Every year we try to teach our kids that the holidays are not just about receiving gifts. We love to participate in activities centered around having fun with family and friends or giving our time and donations to local charities and ministries. If you’re anything like our family, these activities are the ones you remember long after the season is over, and the decorations are back in the attic. The old saying is true, it IS better to give than to receive!
In this spirit, we have compiled a list of a few local charities for your family to consider this season:
AMVETS: Help local families in need for Christmas by donating your unwanted cell phones, food, clothing, toys and more. Contact Judy at 352-430-4355 or amvetsaux2006@yahoo.com
DROP OFF: Daily from 12-4pm at AMVETS Post 2006 - Attn. Auxiliary 500 N Canal St. Leesburg FL 34748 352-323-8750.
Troops & K-9’s Care Packages: Contact Judy at 352-430-4355 or amvetsaux2006@yahoo.com for the list of approved items needed for weekly care packages.
DROP OFF : Daily from 12 – 4pm at AMVETS Post 2006 - Attn. Auxiliary 500 N Canal St. Leesburg FL 34748 352-323-8750.
The Animal League: Through the Animal League’sNourish the Needy Program, families are provided free pet food through partnership with local food pantries in our community. Below is a List of Pet Food Collection sites where you can drop off pet food year-round:
- Ambiance Studio Salon | 2110 North Donnelly Street Suite 400, Mount Dora | (352) 383-4247
- Hobscot Pet Supplies | 328 East Fifth Avenue, Mount Dora | (352) 735-6400
- Karen’s Canine Kitchen | 411 West Main Street, Leesburg | (352) 729-3302
- The Green K9 | 3815 Lake Center Drive, Mount Dora | (352) 253-5205
- Phoenix Salon & Eustis Day Spa | 503 East Orange Avenue, Eustis | (352) 483-9303
Lake Cares Food Pantry: Locations in Leesburg and Mount Dora to volunteer or donate items. They provide food to over 12,000 families each year. Click Here for a shopping list of recommended items to donate. Click Here if you would like to volunteer.
Salvation Army Angel Trees: For anyone interested in picking an Angel Tag, below is a list of where to find trees with tags. Visit their Facebook page Here.
- Belk - 1020 Bichara Blvd The Villages 32159
- Denny's - 2480 Citrus Blvd Leesburg 34748 or 16150 US 441 Eustis 32762
- American Legion219 - 194 W Fountain St Fruitland Park 34731
- City of Mt Dora - 510 N Baker St Mt Dora 32757
- Gloria Dei - 130 S Lone Oak Dr Leesburg 34748
- Wolfy's -918 N 14th St Leesburg 34748
- 1st Presbyterian Church - 200 S Lone Oak Dr Leesburg 34748
- MVP Athletic Club - 1000 Main St. Ste 234 Lady Lake 32159
- Chorpus Christi Church - 3430CR 470 Okahumpka 34762
- Morrison United Methodist Church - 1005 W Main St Leesburg 34748
- Lake Square Mall - 10401 US HWY 441 Leesburg 34748
- Child Support Program Admin. - 1904 Thomas Ave #101 Leesburg 34748
- The County Barbershop - 1004 Winn Dixie Ave Leesburg 34748
- Sweet Tomatoes - 508 N US HWY 441 Lady Lake 32159
- Bealls - Dropbox in Leesburg, Lady Lake & Eustis Stores
