Spreading holiday cheer doesn’t have to end with your own friends and family.
After you’ve trimmed the tree and cleared the Amazon shopping cart, there’s an array of ways to become a Tucker family’s Secret Santa through donations of your time or resources. From toy giveaways to volunteering, Tucker’s nonprofits, government agencies, and local businesses are ensuring all Tucker families feel the love this Christmas season.
Omega Support Center’s 9th Annual Holiday Giveaway
Tucker residents can make the season bright by donating to Omega Support Center’s 9th Annual Holiday Giveaway, which benefits children ages newborn to 18 within the Tucker community. New toys, clothing, and other gifts can be dropped off at the center, located at 2002 Montreal Rd., Suite 100, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The toy drive ends Dec. 20. To donate online, visit the Omega website.
Tucker Parks and Recreation Toy Drive
Tucker Recreation Center is inviting residents to bring new, unwrapped gifts to its annual holiday toy drive up until Dec. 21. Collection boxes will be conveniently placed in the main lobby during operating hours. All donations will go toward making the holiday season brighter for local families. The center is located at 4998 Lavista Rd.
Good Neighbor Christmas Shop
NETWorks Cooperative Ministry has an alternative approach to the popular Giving Tree concept with its Good Neighbor Christmas Shop. The store caters to low-income families seeking new and/or donated items at prices reduced by between 50 percent to 80 percent.
“This approach allows families to select gifts that they want and can afford, preserving their dignity and empowering them to provide for themselves during the holiday season,” read a message on NETWorks’ website.
The store will be open at Northlake Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 1625 Cooledge Rd., from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. To donate to the gift store, visit the NETworks website.
Wellroot Family Services Christmas
Tucker-based nonprofit Wellroot Family Services supports more than 1,000 children and caregivers through its programming. Wellroot, formerly known as United Methodist Children’s Home, has supported youth seeking a permanent home since 1871. Though its annual Santa’s Shop toy drive has ended for the season, there are still ways to lend a helping hand. Supporters can donate online, mail a check to Wellroot Family Services, 1967 Lakeside Pkwy., Suite 400, Tucker, GA 30084, or
search the Amazon Wish List for gift and general items.
DeKalb County Police Department Winter Clothing Drive
If clearing the closet for good is more your thing, DeKalb County Police Department’s Winter Clothing Drive will be the best bet. From 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 16, residents are welcome to donate new and gently used coats, clothes, and shoes at 1960 West Exchange Pl.
Winter Wishes Toy Giveaway
Tehlirian Law Group, in partnership with 404 ReadyMix and JLAW.Tips Holiday Giveback, will offer hot plates to families, free toys, and interactive holiday activities for the whole family from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at RC Fitnez Studio, located at 1983 Brockett Rd. The event is seeking volunteers to assist with serving food and hosting the hot chocolate bar, ornament-making station, and the Santa photo booth. Sign up to volunteer here.