Help for the Holidays

Raising children can come with significant expenses, and many parents may find themselves in need of additional support. This post highlights local community groups, organizations, charities, and church groups that are dedicated to assisting families in need during the holiday season. Every child deserves to experience joy and warmth during this time.

For those interested in giving to their immediate community, your local Buy Nothing groups provide an excellent opportunity to donate and support your community. Engaging with these groups not only fosters connections with your neighbors but also helps declutter your home in preparation for the Christmas season.

Below, you will find links to these valuable resources. Together, we can ensure that no child goes without this holiday season.

This post isn’t the place to post asking for help or seeking individual donations, please touch base with the organizations who are set up for this.

The Salvation Army – Christmas Hamper Registration

Saint John Community Food Basket | Community Resources: Foodbanks hours, location and contact information for Romero House, Hope Cafe, Coverdale, Outflow and more can be found here.

Saint John NB ‘Mobile Community Food Pantry’ message their FB page to be added to the waitlist and food is delivered to you.

Cozy Corner – Free to you clothing in Grand Bay. Open Mondays 10-12, Thursdays 12-2pm and 6-8pm, and on Saturdays 10am -12 noon.

Hillcrest Soul Food Cafe. Free lunches at the church on Tuesday & Friday from 11:00am – 12:00pm

Hillcrest Caring Closet is open on Tuesdays & Fridays from 10am until 1pm. Donations can be dropped off Wednesday – Friday 9am – 3pm.

KV clothing Depot This free clothing Depot is open every Tuesday from 10:30AM to 12:30PM.

KV Food Basket Please visit their website to register. Order pickups are Tuesdays 9:00am-11:30am.

Food and financial donations are appreciated and are accepted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 to 12. Donation Details here.

Westside Food Bank is open to Individuals and families in need. Residency requirements: Harbour Bridge to Lepreau to Westfield. Please call 506-635-1060 in advance to register. Hours of operation are Tuesday & Friday 1-3pm.

North End Food Bank is located at 211 Main Street North and is open Every Tuesday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and Wednesday 1:00 PM – 3:00 pm. Please call 506-634-7403 to register.

Saint John East Food Bank located at 648 Westmorland Rd is open Tuesday and Friday 12:15 pm to 2:45 pm. 506-633-8298

The River Valley Food Bank is located at 3540 Westfield Road just before entering Grand Bay – Westfield. Open on Tuesday 9am – 12 noon. 506-738-2088

If you’re looking for personal donations check out these local Facebook Groups:

– I Need Help! – Saint John

– I need help Saint John & Quispamsis Surrounding Areas

The Joshua Group a registered charity serving children in the Greater Saint John area. They are looking for toy donations for children age 8-14. Toys can be dropped of at 85 Peacock’s Lane off the Sandy Point Road, Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm.

The Buy Nothing Project

Their mission is about making connections, meeting neighbours and reducing our carbon footprints at the same time. Gifting and receiving gifts of tangible things, as well as time and talent and expressing gratitude are the backbone of this gifting economy. The groups are localized to your neighborhood so that you can “give where you live”.

Here’s a list of our local Buy Nothing groups