It’s that time of year when giving back is a gift.

We have put together a list of organizations where you can donate new or used items, money or your time. For more information, please contact the charities directly.

BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK With more than 13 million children in the US at risk for going hungry, this Kentucky-based group helps feed elementary school students in more than a thousand schools across 45 states. A $130 donation can feed one child on the weekends for the entire 38-week school year.

CARDS FOR HOSPITALIZED KIDS This organization collects cards for children. Everyone is encouraged to make all types of cards, regardless of age, location or artistic ability. It is an easy, yet meaningful way to make a difference. Contact them directly for more details.

CHILDREN INCORPORATED This organization has been helping children in need in the U.S. and abroad since 1964. For $30 a month, you can sponsor a child, and the money will help fund their food, clothing, healthcare, and education. You can also make a one-time donation to various programs including Warm Clothing Fund, Hope in Action Fund, or Higher Education fund, among many others.

CHiPS  CHiPS supports people who struggle with hunger and homelessness. They provide shelter for a small group of young mothers and their infants, and accept gently used clothing for women, men, and infants. You can also make a financial donation and directly support the young mother’s shelter program and soup kitchen.

COOKIES FOR KIDS’ CANCER This New Jersey–based nonprofit was started in 2008 and has raised enough money to fund 100 research grants and 41 new treatments for children battling cancer.  Consider making a financial donation, buying cookies on the website or hosting a cookie event. The money will fund research for improved and less toxic treatments for pediatric cancer.

GOOD + FOUNDATION  This charity, formerly known as Baby Buggy, works with community-based organizations to get new and gently used clothing and gear for babies and children up to age 14 to NYC families in need.  

GOODWILL Goodwill accepts gently used clothing, household items, and toys. Proceeds from stores help to provide job training and other services for local community members in need.

HOUR CHILDREN THRIFT SHOPS  This organization accepts new and gently used clothing, housewares, and more items. They do not accept stuffed animals or used toys.  The sales help incarcerated women and their children in maintaining strong bonds throughout prison stays and as they re-enter society. The thrift shops also provide recently released mothers with a workplace to earn money and life skills to begin the rebuilding process.

HOUSING WORKS Housing Works is a convenient, city-wide organization that accepts all kinds of donations, including gently used goods, furniture, books and media.  If you have a furniture donation, fill out a request for pickup, and all other donations can be easily dropped off at one of their many locations. You can also donate a financial contribution. The funds provide lifesaving services to homeless, low-income and marginalized men, women, and youth. 

LITTLE ESSENTIALS  This NYC organizations accepts donations of goods for local families in need, including diapers and baby wipes, car seats, strollers, baby carriers, and in-season clothes for children up to age 5. Donations may be dropped off.

NEWBORNS IN NEED The North Carolina-based charity accepts infant supplies, including gently used hats, booties, clothing, and toys.  These items are donated to premature, sick, or impoverished babies in hospitals, shelters, and families across the U.S.   

NYC MAMMAS GIVE BACK This NYC organization began when one mother helped a homeless mother-to-be by providing her the essential baby gear and support she needed for her new baby. They provide infant essentials and support to agencies and shelters serving homeless pregnant woman and families in need. They accept financial donations, as well as new and gently used baby items and clothing.  

ONE SIMPLE WISH Working with partner agencies, this organization grants wishes to children and young adults impacted by foster care, abuse and neglect.  Scroll through the website to learn and grant a child’s wish.  In the past 10 years, One Simple Wish has impacted more than 55,000 children.   

PAJAMA PROGRAM . The Pajama Program has delivered millions of pajamas, as well as books, to kids in all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico. They accept financial donations as well as new pajamas and books to support a comforting bedtime routine for all children in need.

PROJECT LINUS This Missouri-based group has provided more than 7 million security blankets to children who are seriously ill or have experienced trauma. The site lists chapters in all 50 states that accept drop-offs of new handmade blankets and crafting supplies.  

POWERMYLEARNING This national education nonprofit aims to strengthen the relationship between students, teachers and families so that every child succeeds through their innovative programs. You can donate computers – both laptops and desktops – as well as tablets, printers, and other hardware to help increase access to technology in the homes of low-income students.  You can also send a financial donation or volunteer your time.

PURPLE HEART FOUNDATION This organization has been supporting military veterans and their families for over 60years. You can give a financial donation or donate gently used items. Donations can be arranged for pickup. Check the website to see a list of acceptable donations.

READER TO READER This national nonprofit has donated over $75 million worth of books and computers. They have built computer labs in New York City, on the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Nation, western Massachusetts, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ghana, Kenya, Kosovo, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, and Trinidad & Tobago. They accept financial donations along with books and computers. Visit the website to make a donation to a program of your choice.

ROOM TO GROW This organization provides baby items to families in need. They accept baby gear, clothing, toys, and other items.  You can also give a financial contribution.  Learn how to make an in-kind donation, drop-off hours, and locations in New York and Boston. 

ST. MARY’S CHURCH St. Mary’s Episcopal Church accepts gently used clothing, shoes, and home goods. Donations support local families in need. The church picks up donations from select areas across the city. Visit the website to schedule a pickup.

THE BOWERY MISSION  The Mission has impacted the city by providing over 500,000 meals, 100,000 nights of shelter and over 100,000 items of clothing to people in need.  You can help by volunteering, raising funds, donating goods or money.  

THE SALVATION ARMY   The Salvation Army thrift stores support citywide Adult Rehabilitation Centers and accept a variety of donations, including gently used clothing to major appliances and furniture.  You can even schedule a pickup online.

THE THRIFTY HOG  This NYC shop is operated by Hearts of Gold, whose mission is to help homeless mothers get back on their feet and transition into permanent housing. The shop’s revenue goes to fund Hearts of Gold’s missions. They accept new and gently used clothing, as well as toys and home goods. Donations can be dropped off at the store. Check the website for more details.

U.S. MARINE CORPS RESERVE TOYS OF TOTS Every fall, this program kicks off its annual nationwide toy drive.  They distribute 18 million toys to nearly 7 million children in need. Donate a new, unwrapped toy – and drop it off at the closest collection site near you.

ZAENAH’S BLANKET FOUNDATION  This Bronx-based nonprofit aims to reduce the infant mortality rate by distributing blankets, clothing, and other essentials to newborn babies born to families in need. The organization picks up donations of gently used clothing and baby gear. Visit the website to arrange a pickup.