Giving Back Guide 2025

Every year we all have someone on our holiday gift list who insists they “don’t want another thing.” Instead of feeling frustrated, consider this as a chance to give a double gift. You can spread holiday spirit further by giving a gift in their honor to a local nonprofit and multiply the good cheer with what’s called an alternative gift.

This year the Chester County Food Bank and West Chester Food Cupboard likely spring immediately to mind. So why not start by setting up a gift for yourself with a sustaining contribution that helps out all year?

Then consider other suggestions below to give where you live.

Community Warehouse Project of Chester County

This group collects and redistributes donated furniture and household goods to those in need — helping people move into furnished homes at no charge. Help with the next step after a previously unhoused family gets shelter — when they need help turning their place into a home.

Ways to Give: Check the online Wish List and give the gift of a space heater, coffee maker or new sheets for a new home. And, while you’re filled with the spirit of giving, consider sorting through your gently used but usable furniture or household items to donate, too. CommunityWarehouseProject.com

French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust

Remember Mother Nature this holiday season. Land conservation and environmental nonprofits often miss the gift list, yet their work protecting our quality of life and our land for future generations doesn’t take a holiday. French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust is just one local option. Also consider Natural Lands, Brandywine Conservancy and Willistown Conservation Trust for a “green” gift this holiday season.

Ways to Give: Gift a French & Pickering membership, ranging from Naturalist ($50) to Trailblazer ($1,000+) level. Or make a one-time or monthly sustaining donation. FrenchAndPickering.org

Friends Association

For over 200 years, Friends Association has worked to eradicate homelessness. From their West Chester-based office, they continue to offer emergency shelter for families and help prevent homelessness through eviction prevention, case resolution and housing stability programming.

Help give a family the stability of a home to share together for the holidays and beyond.

Ways to Give: Fund a family’s stay, support the staff or give gift cards for families to use as they choose. FriendsAssoc.org

Seniors and Paws

Since 68% of seniors with pets feel less lonely and caring for pets boots their mood, it’s a win-win to help seniors keep and care for their pets in a safe and loving home. This group provides help with pet food, vet services and future pet-care planning, focusing on low-income seniors, veterans and those with disabilities. Give the gift of company and joy.

Ways to Give: Donate in the name of your pet-loving friend to make sure a senior doesn’t have to choose between eating and feeding their furry companion. Donations also support buying pet toys and funding visits. SeniorsAndPaws.org

Volunteer English Program (VEP) in Chester County

“Teaching English while transforming lives.” For almost 40 years, this nonprofit has provided English language instruction to adult immigrants and refugees in Chester County. About 300 adults from 40 countries are helped annually by 300 volunteers. By giving the gift of language, your donation in someone’s name helps an adult immigrant gain skills, safety and independence.

Ways to Give: $100 donation buys four workbooks for students to work with free tutors. $150 pays to match a tutor-student pair. $250 helps cover costs for volunteer tutors. VolunteerEnglish.org