Charities We Support
You can deliver your completed Reverse Advent Calendar box to any of these Calgary organizations:
Where to Donate Your Reverse Advent Calendar Box
Calgary is home to incredible organizations that work year-round to support families, children, women, and individuals experiencing hardship.
Your Reverse Advent Calendar box becomes part of that vital work — helping fill shelves, strengthen programs, and bring warmth and dignity to those who need it most during the holiday season.
Donation Ideas – What is needed?
Whether you choose to donate food, hygiene items, baby essentials, winter wear, or simple comforts, there is a Calgary charity ready to receive your generosity and put it directly into the hands of people who will benefit from it.
This initiative doesn’t just help families — it supports the frontline organizations that lift up our city every single day.
Choose the Charity That Resonates With You
One of the special things about the Reverse Advent Calendar is that you get to choose where your box goes. Some groups support families in crisis. Others serve those experiencing homelessness. Others focus on women, children, youth, or food insecurity.
There is no wrong choice — only the opportunity to support the cause that speaks most deeply to you, your family, your office, or your team.
As you explore the list below, consider:
- the type of items you’ve collected
- the causes you care about
- which organizations align with your values
- where the need is highest this time of year
Every box counts. Every contribution matters. And every act of giving strengthens our city.
According to Calgary Food Bank for every $1 received as cash donation, they can distribute $3.50 worth of food. Additionally, that same $1 provides $9.84 worth of social value, according to an analysis conducted by Dr. Lucy Harry, Head of Research at the Calgary Food Bank.
Charities We Support
(not a full list. If you know an organization that could/should be added, contact us with their website details.)
Calgary Food Bank
Needed Most:
Non-perishable food (canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, cereal), baby items (diapers, formula, baby food), hygiene items, possibly seasonal winter items or toiletries.
Drop-off Location:
SE Calgary
Main warehouse: 5000 11 Street SE, T2H 2Y5
Made By Momma
Needed Most:
Baby and toddler essentials (diapers, wipes), children’s items, toiletries, meal supports; especially helpful for families with infants or young children..
Drop-off Location:
Serves Calgary families.
Check website for donation details.
CUPS Calgary
Needed Most:
Non-perishable food (canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, cereal), baby items (diapers, formula, baby food), hygiene items, possibly seasonal winter items or toiletries.
Drop-off Location:
City-wide: works through community partnerships across Calgary
Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter
Needed Most:
Hygiene items (soap, shampoo, sanitary products), new socks/underwear, toiletries; new children’s toys (unwrapped), warm clothing, possibly gift cards, basic household essentials.
Drop-off Location:
SW Calgary
500-1509 Centre St SW
Children's Cottage Society
Needed Most:
Hygiene items, baby/children’s essentials, household basics — for families in crisis, children’s shelters, and crisis nursery needs.
Drop-off Location:
Serves Calgary families.
Check website for donation details.
Women in Need Society (WINS)
Needed Most:
New or gently used clothing (men’s, women’s, kids), winter wear (hats, mittens, scarves, socks), household goods, linens, toys, basic home-essentials — good for families and women in need.
Drop-off Location:
Multiple locations (Thrift Stores + Donation Centre) — covers different areas across Calgary depending on drop-off site.
Veterans Food Bank of Calgary
Needed Most:
Non-perishable food (canned goods, pasta, soups, sauces), hygiene products, socks, gloves, winter items, pet food (many veterans have service animals), and comfort items.
Drop-off Location:
NE Calgary
4619 6 Street NE
Inn From The Cold
Needed Most:
Non-perishable foods, hygiene products, clothing (warm wear, socks, gloves), baby/toddler items, household essentials, winter items — families & children in crisis.
Drop-off Location:
Serves Calgary families.
Check website for donation details.
Brown Bagging For Calgary Kids (BB4CK)
Needed Most:
Non-perishable food, lunch snacks, shelf-stable groceries — helps children and families with food security throughout school year.
Drop-off Location:
City-wide service across Calgary schools; donation coordination via their main office
Calgary Drop-In Centre
Needed Most:
Hygiene items (soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes), non-perishable foods, socks/underwear, warm clothing, possibly small household goods..
Drop-off Location:
NE Calgary
3640 11a Street NE
Salvation Army Calgary
Needed Most:
Non-perishable food, household essentials, hygiene items — supports emergency hampers and community meals.
Drop-off Location:
SE Calgary
Forest Lawn area (and satellite sites across city) depending on program or drop-off site.
The Mustard Seed
Needed Most:
Non-perishable dry food, canned goods, pasta, peanut butter; hygiene items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste), socks, winter clothing, blankets, gloves, scarves, backpacks.
Drop-off Location:
Central & SE Calgary
Head office 102 11 Avenue SE,
Foothills Shelter at 7025 44 St SE.
Airdrie Food Bank
Needed Most:
Non-perishable pantry staples (pasta, rice, soups, canned vegetables, peanut butter), baby items (formula, diapers), hygiene products, toiletries, and school snack items.
Drop-off Location:
Airdrie / Rockyview / North Calgary
20 East Lake Way NE
Ronald McDonald House
Needed Most:
Hygiene products, snacks, comfort items, gift cards, small toys.
Drop-off Location:
NW Calgary
Supports Calgary and area families with sick children receiving treatment at Calgary hospitals.
Calgary Humane Society
Needed Most:
pet food, blankets, cleaning supplies.
Drop-off Location:
SE Calgary
Though not ideal for most Reverse Advent boxes unless pet-focused specifically.
Notes & Tips for Donors
To help make your donation as impactful and helpful as possible:
✔ Check each charity’s “most needed” list. Needs can change based on weather, inventory levels, and seasonal demand. Many organizations post updated wish-lists on their websites.
✔ Prioritize items that are new, unopened, and in good condition. Food should be shelf-stable and within expiry. Hygiene products should be sealed and unused. Warm clothing and accessories should be new or gently used in excellent condition.
✔ Consider dignity-first items. Socks, deodorant, menstrual products, baby items, and hygiene essentials are often among the most requested — and most meaningful.
✔ Deliver before December 23 if possible. This gives charities time to sort and distribute items to families before Christmas.
✔ Contact the organization if you’re unsure. Drop-off hours, donation rules, and accepted items can vary. A quick call or website check ensures your gift is both welcomed and useful.
Your Box Makes a Difference
The Reverse Advent Calendar is more than a donation — it’s a message of hope. When you drop off your box at any of these Calgary charities, you’re supporting the people and programs that hold our community together.
Thank you for making Christmas about giving again — and for helping ensure no family faces the holidays alone.
Limited transportation? Contact the team at Reverse Advent Calendar Calgary and we can pick up your box and deliver to the local charity of your choice.
🎄 Need Help with Pickup / Delivery?
If you need help delivering the collected items in your Reverse Advent Calendar box or you want us to pick it up for you, contact us at least 1-2 days ahead of time. We can arrange to your preferred charity for you.
Contact Details
(825) 824-9464
Reverse Advent Calendar Calgary
North Pole
H0H 0H0
reverseadvent.ca
Sitemap
- How It Works
- Stories: The Power of Giving
- About Reverse Advent Calgary Calgary
- Local Charities Needing Your Help
- What to Put In Your Box
- Fun Ways to Decorate Your Box
- Contact Us
Copyright 2025 © Reverse Advent Calendar CalgaryAll Right Reserved Design by Wingman DX