It’s the season of giving and if you’re looking for ways to make an impact in the community, we’ve got you. From “golden” adults to youth to people experiencing homelessness in our city — the need is great and donations of any size can truly make a difference. Here are 10 easy ways you can give back to fellow Chandler residents this holiday season and throughout the year.
- Golden Neighbors Holiday Celebration: The City of Chandler’s Golden Neighbors program is hosting a free holiday gathering for its senior residents from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Chandler City Hall Courtyard. During the festive celebration, attendees will receive a holiday gift made possible by generous donations. If you’d like to contribute to our Golden Neighbor gift list, you may purchase a gift directly from the event’s Amazon Wish List or purchase a gift on your own and drop it off at the city’s Neighborhood Resources Department, 235 S. Arizona Ave. Gifts will be accepted through Monday, Dec. 8. Donations from the wish list or monetary donations also will be used throughout the year. To donate online, visit Golden Neighbors or text “Golden Neighbors” to 44-321. For more information, connect with Neighborhood Programs at 480-782-4362.
- Youth Site Bucks Store: The city’s Public Housing Site Bucks Store is an incentive program for housing youth to earn “site bucks” from good behavior or actively participating in the after-school program, finishing homework or being involved in community events. The earned site bucks can then be used to purchase items from the store such as school supplies, toys, clothing and more.
During the holidays, the Site Bucks Store turns into a place where its public housing youth may purchase gifts for their parents and siblings. The deadline to donate to this unique holiday store is Tuesday, Dec. 2. You may purchase items directly from an Amazon Wish List, purchase a gift/gift card of your choice and drop it off at the city’s Housing and Redevelopment Office, 235 S. Arizona Ave., or make a tax-deductible donation online. For details, visit the Chandler Site Bucks Store or connect with Housing & Redevelopment Recreation Specialist Lavaughan Ballesteros at 480-510-1023.
- Chandler Library Community Cares Tree: This holiday season, Chandler Public Library and the city’s Neighborhood Resources Department are partnering to support community members experiencing homelessness. Visit any Chandler Library branch, find the Community Cares tree, take a tag, purchase the item(s), and return it to any Chandler Library information desk by Dec. 12.
- Chandler Fire Toy Drive: Another way to put a smile on a child’s face this holiday season is by donating to the Chandler Fire Department’s annual toy drive. New, unwrapped toys and gift cards are being collected for families in need thru Dec. 14, at all Chandler Fire Stations and the Fire Administration Building, 151 E. Boston St. Special donation opportunities will also be available during the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights (Dec. 6) and Chandler Fashion Center (Dec. 7) to drop off donated toys.
- Holiday giving to Chandler Nonprofits: Local nonprofits are always in need of donations during the holidays. Whether it’s purchasing a toy to help make this season magical for kids, or donating food to ensure no one goes hungry, there are multiple organizations in need. Learn how you can you help. If you’re able to give financially, that’s the easiest and most effective to help. Food banks can purchase items in bulk at much lower prices, stretching your donation even further. To explore nonprofits in our community, check out For Our City-Chandler’s Resource Guide.
- ChangeUp: Have you seen our ChangeUp signs around Chandler? The signs are placed along city streets to promote the ChangeUp program that offers residents another way to give to people experiencing homelessness. Instead of giving spare change to a panhandler, you can make real, long-term change through ChangeUp. All proceeds go directly to services to help end homelessness in our city. Getting people off the streets as soon as possible makes a huge difference to their long-term success. Donating is easy. Text “ChangeUp” to 44-321 to make a one-time or monthly donation of any amount — even a $1 helps. Donations also are accepted at ChangeUp.
- Acts of Kindness Program (A-OK): Inside your Chandler utility bill, you will find a convenient way to help people in need in the community. The Chandler Acts of Kindness donation program, or A-OK for short, gives residents an opportunity to make a voluntary donation to assist individuals and families within the city who are in need. The contributions collected go back into the community through a grant process to support a variety of human service programs that provide basic needs and utility bill assistance to low-income Chandler residents. For more information, including how to make an A-OK donation, call 480-782-2280.
- Volunteer: If you don’t have the extra money to donate, there are still several ways to give back to others in need. There’s no better gift than the gift of time, right? Whether it’s volunteering to teach someone to read, or helping a veteran or senior with yard maintenance through our Let’s Pull Together program, there are plenty of ways to help our community be a better place. Check out our volunteer opportunities for different ways you can donate through acts of service.
- Season of Friendship at Chandler Public Library: ‘Tis the season to be a Friend of Chandler Public Library (CPL)! The Friends of CPL supports a number of programs, resources, and events at all Chandler library branches. Help Chandler Public Library provide opportunities for all to read, learn, connect, and succeed. Learn more about how you can be a Friend of CPL at Season of Friendship at Chandler Public Library.
- The Chandler Museum aims to be the community’s principal resource to explore Chandler’s history, and culture With your help we can offer more exhibitions and programs and serve more people. Please consider supporting the museum by sponsoring a program, becoming a Friend of the Chandler Museum or donating an item to our collection. Your support makes a difference and makes our museum better.
Thank you for considering a donation on Giving Tuesday, this holiday season and throughout the year.
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