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New Toy and Kids' Book Drive 2020

For the tenth year Whole Earth Provision Co. is sponsoring the New Toy and Kids’ Book Drive. We’ve been collecting new toys and books for children who, through no fault of their own, might not receive gifts for the holidays. Your generosity has provided children in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio with presents to brighten their day. The charitable organizations who distributed the gifts are very grateful for the donations.

This year the need for toys and books will be greater than ever. The pandemic and its economic aftermath will leave many families facing a bleak holiday. Once again, if possible, we’re asking for your help to provide gifts for children. Here’s how it works: for each new toy or new children’s book, in its original packaging with a value of $10 or more (or very close to it), you will receive a $5 Whole Earth coupon. All Whole Earth stores will accept donations November 16th through December 6th. Our beneficiaries ask that you please not wrap the gifts.

The toys and books will be distributed by these organizations: in Austin – Manos de Cristo; in Dallas – The Birthday Party Project; in Houston – Star of Hope Mission; and in San Antonio – The Children’s Shelter.

You may make as many contributions as you’d like, and receive a $5 Whole Earth coupon for each one worth $10, but the coupons cannot be combined. They must be redeemed in separate transactions at a Whole Earth brick and mortar store or online.

Thank you for helping to brighten the holidays for a child. Please read on to learn more about the organizations in each city who will distribute your gifts.

In Austin: Manos de Cristo

Since 1988, Manos de Cristo has been providing services for the homeless and working poor of Austin. During the pandemic the number of people seeking help at the Manos Food Pantry has quadrupled. And despite the pandemic, their dental clinic is working at 85% capacity with full PPE and disinfection protocols in place. Their educational classes are currently taking place online. Manos de Cristo continues to promote dignity and self-reliance among those less fortunate in Austin.

In Dallas: The Birthday Party Project

Pre-pandemic, the Birthday Party Project hosted monthly birthday parties at homeless and transitional living facilities in Dallas that brought families and the community together to make sure that children felt celebrated on their birthdays. As these gatherings are no longer possible during the pandemic, their newest program provides a “Birthday in a Bag” and a birthday gift for children on their birthday. Their aim is to bring joy and show that kids matter!

In Houston: Star of Hope Mission

For more than a century, the Star of Hope Mission has ministered to the greater Houston area, meeting the needs of nearly 1000 men, women and their children nightly. The Star of Hope community focuses on employment, life management, education, spiritual growth, and recovery from substance abuse. They work to end homelessness one family at a time. As a recipient of C.A.R.E.S. Act funds, the Star of Hope has been working to prevent homelessness by offering help with food, rent and utilities for those who qualify.

In San Antonio: The Children’s Shelter

Since 1901, the Children’s Shelter has provided emergency shelter and therapeutic, residential treatment for children in crisis. Their Family Strengthening programs teach nurturing parenting skills to vulnerable families and help them to overcome crises, while the Children’s Shelter’s mental health clinic provides trauma-sensitive therapeutic interventions for children who have suffered maltreatment.