Alternative Christmas Gifts

Are you in search of a unique Christmas gift idea for the person on your list who seems to have everything?  Take a look at our list of Alternative Christmas Gifts benefitting local organizations that serve neighbors in need.

Tewksbury Habitat Build - Habitat for the Holidays
Donate a specific dollar amount or select an item from the Donate page of the website.  Order by 12/15 and a custom card will be printed for your intended recipient.

Lowell Transitional Living Center (formerly Middlesex Shelter)
Purchase a winter warmth hat, scarf, pair of socks and gloves for one of the 750+ men, women and teens requiring an Emergency Shelter Bed this year on Middlesex Street.  Visit their website.

Alternative House
Sponsor a “Movie Night” for the children living at this (domestic abuse) family shelter by providing passes to Showcase Cinemas (and perhaps some boxes of candy too).  Visit their website.

Lowell Humane Society
Provide gift cards to PetCo, PetSmart, Staples or WalMart so that one of MA’s oldest Humane Societies (est. 1873) can purchase animal, office and cleaning supplies.  Visit their website.

Lazarus House
Sponsor a nutritious meal at their feeding program in Lawrence by supplying $10 for four people to eat for one day or $70 for four people to eat for one week.  Visit their website.

Mission of Deeds
Supply a new pillow or two to a family that is rebuilding their life in a new home setting.  Due to hygiene concerns, MoD only supplies new pillows to the families they serve.  Visit their website.

HART House at Tewksbury State Hospital
Create child-friendly fleece tie blankets for the youth living with their Moms at this drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, located on the grounds of Tewksbury State Hospital.  978-851-0969 Ext. 2

The Wish Project
Make a wish come true by purchasing a toaster for a local family in need.  Toasters (and microwaves) are in high demand as they can be used by clients living in local motels.  Visit their website.

Project Home Again
Support PHA’s Good Night Sleep Program by purchasing a new twin mattress for a child for $70 or by purchasing a pack n’ play for an infant for $40.  Visit their website.

House of Hope
Sponsor a month’s supply of diapers for $75 for a single mother residing at the House of Hope in Lowell with her infant.  Visit their website.

These are just 10 ideas of Alternative Christmas Gifts, and we have dozens more.  Do you?  Please comment below with your own ideas of how we can support local people in their time of need this holiday season and beyond!

Attn: Scout Leaders, Friends in Faith and Community Service Project fans.  Keep this list on hand as a reference tool for the next time that you are seeking an organization to serve.