‘Tis the Season of Giving’
A list of philanthropies to guide your holiday giving
By Lauren Young | Photo by David Owens
It’s that time of year again: the time for holiday parties, family gatherings, much deserved breaks from school and work, tasty food and presents. However, the holidays can be a difficult time for many in the community. This holiday season, consider giving a little back to Columbia. Whether you choose to donate time or money, there are many opportunities to give back to the community including volunteering with children, spending time with animals or building a house. But remember, the need for volunteers and donations does not end with the holiday season. Clip this list out, put it on your refrigerator, and continue making Columbia a wonderful place to live all year long.
American Heart Association
(573) 446-3000
104 Corporate Lake Drive
heart.org
With a mission of “Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke,” the American Heart Association battles against heart disease and stroke through education and fundraising.
HOW TO HELP: To donate money online, first click on “Giving” and then “Donate Now” at heart.org. For other donation opportunities, such as vehicle donations or fundraisers, click “For Individuals” and then “Other Ways to Give.” Contact the Columbia chapter of the American Heart Association for more information about volunteering.
American Red Cross
(573) 445-9411
805 W. Worley St.
redcross-midmo.org
The American Red Cross helps provide services to victims of disasters and helps communities and people prepare for emergencies through educational courses.
HOW TO HELP: Donate online at redcross-midmo.org/donate. To learn about volunteering for the Red Cross, go to redcross-midmo.org/volunteer.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri
(573) 874-3677
800 N. Providence Road, Suite 110
bigs@bigsofcentralmo.org
bigsofcentralmo.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nationwide youth mentoring program. The organization strives to positively impact the lives of hundreds of youth through close relationships with mentors.
HOW TO HELP: To donate money to the Central Missouri chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, go to bigsofcentralmo.org and click “Donate.” Inquire about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister by applying at bigsofcentralmo.org or bbbs.org.
Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia Area
(573) 874-1697
1002 Fay St.
bgc-columbia.org
The Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia Area is a place for children to go after school. The club provides supervision and programs for children who would be otherwise left on their own after school.
HOW TO HELP: To donate money or items, go to the “How You Can Help” page on bgc-columbia.org. Call the Boys and Girls’ Club of the Columbia Area using the phone number above for more information about volunteering.
Boys and Girls Town of Missouri – Columbia Campus
(573) 874-8686
4304 Bearfield Road
columbiaadmissions@great-circle.org
bgtm.org
The Boys and Girls Town located in Columbia is a part of Great Circle based out of St. Louis, which helps abused and neglected children. The Columbia campus provides residential treatment for children from birth to 21 years old, in-home services and foster care case management.
HOW TO HELP: For information on how to donate money or items found on the Boys and Girls Town wish list, go to bgtm.org/donate.
Coyote Hill
(573) 874-0179
P.O. Box 1, 9501 Coyote Hill Road
office@coyotehill.org
coyotehill.org
Coyote Hill provides a traditional home environment for abused and neglected children. During their stay at Coyote Hill, the children live with full-time “home parents” and licensed counselors with a focus on providing physical, emotional and spiritual support.
HOW TO HELP: To donate money, visit coyotehill.org/donate or go to coyotehill.org/donate/needs-list to see what items are currently needed by Coyote Hill. Volunteers are greatly appreciated at Coyote Hill for a variety of activities including group projects and individual mentoring. Go to coyotehill.org/get-involved/volunteer for more information.
Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri
(573) 474-1020
2101 Vandiver Drive
sharefoodbringhope.org
The Food Bank collects and distributes food to programs across central and northeast Missouri including soup kitchens, emergency food pantries, shelters, programs for low-income children and senior citizens and rehabilitation centers at no cost.
HOW TO HELP: To donate money, visit sharefoodbringhope.org/give-money. A complete list of food needed can be found at sharefoodbringhope.org/give-food. Donated food can be dropped off at the address above. Call the phone number listed above for more information about volunteering. Volunteers must be 18 or older or accompanied and adult. Please wear closed-toe shoes.
Granny’s House
(573) 442-5683
302 and 304 Trinity Place
pam@grannyshouse.org
grannyshouse.org
Granny’s House is a place for public housing children to go after school. The program provides a place to play and do homework as well as a warm meal every day from 4 to 6 p.m.
