While the holiday season is a time of hope and anticipation, we know there are many families and individuals in our communities that struggle during this time of year.
The good news is, the OSSU community is working together to help mitigate the stress of the season by offering multiple ways to give in support of those who need it most. Please take a moment to look over these opportunities and drop off locations. Many of these collections are 100% student inspired and driven – something that should warm all of our hearts!
OSSU Giving Tree
Location/Hours: OSSU Central Office, 157 Daniels Rd., Hardwick, during office hours (7:30am - 4:00pm)
Items Accepted: All unwrapped. New or gently used toys; New hats, mittens, gloves, socks, scarves; Non-perishable food; New personal care items.
Donations Distributed to: Local Food Shelves/Pantries; The Hardwick Children's Project; student-led drives at our schools.
Deadline for Drop Off: December 9 for toys, hats, mittens, gloves, socks; December 12 for non-perishable food and personal care items.
Wolcott Elementary Toy Drive
Location/Hours: Wolcott Elementary School, 320 School Hill Rd, Wolcott, during regular school hours (8:00am-3:00pm) now through December 9.
Items Accepted: All unwrapped. New or gently used toys.
Donations Distributed to: WES students and children at Copley Hospital
Deadline for Drop Off: December 9
Craftsbury Schools Personal Care Items Drive (at Academy location)
Location/Hours: Craftsbury Schools, 1422 North Craftsbury Road, Craftsbury Common (Main Office at Academy) during regular school hours now through December 15
Items Accepted: All unwrapped. New personal care items for nursing home residents: writing supplies/stationery/cards, art supplies, books, magazines, body wash, shampoo, washcloths, winter clothing.
Donations Distributed to: Local nursing home
Deadline for Drop Off: December 15
Craftsbury Schools Grades 3-8 Food Drive (at Academy location)
Location/Hours: Craftsbury Schools, 1422 North Craftsbury Road, Craftsbury Common (Main Office at Academy) during regular school hours now through December 20
Items Accepted: Non-perishable food/items. Goal of collecting 400lbs of food prior to the break!Most-needed items list here.
Donations Distributed to: Hardwick Area Food Pantry
Deadline for Drop Off: December 20
Craftsbury Schools Animal Shelter Drive (at PreK-2 location)
Location/Hours: Craftsbury Schools, 83 North Craftsbury Road, Craftsbury (PreK-2 building) during regular school hours now through January 13
Items Accepted: All unwrapped and New. Paper towels, vinyl disposable gloves, pet odor eliminator, cat toys, catnip, dog toys/bones, dog beds
Donations Distributed to: Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter that is located in Barton
Deadline for Drop Off: January 13
Hardwick Elementary Food Drive (Opens December 5)
Location/Hours: Hardwick Elementary School, 135 South Main Street, Hardwick, during regular school hours. Students/staff should bring items to boxes outside of classrooms, December 5-15.
Items Accepted: Non-perishable food/items.Most-needed items list here.
Donations Distributed to: Hardwick Area Food Pantry
Deadline for Drop Off: December 15
Hazen Union National Honor Society (NHS) Food, Toy and Gift Drive
Location/Hours: Hazen Union School, 126 Hazen Union Drive, Hardwick, during regular school hours (7:30am - 3:00pm). Donation boxes at front lobby and in each TSA classroom.
Items Accepted: All unwrapped. New toys, games, art supplies, books, puzzles, and gifts appropriate for children up to age 17; Non-perishable foods (most-needed items list here) and new hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and socks.
Donations Distributed to: Hardwick Area Children’s Holiday Project (new toys, games, books, puzzles); and Hardwick Area Food Pantry (non-perishable foods and new hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and socks)
Deadline for Drop Off: December 16