The holidays are about so much more than gifts. It’s about serving our community and giving back. Whether you’re looking to give back or maybe your family needs some holiday help in Las Vegas.
We have so much to be thankful for during this time of year and we wanted to share some ways you can give back, find toy drives, and more.
Adopt A Child or Family
One of our favorite ways of giving back is by adopting a child or family and helping them with gifts to open this holiday season. While some items may be a toy or a game, most often the items wished for our basic necessities. Jackets, socks, gloves, shoes…
You can adopt a child or family through various avenues including:
- Angel Trees
- Small Businesses
- Churches
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If possible, try to adopt either a single child or a set of siblings (to make sure they each get an equal amount of love). Last year, we adopted a family and were able to donate basic hygiene and cleaning supplies for the home.
Adopt A Senior
If you thought adopting a child was amazing, wait until you adopt a senior! More often than not, these seniors don’t have a family to celebrate the holidays with and are lucky to even get a visitor stopping by.
While seniors have basic necessities on their wish lists, it is always fun to think outside the box on their gifts.
Donations & Toy Drives
Donate to a Local Food Bank (Click Here!)
Every year there are so many families who go without and one way to give back is to donate to a local food bank.
That doesn’t mean you have to drive ALL THE WAY to your food bank, though as it can be out of the way. Most food banks during the holiday season have bins set-up around town.
Click the link above to look at local food assistance programs near you.
Merry Richmas 2023
From: December 2 from 4pm-8pm
Location: Downtown Container Park
Give back to the fourth official “Merry Richmas” hosted by Jazlyn Rich. Participate by donating through our eventbrite link or by stopping by Container Park on 12/2 from 4PM – 8PM with new & unopened toy. We’ll have special perfomances by Elle Hop, Maejoy, Mac Nealy, & J.RICH alongside of Siril Beil our host. All donations collected will be donated to the 98.5 KLUC Toy Drive in honor of C.RICH to continue his legacy. Let’s remember our favorite UNLV Alumni & give back to our community. We appreciate & thank you so much for wanting to be a part of our family history!
Christmas Toy Drive Car Show
From: December 2 at 9am
Location: Boulder City, NV Chamber of Commerce, 1350 Arizona St, Boulder City, NV 89005-2614, United States
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children Toy Drive
From: Now through December 31
Location: The District at Green Valley Ranch Security Office
Help make wishes this holiday season! Drop off a toy for children ages 11 – 18 for our first toy drive with St. Jude’s Ranch For Children. All donations benefit abused and at-risk children and young adults.
Spread the Warmth Winter Coat Drive
From: November 19 thru December 18
Location: Skye Center, Skye Fitness & Club Pilates
Have an extra coat to donate?
Drop off a new or like-new coat to Skye Fitness at Skye Canyon or any of the other drop off locations in Skye Canyon from now until December 18th. Together, we can spread the warmth this winter season to high school students in need of a warm coat.
Chief Chadwick’s Coats for Kids
Date: Dec. 14 5pm – 7pm
Locations: The District: 2240 Village Walk Dr. Henderson, 89052
Join HPD for festive music and holiday cheer! Officers will be collecting gently used or new coats, warm outerwear, clothing, and new, unwrapped toys to support children in our community. Receive one raffle ticket (10 max) for every item donated for a chance to win a gift basket.
All donations will be given to Nevada partnership for Homeless Youth.
Giving Machines
Date: Nov. 15, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2024
Locations:
- Henderson; The District at Green Valley Ranch
- Las Vegas; The Promenade at Downtown Summerlin
Cost: Free, Donation Prices Vary from $5 – $250
The Giving Machines provide a way for people to quickly and easily help those in need and make the Christmas season a little more meaningful for themselves – and countless others.
Only card is accepted at the machine, there are live performances on select nights, snap a photo with their backdrop.
If you’re short on time, but have a little extra money to spend this season, this is a great way to give back to our own community. If you’re short on money, but have a little extra time, consider volunteering at your favorite local non-profit.
Host Your Own Collection Drive
Host a collection drive at your office or church! Gifts for children 9 to 18 are most needed (gift cards to Walmart/Target are a great idea for his age group). The collection drives are hosted by Vegas Rescue.
