BLOG

New Toy and Kids' Book Drive for 2024!

For the 13th 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 that distribute the gifts are very grateful for the donations.

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 from November 14th through December 8th. 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 – Bryan's House; in Houston – Star of Hope Mission; and in San Antonio – The Children's Bereavement Center of South Texas.

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 at the register. They must be redeemed in separate transactions at Whole Earth brick-and-mortar stores.

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

In Austin Manos de Cristo

Since 1988, Manos de Cristo has empowered low-income Austinites with a loving hand of assistance and without regard to age, gender, race, or religious preference. Manos de Cristo promotes dignity and self-reliance by meeting basic needs with their food pantry and clothing as emergency assistance to the community. They also provide essential oral care for over 6,000 individuals a year, as well as offering adult education classes for using computers, English as a Second Language, and Citizenship. The Back-to-School program for children provides over 2,000 children each year with clothing, backpacks, and school supplies, so they can focus on learning and feel equal to other children who are more fortunate.

In Dallas Bryan's House

Serving North Texas for over 30 years, Bryan's House serves children with medical or developmental needs and their families by providing specialized childcare, respite care, and social services. To accomplish their mission, they use two umbrella programs: direct onsite programs and offsite programs. Onsite programs include early childhood education, respite care, after-school, summer and holiday programs, and collaborative therapy. Offsite programs include home case management, basic needs services (food, clothing, and shelter), referrals to community services, and crisis intervention. 

In Houston Star of Hope

The Star of Hope began its life-changing work in 1907. They minister to the greater Houston area, meeting the needs of more than 1,000 men, women, and their children nightly at several locations. The Star of Hope community focuses on employment, life management, education, spiritual growth, and recovery from substance abuse. They work to end homelessness one life, one family at a time. The organization helps them progress towards independent living by providing mental, physical, and spiritual health services with on-site permanent supportive housing in a walkable campus environment that is located near convenient public transportation. The Star of Hope is assisted in their work by more than 7,300 volunteers.

In San Antonio Children's Bereavement Center of South Texas

Founded in 1997, the Children's Bereavement Center of South Texas was established to help children and families grieving the death of a loved one. They are devoted to addressing the bereavement needs of children from every culture and social circumstance to help them heal and move forward. The Center believes that each person’s journey through grief is unique and therefore deserving of a distinctive approach. Their goal is to help children and their caregivers understand the depth of their grief, stabilize and preserve family relationships, and develop healthy coping skills after the death of a loved one. The Children's Bereavement Center has now opened a branch in Uvalde to help families touched by the tragedy that unfolded there.