Giving Tuesday, Tewksbury Style

By Alexia and Christine Chesbrough

Happy holidays! It’s the season of giving. Below you will find several collection efforts going on in Tewksbury. There are many children and adults in need of help in the area, especially during this holiday season. If you would like to help someone in need, please consider choosing from one of the options below as the gifts go to children and adults who are in Tewksbury or surrounding areas.

It is important to give back around the holidays and to teach the people around us the importance of giving back, too! If you have a child, this is a great opportunity to teach them the importance of helping others and their community!

Toys for Local Children
No deadline
The Toys for Local Children is a program that collects and distributes toys for Tewksbury families in need. During November and December, families will provide their children’s demographics and wants/needs. Toys can be dropped off at any of the three Tewksbury Fire Stations. There are collection bins in all the lobbies. Toys should be new and unwrapped. There is a demand for gifts for older children, as it’s easier to buy toys for younger children. Items like gift cards, art supplies, basketballs and soccer balls are always appreciated. There will also be a collection held on Friday, Dec. 3 at the Tewksbury Tree Lighting Ceremony (6 p.m.).

MSPCC Collection
Deadline: December 13
The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Children is collecting items for adult gift bags. Adults are given a bag that contains a winter hat, gloves, lip balm, hand lotion, small hand sanitizer, reusable face masks (2) and a box of hot cocoa.
There are several ways to be involved: You can make a donation (cash, check or Venmo) and shopping will be done for you. You can donate bags, items for the bag or sponsor a bag.
Please contact Sarah Leshay at s.leshay@gmail.com for information regarding making a donation, the drop off location or any questions.

Tewksbury/Wilmington Elks Lodge $270 Toy Drive
When: Saturday, December 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: 777 South Street
Bring a gift for a child in need. All you need to do is drive up, and someone will retrieve the toy from your car for you! All toys go to local children.

8th Annual Cole’s Hope Christmas Toy Drive
Deadline: December 20
Make a difference this holiday season and help children and their families who are battling cancer! Cole’s Hope Toy Drive was created by the Moniz family, who are residents of Tewksbury. They created this after their son, Cole, battled Leukemia. Their goal is to help other families who also have a child battling cancer. Donate a new unwrapped toy or gift card to help bring a smile to a child this season!
Drop off locations: Tewksbury Police Station; Salem Five Bank 2171 Main Street; or D&C Mechanical, Inc., 1147 Main Street
Amazon wish list:https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1OR9GL3OADNC