Arizona Republic

Several non-profits in the state are working to provide happier holidays for Arizonans in need.

Toys. Food. Clothing. Shelter.

Some non-profits are still hoping for contributions so they can answer more wishes.

Here are a few charities looking for contributions.

Phoenix Rescue Mission

Phoenix Rescue Mission, which provides Christ-centered programs for people facing hunger, homelessness, drug addiction and trauma, is hosting its Winter Wonderland event for struggling families from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17.

The event allows parents to come and “shop” for gifts for their children. The children also will get to “shop” and wrap presents for their moms and dads.

The mission still needs at least 300 toys for 9-13-year-old children to make the event a success, according to Josh Skalniak, a spokesman for the non-profit.

Those interested in donating should call the mission at 602-233-3000 to find out which toys are still needed. All items can be dropped off at 1468 N. 26th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009. The deadline to donate for the event is 4 p.m. Friday.

St. Vincent de Paul

Arizona Flower Market is holding its annual Christmas Toy and Food Drive to support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The international non-profit organization is dedicated to serving the poor and providing others with the opportunity to serve.

Arizona Flower Market has partnered with the Elite Flower with a goal of giving away 24,000 roses in hopes of raising more than 2,000 toy donations for Phoenix-area families in need. Customers can donate a new, unwrapped toy or 10 cans of food and receive one free dozen of assorted-color roses. All the roses being given away were purchased from family-owned flower farm the Elite Flower.



The free flowers for toys and food are available during Flower Market business hours Friday Dec. 16 through 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. Customers must come to the market with their donation to claim their free flowers. For health reasons, stuffed animals cannot be accepted for donation.

Tempe police toy drive

The Tempe Police Department, Jewelsmith and internet marketing company Kenekt are partnering for the community’s 27th annual Holiday Toy Drive. Unwrapped new and gently used toys and stuffed animals will be collected from now until Christmas Eve, when they will be distributed by Santa to at-risk children throughout the community.



Toys, sporting goods, dolls, plush animals and anything else a child would like can be contributed, except for items that that require batteries to operate. Donated items should not be wrapped.



In addition to toys, Donors are also asked to contribute $5 bills. The money will be distributed by Santa on Christmas Eve to families and individuals in need.



Anyone wishing to make a toy or cash donation may do so from now until Christmas Eve at these drop-off locations:

Tempe Police Department headquarters, 120 E. Fifth St., Tempe.

Tempe Police Department substation, 1855 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe.

Jewelsmith jewelry shop, 1542 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe.

If you are unable to bring your donations to one of the drop-off sites, Kenekt can arrange a pickup. Call Terry at Kenekt at 480-556-9752.

Adults and children are asked to volunteer to help sort the toys with members of the Tempe Police Department. Sorting will begin at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 24 at Jewelsmith. Santa will begin distributing the toys at 12:30 p.m.



Season for Sharing

Over the past 23 years, Season for Sharing has raised and distributed almost $60 million to hundreds of Arizona non-profits that help at-risk children and families, improve educational skills, aid victims of domestic violence and serve the elderly.

MORE:Complete coverage of the giving campaign

Because all fundraising costs are paid by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, 100 percent of donations go to the agencies helping our neighbors in need. As an added bonus, The Republic and azcentral.com match donations 50 cents on the dollar up to $650,000.

Last year, The Republic distributed grants to 144 agencies worth $2.73 million.

Here’s how to donate and help this year:

Text “SHARING” to 91-999.

Go to sharing.azcentral.com.

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/seasonforsharing

Organizations that want to be listed here can email kathy.tulumello@arizonarepublic.com.