The holidays are a time for joy, reflection, and generosity, and Orange County offers many meaningful ways to help neighbors in need. Whether you’re able to donate toys, food, clothing, funds, or a few hours of your time, local groups are working to ensure no one is left behind.

Orange County Children’s Toy Box has brightened Christmas morning for local kids since 1991. Working with Orange County Social Services, the grassroots program matches new, unwrapped gifts with families facing hardship so children of all ages wake up to something special. Donations and volunteer help are welcome November 10 through December 15 at 385 Waugh Blvd., Orange. Community members can give toys, contribute funds for gift purchases, help shop on December 15, sort donations on December 17, or assist with home deliveries on December 20. Details are available at occtoybox.org, or by email at Staff@OCCToyBox.org and phone at (540) 661-2263.

Good Samaritan Ministries anchors year-round food assistance at its pantry, 105 N. Madison Road, while also offering clothing through Ozella’s Clothes Closet—rooms thoughtfully named for friends of the organization, including Sandy’s Shoe Room, Ray’s Room, and Moma Bernice’s Room. The ministry welcomes donations of nonperishable food and clean, gently used clothing, and it relies on volunteers and financial support to keep pace with growing need, especially during the holidays. To get involved, visit goodsamaritaninc.org or contact Program Director Valencia Bailey at (540) 308-7741 or info@goodsamaritaninc.org.

Love Outreach Food Pantry & Clothes Closet has served Orange County for four decades, expanding from its early days assisting 50 elders to a countywide lifeline for families experiencing financial strain. Now located at 252 Blue Ridge Drive, the pantry offers food, clothing, and household items, with home delivery available for homebound residents in Orange, Gordonsville, Unionville, Rhoadesville, and Barboursville. Hours are Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and the third Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. Priority needs include canned vegetables, soups and proteins, breakfast cereals, powdered drink mixes, and basic household goods. Learn more at loveoutreachocva.org, email loveoutreachorange@gmail.com or call (540) 223-6674.

Orange County Department of Social Services coordinates two holiday programs. Thanksgiving Baskets may be supported with a $35 donation now through November 21 or by delivering a filled basket to 146 N. Madison Road, Suite 201, on November 21 between 7 and 9 a.m. For Christmas, residents can “adopt” an elderly (60+) or disabled (18+) neighbor, shop for requested items through December 8, and arrange delivery with the recipient between December 8 and 15. For instructions, contact Tabatha Rhodes at tabatha.rhodes@dss.virginia.gov or (540) 672-6166.

Dogwood Village of Orange County Angel Tree invites the community to shop for residents this season. Register with the Activities Department to be matched with a resident, then return wrapped, tagged gifts to 120 Dogwood Lane by December 17 for distribution. To sign up or ask questions, contact Activities Assistant Amy Shea at (540) 672-2611, ext. 7068, or ashea@dogwoodvillageocva.org.

Orange County Sheriff’s Office Operation Santa offers free photos with Santa and partners with the Orange County Children’s Toy Box to gather new, unwrapped toys and gift cards. Donations are accepted November 10 through December 6 at 11282 Government Center Drive; photos with Santa will be held December 6 from 12 to 2:30 p.m.

Orange County Habitat for Humanity continues its mission beyond the holidays, having built more than 30 local homes and, last year, funding $40,000 in critical home repairs for qualifying families. Community members can donate building materials or land, sponsor a project, volunteer, or give financially. Email orangehabitat77@gmail.com or mail contributions to OCHFH, P.O. Box 65, Orange, VA 22960.

Orange County’s strength shows in how neighbors care for one another. If you’re able this season, choose a program that speaks to you—drop off a toy, stock a pantry shelf, pick a name from an angel tree, write a check, or lend a hand. Small acts add up quickly here, and together they make the holidays brighter for everyone.

Judi Cooper

Copublisher of the Orange County Voice