Where You can Donate Christmas Toys & Gifts in Chicago

The holiday season is the perfect time to share your blessings with those less fortunate. The following list has been compiled for you to use as your guide for donating gifts in Chicago.

The Cathedral Shelter of Chicago (1668 West Ogden Ave, Chicago IL 312-997-3160) has a Christmas basket program every year to benefit local families. Sign up to sponsor a family at http://www.cathedralshelter.org/donate/inkind/christmasbasket by providing $30 in gifts per person and a $10 gift card.

The Walter & Connie Payton Foundation (1905 Marketview Drive, Yorkville, IL 60560 - 234) provides toys for over 20,000 Illinois children each holiday season. You can drop of toys at donation boxes through out the area or even host your own toy drive. For more information about hosting a rive visit http://www.payton34.com/holidayGiving.htm

Contact them at (847) 605-0034 for information on toy drop locations.

Chicagoland Toys for Tots collects toys for needy children every holiday. Donation boxes can be found at local Jewel Grocery stores and Harris Banks in Chicago and surrounding communities. For more information visit http://www.chicagotoysfortots.org/

The Salvation Army conducts an "Angel Tree" program at the holidays in Chicago. Trees are located at a variety of businesses through out Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. To locate a tree or receive more information call the Salvation Army at 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by mail at The Salvation Army, Metropolitan Division, 5040 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL 60630.

A variety of programs are developed by the Archdiocese of Chicago each holiday season to benefit local communities and families in need. Previous programs have been run in conjunction with local Catholic schools. Visit http://www.archdiocese-chgo.org/ for more information on local programs or contact the Archdiocese at 312-751-8200.

Local hospitals are often in need of toys or small items for patients during the holiday season. Contact the hospital nearest to you and ask them what you can do to help.

Many churches run a variety of community based programs for those in need throughout the year. Call the church in your community to find out if they have any Christmas gift programs that you may participate in.

Whole Foods grocery stores sponsor gift-trees each year in Chicago area. Stop by your local Whole Foods location to choose a child from a local shelter. Trees are at the front of the store and information is available at the service desk. To find the Whole foods closest to you visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/index.php

Operation Christmas Child benefits children throughout the world. Donations can be made in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Drop_Off_Locations/ for information on drop off locations.

Children's Memorial Hospital of Chicago participates in local events to benefit sick children. Visit http://www.childrensmemorial.org/friends/default.aspx for more information or call them at 773-880-4000 to get more information on Holiday programs.