HOW TO HELP: To donate money, visit grannyshouse.org/donate. For non-monetary donations, first check the wish list on the Granny’s House website or contact Pam Ingram, (573) 881-5894. For information, please contact Angie Azzanni at angie@grannyshouse.org.
Habitat for Humanity
(573) 449-1202
1906 Monroe St.
showmehabitat@yahoo.com
showmehabitat.org
Habitat for Humanity, with the help of many volunteers, builds homes for low-income families that are not able to purchase a home on their own.
HOW TO HELP: To donate money online, go to showmehabitat.org. Groups of volunteers are scheduled by email (showmehabitat@yahoo.com); individuals are welcome Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Current building sites are listed on volunteer page of the website.
Heart of Missouri United Way
(573) 443-4523
1700 E. Pointe Drive, Suite 201
uwheartmo.org
United Way works with charitable organizations to pool fundraising and support. The major areas United Way focuses on are education, income and health.
HOW TO HELP: Donate online by going to the website above and clicking on “Give.” For volunteer information, please go to uwheartmo.org.
Love INC
(573) 256-7662
1516 Business 70 W.
columbialoveinc.org
Love INC (Love in the Name of Christ) helps match those in need to programs in churches around the area through a “clearing house” process. Volunteers screen phone calls from individuals asking for help and work to identify the correct program to address their needs.
HOW TO HELP: Donations can be made through PayPal, or checks made payable to Love INC of Columbia can be sent to 1516 Business 70 W., Columbia, MO 65202. Call the number above for more information about volunteering.
Meals on Wheels
(573) 886-7554
800 Hospital Drive
mowheels@gmail.com
mealsonwheelscolumbia.org
Meals on Wheels delivers hot meals to those in the community who are not able to purchase or prepare their own meals.
HOW TO HELP: Donate online through PayPal, or go to mealsonwheelscolumbia.org/donate for more information. Contact Executive Director Marcia Walker at the phone number or email address listed above for more information about volunteering.
Rainbow House
(573) 474-6600
1611 Towne Drive
info@rainbowhousecolumbia.org
rainbowhousecolumbia.org
Rainbow House encompasses three programs: Rainbow House Children’s Emergency Center, Rainbow House Regional Child Advocacy Center and Rainbow House Homeless Youth Program. Rainbow House strives to protect children and support families in crisis.
HOW TO HELP: For information about how to donate to or volunteer with Rainbow House, go to rainbowhousecolumbia.org and click on “How You Can Help.” Volunteers must be 18 or older.
Ronald McDonald House
(573) 443-7666
1001 E. Stadium Blvd.
mhccolumbia.org
The Ronald McDonald House provides a place for families to stay while their children are undergoing medical treatment.
HOW TO HELP: For information on how to donate or to donate online, go to rmhcmidmo.org/donate. Contact volunteer coordinator Jennifer Miller at the phone number listed above, or email her at Jennifer@rmhcmidmo.org for information about volunteering.
Salvation Army
(573) 442-3229
1108 W. Ash St.
usc.salvationarmy.org
The Salvation Army does more than raise money during the holidays with red buckets and bells. The organization runs a family and homeless shelter and thrift store in Columbia as well.
HOW TO HELP: Visit the website above for information on how to donate and volunteer.
Second Chance
(Voicemail only) (573) 445-5598
24687 Highway 179
columbiasecondchance@hotmail.com
columbia2ndchance.org
Second Chance is a privately funded animal shelter that strives to find permanent or long-term homes for animals in its care. Animals are accepted on a space-available basis and are not euthanized due to lack of space.
HOW TO HELP: For more information on how to donate money or items, visit the website listed above. For information about volunteer opportunities, please visit Second Chance’s website or contact them by phone or email.
Voluntary Action Center
(573) 874-2273
403A Vandiver Drive
vacmo.org
The Voluntary Action Center provides a place for local agencies to connect with volunteers to meet needs in the community.
HOW TO HELP: Donate online at JustGive.org, search Voluntary Action Center, or call (573) 874-2273. For volunteer options in the community, please visit vacmo.org and click on “Volunteerism.”
