How to Give Back in Dayton This Thanksgiving: 8 Local Charities and What They Need

One of the things I love most about the Dayton area is how quickly people show up for each other. Whether you have a few cans in the pantry, a closet to clean out or a little room in the budget, here are eight local organizations I'm glad to support, along with what each one needs right now. Needs change often, so it's always smart to check their website before you drop off. 

1. The Foodbank

The Foodbank supplies food pantries, shelters and meal programs across Montgomery, Greene and Preble counties.

What they need: peanut butter, hearty soups, canned meat, canned fruits and vegetables, spaghetti and spaghetti sauce. Paper products, soap and pet food are welcome too, boxed separately from food.

How to give: drop off at 56 Armor Place, Dayton, Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 4 pm, or give online at www.TheFoodbankDayton.org. A financial gift goes a long way because they buy in bulk.

2. Brigid's Path

Brigid's Path cares around the clock for newborns exposed to substances before birth and supports their families, with the goal of keeping families together when it's safe.

What they need: items from their nursery Amazon Wish List, plus financial gifts and volunteers.

How to give: www.BrigidsPath.org

3. Elizabeth's New Life Center

Elizabeth's New Life Center offers free support to women and families facing an unexpected pregnancy, with women's centers around the Miami Valley.

What they need: larger size baby diapers, diaper wipes, new or gently used baby and toddler clothes, and baby equipment such as cribs and high chairs.

How to give: www.ENLC.life or 937-226-7414

4. St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul runs Dayton's Gateway Shelters and serves meals to hundreds of neighbors every day.

What they need: new underwear, socks, shoes and seasonal clothing; body wash, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes; twin sheets, blankets and bath towels; diapers (sizes 4 to 7) and wipes; adult backpacks. In the kitchen: large cans of fruits and vegetables, canned chicken or tuna, peanut butter, coffee, cereal and cases of water.

How to give: clothing and household goods go to the drive thru at CityThrift, 945 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd. (Monday through Friday 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 4 pm). Food goes to the Central Kitchen, 1133 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Door W6, daily 8 am to 5 pm. They also keep an Amazon Needs List at www.StVincentDayton.org

5. House of Bread

House of Bread serves free, hot meals to anyone who walks through the door, every day of the year.

What they need: financial gifts. It costs about $35 to feed a guest for a week.

How to give: www.HouseOfBread.org, or mail a check to 9 Orth Ave., Dayton, OH 45402.

6. Matthew 25: Ministries

Based in Blue Ash, Matthew 25: Ministries sends relief supplies across the U.S. and around the world wherever natural disasters hit.

What they need: cases of bottled water, cleaning supplies, personal care products, paper products, baby supplies, first aid items, flashlights, work gloves and trash bags.

How to give: drop off at 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, or give online at www.M25M.org

7. 4 Paws for Ability

Right here in Xenia, 4 Paws for Ability trains and places service dogs with children with disabilities and with veterans.

What they need: financial gifts, plus everyday items like paper towels and Pupperoni treats.

How to give: drop off at 207 Dayton Ave., Xenia, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, or give at www.4PawsForAbility.org

8. Habitat for Humanity ReStore

The ReStore sells donated home goods and building materials, and every sale helps Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton build and repair homes for local families. It's a great option if you're downsizing or remodeling.

What they need: gently used furniture, working appliances, kitchen cabinets, building materials and household goods.

How to give: drop off at 115 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton, or schedule a free pickup at www.DaytonHabitat.org/ReStore or 937-222-2296.

A few tips before you give

• Check each organization's website for current needs and hours before dropping off.
• New underwear and socks are always in short supply at shelters.
• If you're preparing to sell, sorting donations early makes packing and staging so much easier.
• Giving Tuesday is December 1, a great day to pick one and give.

If you know a local organization that deserves a spot on this list, I'd love to hear about it. And if a move is in your plans for the new year, I'm always happy to help you think through your options.

Alice Kompar, eXp Realty

Links to each organization

• The Foodbank: www.TheFoodbankDayton.org
• Brigid's Path: www.BrigidsPath.org
• Elizabeth's New Life Center: www.ENLC.life
• St. Vincent de Paul: www.StVincentDayton.org
• House of Bread: www.HouseOfBread.org
• Matthew 25: Ministries: www.M25M.org
• 4 Paws for Ability: www.4PawsForAbility.org
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore: www.DaytonHabitat.org/ReStore