ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio –– ‘Tis the season to give thanks, and give back. We’ve compiled a list of local toy and gift drives, fundraisers, in-person events, and other opportunities to support neighbors in Athens County this winter.
Did we miss something? Email info@athensindependent.com with additions!
Food drive drop-offs
- Jackie O’s Brewery: Through November, collecting canned goods and hygiene products for Southeast Ohio Food Bank. Monetary donations are also accepted. Jackie O’s Public House, 22 W. Union St., Athens.
- Athens County Independent Pints for the Press night: Collecting canned goods and hygiene products for Athens County Food Pantry 5–8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8. Casa Nueva & Cantina, 6 W. State St., Athens.
- Athena Cinema Holiday Film Series. Featuring screenings of holiday films on: Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13, and 20. Showtimes vary. Admission to each show is a non-perishable food item or monetary donation to support local food pantries. 20 S. Court St., Athens.
Take care of seniors
- HAPCAP Secret Santa for Super Seniors: Donate gifts to seniors who receive Meals on Wheels through Dec. 1. Donate online or in person at HAPCAP Glouster Office.
- Holiday meal boxes for seniors: United Seniors of Athens is delivering shelf-stable holiday meal boxes to seniors in our community. If you or someone you know could use one, call 740-594-3535.
Gift an experience
- Factory Street Studio: Donate $50 to provide a child a month of dance class.
Toy and gift drives
- Joy of Toys by Athens County Sheriff’s Office. Drop off new, unopened toys at Don Wood Toyota during business hours. 900 East State Street, Athens.
- Santa Tree Project by Athens County Children’s Services. Pull an ornament from the tree at the Market on State, shop for a specific child, and drop gifts back off. Online list available. Checks also accepted (‘Friends of Athens County Children Services’ at P.O. Box 1046 Athens, OH 45701.
- Warm Fingers and Toes Drive. Bring gloves, hats, scarves, socks in children’s and adult sizes. Hocking County Children’s Chorus, music room, 44 E. Main St.,
Live events
Saturday, Nov. 29
- 9 a.m.–1 p.m.: The Plains Volunteer Fire Department Fill the Boot Toy Drive. Monetary donations accepted. Multiple locations along East State Street.
Wednesday, Dec. 3
- All day: Hip Hop Shop Holiday Toy Drive. Drop off new, unopened toys during business hours. The Union, 18 W. Union St., Athens.
Saturday, Dec. 6
- 9 a.m.–2 p.m.: Basketball Skills Clinic and Toy Drive. Clinic for kids grades 3–6; bring a new, unwrapped toy (valued at $10 or more) as registration. Donations support Athens County Children’s Services. Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens.
- The Birth Circle’s 3rd Annual Toy Swap. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Bring coats and toys in gift-able condition for a 1:1 swap. Donate tickets to families without toys to swap. The Market on State, 1002 E. State St., Athens.
- 3–6 p.m.: Gwen’s Magical Toy Drive-Thru & Gathering. Collecting toys for Athens County Children Services and Meigs County Job & Family Services. Drop-offs welcome during business hours before the event, or day-of; online and Venmo donations welcome. Jackie O’s Taproom & Production Brewery, 25 Campbell St., Athens.
- 5–8 p.m.: Annual Holiday Toy Drive with Fat Head’s Brewery. Collecting new toy donations to benefit Joys of Toys with the Athens County Sheriff’s Department; $1 of every pint of Fat Head’s sold will go to Joys of Toys. Eclipse Company Store, 11309 Jackson Drive, The Plains.
Monday, Dec. 8
- Athens County Independent Pints for the Press night: Collecting canned goods and hygiene products for Athens County Food Pantry 5–8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8. Casa Nueva & Cantina, 6 W. State St., Athens.
- 10 a.m.–noon: Nelsonville Dog Park holiday pet picture fundraising event, Hocking College Boarding & Grooming facility, 222 Myers St., Nelsonville. $5. Proceeds support the dog park.