You can also volunteer to help sort the toys received. Learn more here.
Fill the Truck Toy Drive
Support local youth by visiting any participating Walmart locations and dropping off an unwrapped toy or gift card. See participating Walmart locations above.
Springs Cafe Toy Drive
Location: 333 S. Valley View Blvd.
Accepting Donations: Now – Dec. 15
Springs Cafe is hosting a toy drive for the Las Vegas Rescue Mission and if you bring a new, unwrapped toy you’ll receive 10% off your purchase at the cafe. Toys can be for children of all ages and up to a $25 value (no bikes, please!).
B2G Toy Drive
Location: 333 S. Valley View Blvd.
Accepting Donations: Dec. 12 from 9am – 5pm
Join us for a toy drive benefitting Toys for Tots. Visit our B2 office with a new, unwrapped toy and bring the joy of Christmas to less fortunate children in our community. Stick around for food, treats, a live DJ, and a raffle drawing!
Drive-Thru Donations
Location: 8375 W. Flamingo Road
Accepting Donations: Dec. 17 from 10am – 12pm (noon)
Support Second Chance 5K & Shine A Light Foundation and drop-off donations like adult socks, beanies, gloves, coats, flashlights, water bottles, hand warmers, and dry-packaged snacks.
Holiday Gift Assistance
If your family is looking for holiday help in Las Vegas, Henderson, or surrounding areas, check out the list below for angel trees, toy drives, and food distribution.
Las Vegas Leading Ladies Toy Giveaway Food Distribution
Location: 5020 S Eastern Ave. Ste 2 Las Vegas 89119
Hours: 11am – 2pm
Distribution on: Dec. 16
Apply: info@lasvegasleadingladies.org
Las Vegas Leading Ladies at their Holiday Toy Give Away and Food Distribution!
Vegas Rescue Toy Giveaway
Location: Cashman Field Parking Lots C & D; 850 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Hours: 9am – 12pm
Distribution on: Dec. 17
Apply: N/A
All participants must park in Lot D at Cashman and walk through the event to receive toys, snacks, and other items.
- Children must be present to receive their gifts.
- 1-2 presents per child. (based on availability)
- First come, first served, no reservation required
- Restrooms (portable) will be available
- No ID or birth certificate required
Common Tree Toy Giveaway
Location: TBA
Hours: TBA
Distribution on: Dec. 17
Apply: commontreelv@gmail.com
We will have new unwrapped toys and on a first come first serve basis! Distribution will be December 17th. Location and time will be sent upon receiving email. Message us today on how you can reserve a toy for a child in need! A form will be sent to be filled out prior to receiving toys! Locals, only.
Victory Outreach Winter Wonderland Toy Giveaway
Location: 205 E. Brooks North Las Vegas, NV 89030
Hours: Starts at 12pm
Distribution on: Dec. 17
Apply: N/A
Ages 3-11, children must be present. Bounce houses, face painting, food, and hot chocolate.
Volunteer
Holiday help in Las Vegas isn’t just about donating toys or food, you can also donate your time by volunteering. Consider volunteering at:
- Food Bank
- Soup Kitchen
- Shelter (Animal shelters, too!)
- Local churches or schools
Holiday Help in Las Vegas
Are you looking to give back this season or for holiday help in Las Vegas?
While giving back during the holidays makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside, it doesn’t mean that the holidays are the ONLY time to give back.
Throughout the year, you can do some of the things we’ve listed above. Volunteering is a huge one!
While baked goodies may seem like a bad idea during the hot summer months, consider bringing a couple of cases of water or pizza to a local shelter.
Leanna Carson is an expecting mama via IVF and a serial entrepreneur.
Born and raised in Las Vegas, she loves sharing all things family-friendly as well as local spots most don’t even know about! She co-founded Nevada Moms in 2018 and it has become the #1 Family Guide to Nevada experiences, activities, happenings, and more.
Connect with her on social media or IRL @mrsleannacarson on Instagram.
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Leanna Carsonhttps://nvmoms.com/author/mrscarson/
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Leanna Carsonhttps://nvmoms.com/author/mrscarson/
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Leanna Carsonhttps://nvmoms.com/author/mrscarson/
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Leanna Carsonhttps://nvmoms.com/author/mrscarson/
