MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) As the Monadnock Region rolls into the heart of the holiday season, local organizations, volunteers, and neighbors are once again proving just how generous this community can be. From toy drives and blood donations to warm winter clothing and festive fundraisers, residents across southwest New Hampshire and nearby Windham County are stepping up to support one another — ensuring the season feels brighter for everyone.

Here are just a few standout ways to give back this season, as the Monadnock Region fills with opportunities to share kindness and support neighbors in need.

Running for a Cause: Ugly Sweater Run/Walk Benefits the Community Kitchen

Keene’s annual Ugly Sweater Run/Walk is back on Saturday, Dec. 6, bringing holiday fun and a meaningful mission to the Community Kitchen on Mechanic Street. While the event is free, organizers ask participants to bring nonperishable food items or a monetary donation to help stock the Kitchen’s shelves during one of the busiest times of the year.

The morning kicks off with 9 a.m. registration and a 9:30 a.m. start. Participants are encouraged to sport their most outrageous holiday sweaters, with a prize awaiting the “ugliest” creation. Items most needed this season include sliced and gluten-free breads, canned meats, shelf-stable milks, canned meals, cereal, juice boxes, and kid-friendly snacks.

Holiday treats to share are also welcome — all part of fostering a festive and communal spirit.

A Simple Tag, A Big Impact: Giving Trees Spread Cheer Across Keene

Two beloved Keene traditions — the Keene Family YMCA’s Giving Tree and Brewbakers Café’s annual holiday giving tree — are once again connecting local families with neighbors eager to help.

The YMCA’s tree, which received requests from more than 100 families this year, invites community members to grab a tag representing a child or family’s wish. Gifts should be returned unwrapped by Dec. 5, ensuring volunteers have time to distribute everything before the holidays.

At Brewbakers Café on Emerald Street, the giving tree supports children served by KHKC, a nonprofit connected to Keene Housing and Southwest Community Services. Shoppers can choose a tag, purchase gifts from a provided wish list, wrap them, and return them with original tags by Dec. 13. Donations are also accepted for those who prefer to let Brewbakers’ volunteers do the shopping.

Both programs emphasize dignity, joy, and the importance of community members looking out for one another.

A Warm Winter Ahead: Kids in Coats Fund Helps Families Stay Safe

Across the river in Windham County, the United Way of Windham County continues its annual Kids in Coats campaign. The initiative began in 2015 to ensure children from infancy through sixth grade have access to essential winter gear — coats, hats, mittens, socks, snow pants, and scarves.

Since its inception, the program has distributed more than $130,000 directly to local Supervisory Unions, which work with families to determine the most effective use of the funds. With a 2024 fundraising goal of $15,000, the program has already surpassed $10,000 thanks to strong community support. Donations can be made online, by mail, or directly through the United Way office.

Holiday Helpers: Wrapping Gifts to Support Greyhounds

Fast Friends Greyhound Adoption Center in Swanzey is again offering its popular Gift Wrapping Fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Volunteers will transform holiday gifts into beautifully wrapped packages in exchange for a donation of any amount. Funds help care for retired racing greyhounds as they await adoption.

Shoppers can choose from a variety of gift wrap options or bring their own. The center, located across from Market Basket, welcomes walk-ins throughout the event.

Giving the Gift of Life: Red Cross Blood Drive at Keene Public Library

On Friday, Dec. 12, from 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m., the Keene Public Library will host a holiday blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross. Donors of all blood types are welcome, and those with type O, A-, or B- blood are encouraged to consider a Power Red donation — a process that helps hospitals receive more concentrated red blood cells.

Appointments can be made through RedCrossBlood.org using the code KEENE.

Toys for Tots Broadcast & Toy Drive at Walier Chevrolet

One of the region’s most anticipated giving traditions returns Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 6–10 a.m., when radio host Dan Mitchell broadcasts live from Walier Chevrolet on Winchester Street. Special guests — including Wally Reny, local leaders, and performers from the Greater Keene Pops Choir — will join the festivities.

Community members are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys anytime between now and Dec. 9. All donations stay in Cheshire County to support local children through Toys for Tots.

More holiday features can be found in our Holiday Guide at MyKeeneNow.com — your source for hyper-local stories throughout the season.