If you hate getting caught up in all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday craziness then look no further than the donation drive taking place December 1st from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the Scott Block Theatre on Little Gaetz for Giving Tuesday.

“Giving Tuesday is a global movement which really focuses on giving...It’s really important to reflect and think about what we can do for our community,” said Mitchell Danser, Communications and Engagement Coordinator for Turning Point.

This year, Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer has formally recognized Giving Tuesday.

Turning Point has partnered with Volunteer Central, Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce, and the Red Deer and District Community Foundation for a Giving Tuesday donation drive. Together the organizations are hoping to collect small travel-sized items give back to those experiencing homelessness or those in need as well as donations for local charities. 

“It's small travel items just because we don't want anything that's too heavy or cumbersome, that's maybe not able for our clients to carry because some things are a little bit too big,” said Danser.

Here’s a list of things you can donate:

  • Small Tissue Packages
  • Travel Size Toothpaste
  • Tooth brushes
  • Masks
  • Hand warmers
  • Feet Warmers
  • Warm Socks
  • Mittens
  • $5 Coffee Cards
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Large Ziploc bags

However, you are not limited to those items. Danser says they’ve seen quite a few people enjoy coffee cards in the past but also people are welcome to think outside of the box.

“Watches, notebooks, bags, coffee mugs—those are all things that we don't really think about, but they can be almost life changing for somebody who is in this situation or lives on the street,” said Danser.

Overall, the organizations hope to help in whatever capacity they can to make the winter, pandemic, and simply life easier for those in unfortunate circumstances.