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There are several opportunities to support local families and youth during this holiday season. Local non-profit organizations working with families as well as West Philly-elected officials are currently holding holiday gift and toy drives:

• Third District Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive at her office at 1400 JFK Boulevard, Room 586. You can drop off donations there through Thursday, Dec. 15 or purchase toys online – browse 3rd District wish lists on Target and Amazon.

• People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc., are collecting gift cards for local families and youth experiencing homelessness:

“Providing gift cards offers people experiencing homelessness who are about to move to permanent housing an opportunity to select housewares, cleaning products, toiletries, self-care products, and decor items that really make a house a home. For other families and youth, selecting their own clothing, shoes, outerwear to increase the confidence of children going to school, youth with no family support, and parents going on a job interview or beginning employment. Gift cards to local fast-food restaurants and stores can bring cheer and offer teens and parents the opportunity to participate in social activities with their peers.”

Gift cards from local Black owned businesses like Silk Tent, LaPearl Beauty, Chic Afrique, Grant BLVD, Marsh and Mane, Harriet’s Bookshop, or Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books are some favorites to receive! Other suggested gift cards include: Amazon, Walmart, Target, Burlington, AMC, Starbucks, Wawa, Dunkin’ Donuts, Subway, Visa, or Mastercard.

Gift cards should be sent to Melissa Sly at Rowan House, 325 N. 39th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Financial contributions are accepted at pec-cares.org/donate-now.

• ACHIEVEability, another West Philly-based organization working with families experiencing homelessness, has finished collecting donations for its annual holiday gift drive, but there are other ways to give. Monetary donations are currently accepted as part of the 40th Anniversary Drive which will help ACHIEVEability serve more people looking to break out of the cycle of poverty. Donations are accepted online here.