As the holiday season approaches, our community comes together to support local families in need through several giving programs located throughout Town.

Where to Find Giving Trees

Council on Aging The Council on Aging at the Ames Senior Center (1st floor of Town Hall) has set up a Mitten Tree as part of their annual project in partnership with the Dedham Housing Authority to give back to local seniors. We are humbled and grateful to say that as of December 3, the wishes on Mitten Tree have all been claimed! Thank you to all who jumped at this chance to give back to our local seniors.

• If you still wish to make a donation, the COA collects gift cards to Stop & Shop and Shaw's for those seniors who use the COA transportation services every week to do their grocery shopping.
  • Contact us at the Ames Senior Center (781-751-9495) if you have questions or if you would like to make a donation. Thank you!

Mitten Tree at the Council on Aging before all mittens were graciously claimed.

Dedham Public Libraries Stop by the Main Library Branch (43 Church Street) or the Endicott Branch (257 Mt. Vernon Street) to check out the new giving trees, designed to support local families, in partnership with the Dedham Food Pantry.

• Donate new winter apparel (such as hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and socks) at the Main Library or Endicott Branch during open hours.
• Every item you contribute will be hung on the library's Giving Trees, creating a beautiful, growing display of our community's generosity. Watch as the trees fill with warmth and color, a visible reminder of neighbors helping neighbors during this season of giving.
• All donations will benefit the Dedham Food Pantry, supporting local families in need.
• Your contribution matters—together, we can show what it means to be a community that shows up for one another!

Giving Tree at the Main Library (and one at the Endicott Branch, not shown) next to the program sign explaining that donations go to the Dedham Food Pantry and donations will help to fill the tree.

Donation Collection Boxes

Dedham Youth Commission Annual Holiday Giving Program: The Dedham Youth Commission is collecting new toys and gifts for Dedham children and teens. Donations of new items with tags, gift cards, and wrapping supplies are needed. Drop-off locations include Town Hall (1st and 2nd Floor), both Dedham Libraries, The Blue Bunny, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, The Village Manor, Public Safety Building, Dedham Community Theatre, and Dedham Savings on Elm Street. You also have the option to donate funds directly to the Youth Commission by visiting www.dedham-ma.gov/donate and select "Youth Commission Donation" from the donation type dropdown menu. 

Toy donation box at Town Hall; boxes are located on the first and second floors

Dedham Holiday Pet Food Drive: Dedham Animal Control, Play It Again Sports, Charley's Angels Pet Initiative, and the Dedham Food Pantry have partnered for a pet food drive running through December 24, 2025. Small bags of dry dog and cat food, small bags of pet treats, and canned pet food are needed (unopened items only). Drop off donations at Play It Again Sports, 606 Washington St. in Dedham Plaza.

Donations for Veterans In partnership with the Norfolk County Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Americorps Seniors, collection boxes are located inside the Ames Senior Center entrance (1st floor of Town Hall) to support local VA hospitals. Items always needed include toothbrushes, toothpaste, new sweatsuits (large sizes preferred), new undergarments, soap/bodywash/shampoo (3-in-1), alcohol free deodorant, handheld mirrors, shaving cream, backscratchers, personal fans, and reading glasses. This collection drive is running through New Year's Eve.

Donation box to collect items for local VA hospitals located inside the entrance to the Ames Senior Center (1st floor of Town Hall)

A Community United in Giving

As our neighbors celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the winter solstice, and other meaningful traditions, or simply embrace the spirit of the season, these giving trees and donation initiatives represent what Dedham does best: neighbors helping neighbors with generosity and compassion. These programs unite us around kindness and care, ensuring that everyone in our community feels supported and valued.

Thank you for your continued community spirit and generosity, Dedham!