greenlight: Currently in need of items such as deodorant, razors, men’s and women’s underwear, and more. Items can be found through their Amazon storefront linked on their website.
- Giving Hope Foundation: Currently collecting non-perishable items due to the government shutdown, including grains, milk, baby items, fruits & vegetables, and proteins. Visit their website for donation information.
- Little Food Pantries: Located in Algiers Point, the wooden pantry box accepts donations ranging from canned goods to hygiene products and is open for those in need. Visit their website to learn more about donating.
- New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter: Accepting new toys, books, stuffed animals for children staying, clothing, toiletries, baby supplies, and more. Donations are made through shopping wish lists on Amazon, Walmart, and Target, and are posted on their website.
- Ozanam Inn: Accepts clothing, blankets, socks, hygiene items, toys, furniture, and more to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Visit their website for details on coordinating donations.
- Pickup Please: Accepting donations on behalf of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Schedule a pick up and find more information on their website.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana: Accepts non-glass containers of non-perishable food items and other food donations at their warehouse. Visit their website for information on how, where, and why to donate.
- Toys for TOTs: Drop-off bins are located at fire stations, libraries, businesses, churches, and community centers across New Orleans. Toys are requested for infants to children aged 14. Find drop-off locations and times on their website.
- UNITY of Greater New Orleans: Accepts furniture, household items, and kitchen supplies for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. Visit their website for details on where to donate and how to schedule or arrange larger pickups.
Volunteer Ideas
In addition to volunteer opportunities at the donation centers listed above, the following organizations offer ways to give your time locally.
- Meals with Love — Breakfast Service: A regular service opportunity to help serve hot breakfast and coffee to local unhoused community members. Visit their website to learn how to sign up and view volunteer hours.
- Heroes of New Orleans Nonprofit: Volunteer with HONO, an organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth and families through stipend-based programs.
- Camp Hope: Volunteer with one of Camp Hope’s many nonprofit partners. A full list of opportunities is available on their website.
These opportunities only scratch the surface of ways to donate and volunteer in the New Orleans area. This season, take a moment to share happiness and bring hope to those in need, making their days a little bit easier, brighter, and fulfilled.