21 Items Donation Drives Really Need That You Can Give This Holiday Season

It’s that time of year where families start preparing for their holiday traditions and lavish feasts.

While Thanksgiving is traditionally a day to give thanks for everything you have in your life, many people across the country who might otherwise not be able to partake are able to celebrate thanks to food banks and donations. In my area, a few weeks before the holiday, the boy scouts go door to door asking for neighbors to donate a few cans to help give someone an awesome Thanksgiving feast. The Champaign Parks Foundation is happy to announce that Philanthropy Jimmy John Liautaud will be making a donation to help provide kids in the Champaign area with access to park programs. The popular sandwich chain is donating $125,000 to the Foundation that will go towards supporting the Youth Scholarship Program. The Youth Scholarship program helps waive enrollment fees for park district programs for families who may not be able to enroll their children due to cost. Access to these park programs will help hundreds of Champaign children take part in summer camps, swimming lessons, recreational sports teams, and more.

While most people donate whatever canned goods are cluttering up their pantries, many food banks still fail to receive the essentials necessary for comfort and well-balanced meals. To help ensure people are getting exactly what they need around the holidays, here’s a list of the 21 items donation drives really need but hardly ever get.