Ways to give back in the Tri-Cities this holiday season

Want to help a Tri-Cities family this holiday season but not sure where to start? Here are the drives and volunteer shifts with 2026 dates posted right now, from toys and coats to sorting food in Geneva.

Two local favorites already have their own guides: see how to help Lazarus House in St. Charles and our list of Tri-Cities food pantries, many of which take food donations.

Toys for Tots: drop toys at Geneva Commons

The Kane County Toys for Tots campaign runs Oct. 1 to Dec. 19, 2026, and collects new, unwrapped toys for kids in Kane County. Last year it handed out 23,321 toys to 9,697 children, according to the campaign site.

This year's warehouse is at 122 Commons Drive, Suite 1040, at the southwest end of Geneva Commons. You can drop toys there during posted hours, which include Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., most weekdays in early December from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The warehouse is closed Sundays and on Nov. 26 and 27 for Thanksgiving. The campaign says hours may change, so check the site before you go.

Businesses that want a collection box must register on the site every year. Boxes and posters can be picked up at United Laboratories, 320 37th Ave. in St. Charles, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., among other spots. All toys from collection sites are due at the warehouse by Dec. 7. The campaign also needs warehouse volunteers and links a sign-up page from its homepage.

One note for families: Toys for Tots in Kane County does not give toys to individual families. Parents need to register through one of the partner agencies listed on the site.

Koats for Kids: $25 buys a new coat

Koats for Kids is back for its 16th year. The Rotary Clubs of St. Charles-Geneva and Batavia use donations to buy brand-new winter coats through the nonprofit Operation Warm for kids in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles. This is not a used-coat drive. Every $25 buys one new coat.

The clubs are aiming to raise $20,000 through Dec. 15. Last year the drive provided 918 new coats. Donate at bit.ly/koatsforkids26.

Big Hearts Fox Valley toy drive for District 303

Big Hearts of Fox Valley collects new toys for St. Charles School District 303 students whose families are facing financial hardship. Businesses, schools and groups can sign up to host a toy box, and Big Hearts provides the box. Tri-Cities Central reported the drive runs through Nov. 11, so this one wraps up early.

Salvation Army Tri-City Corps: Angel Tree and the food pantry

The Salvation Army's Tri-City Corps at 1710 S. 7th Ave. in St. Charles marks its 75th year this fall, and it has new leaders: Envoys Mark and Sarah Nottle took over in late August, Tri-Cities Central reported. The center serves St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia with a food pantry, rent and utility help, youth programs and holiday assistance.

Through its Angel Tree program, donors buy requested gifts for local kids, teens and seniors. You can pick a tag through the Virtual Angel Tree online and ship gifts to the nearest community center, or simply drop off new, unwrapped toys, boots, gloves or outerwear at a Salvation Army location. Families who need help can apply at saangeltree.org. Call the Tri-City Corps at 630-377-2769 with questions or to ask about volunteering.

The pantry takes nonperishable food donations. The Salvation Army lists pantry hours of Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., plus Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:45 p.m.

Sort food at the Northern Illinois Food Bank

The Northern Illinois Food Bank's main warehouse is at 273 Dearborn Court in Geneva, and volunteers there sort and pack food for its service area. Shifts run Tuesday through Thursday mornings and afternoons, some weekday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon.

When we checked on Oct. 22, most November shifts were already full, but many mid and late December shifts and nearly all January shifts had open spots. Volunteers must be at least 8, anyone under 16 needs an adult 21 or older, and closed-toe shoes are required. Groups of 20 or more need to call 630-443-6910 to book.

Watch for giving trees

Marklund, which cares for people with severe developmental disabilities at its Geneva campus on Wyatt Drive, runs a yearly Giving Tree with wish-list tags for residents. Its page had not posted 2026 dates when we checked, so keep an eye on it if you want to shop for someone specific.