For holiday bazaars, see Hamilton Spectator's list of seasonal events here or individual organizations in this directory

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR THE 2025 HOLIDAY SEASON -- INFORMATION WILL BE ADDED WHEN AVAILABLE 
 
This listing summarizes:

• holiday season donation and sponsorship programs
• free community Christmas meals
• holiday volunteering opportunities
  
  

DONATING OR RECEIVING - FOOD, GIFT AND TOY DRIVES

Acts of Kindness Network Annual Holiday Kindness Drive

• Kindness Care Paks are distributed in December to residents who have been referred by social service agencies
• collects grooming products, winter woollies (hats, gloves, mitts, scarves and socks), sweet treats, small gifts and gift cards/certificates for meals, groceries, clothing, movies and services
• for more information call 905-319-0035 or email aokn@cogeco.ca

Children's Aid Foundation of Halton's Holiday Dreams

• donate online and choose a fund to direct your donation (Holiday DREAMS)
• for more information call 905-333-4441 ext 0707 or foundation@cafh.ca

Compassion Society Every Dollar Feeds Hope Campaign

• donate online and choose a fund to direct your donation (2025 holiday gift cards)
• for more information call 905-592-3722 or email general.compassion@gmail.com 

Halton Miracle on Main Street

• the Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation, in partnership with Halton Regional Police and the Downtown Milton BIA, runs an annual inclusive holiday festival
• Sat, Dec 6: 1 pm-5 pm in downtown Milton
• admission is free with an new unwrapped toy donation
• for more information see website

Halton Regional Police Service Cram-a-Cruiser Events

• partners with the Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation to collect and distribute funds and toys to families in need throughout the Halton Region
• accepts donations of new unwrapped toys, cash or gift cards at local Canadian Tire locations
  • Sat, Nov 29: 2070 Appleby Line, 11 am-3 pm and 777 Guelph Line, 11:30 am-3:30 pm
  • Sat, Dec 6: 2070 Appleby Line, 11 am-3 pm and 777 Guelph Line, 11:30 am-3:30 pm
• donations can also be made online or at 30 Division, 3800 Constable Henshaw Blvd until Mon, Dec 8
• for more information email MiracleOnMain@haltonpolice.ca

Halton Women's Place Holiday Giving

• Sponsor a Family: provides comfort and choice with new pajamas, a gift card and a grocery gift card
• Grant a Holiday Wish: provides essential comfort and care
• to donate see links above
• for more information email donations@haltonwomensplace.com 

Open Doors Christmas Families Program

• available to Burlington residents in need with children aged 0-18
• registration available online only (begins Nov 3 and remains open until program is full)

Socks for Hope

• accepts donations of new socks from Dec 1-18
• for more information see website or email socksforhope@gmail.com

The Purse Project: Hamilton Halton

• collects top-quality new or gently used purses filled with new personal care items to donate to various local organizations that distribute them to the women they serve at Christmas time
• collection campaign runs Nov 1-30
• for collection locations see website

The Shoebox Project: Halton

• create a virtual shoebox
• volunteers distribute these gifts to local women’s shelters and community agencies serving women impacted by homelessness
• for more information email Stacey at halton@shoeboxproject.com or see website

United Way's Holiday Helping Hand

• adopt a family in need or donate to a gift drive
• register online to adopt a family or donate to the gift drive before Fri, Dec 5
• suggested spending amount is $100-150 per family member 
• drop off donations on Mon, Dec 8 and Tue, Dec 9 (9 am-6 pm) at the Community Donation Warehouse (additional details will be provided with registration confirmation)

CHRISTMAS MEALS 

Provide opportunities to enjoy a traditional Christmas meal

• all are free, and open to all members of the public, except where noted
• donations from the public to support these meals are also accepted

VOLUNTEERING

Support for Canadian Forces

• Write to the Troops, see here
• Operation Santa Claus (sends holiday care packages to Canadian Forces deployed overseas), see here

United Way's Holiday Helping Hand

• see website

Volunteer Halton

• see database of volunteer opportunities here or call 905-632-1975

Vary by location

No restrictions

Varies by program