Spread the Joy: Your Guide to Helping Tucson’s LGBTQ+ Community This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for warmth, connection and giving. In Tucson our vibrant LGBTQ+ community is supported by several dedicated non-profits who work year-round to provide vital services and they rely heavily on community generosity during this season of giving.

If you are looking for specific impactful ways to lend a hand, donate a gift or volunteer your time right here in Southern Arizona this guide spotlights the organizations that are making a real difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth families and seniors.

1. Supporting Families & Clients Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation SAAF

SAAF’s mission is broad, covering everything from HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment to social justice advocacy. Critically their annual holiday project focuses on directly supporting clients who are parents and the youth they serve.

SAAF’s “Family Day” Holiday Project

This annual event allows SAAF clients who are parents to select gifts for their children and vice versa. Your support directly provides a brighter holiday for families in need.

Top Needs for Direct Donation

• Teen Gift Cards – This is an especially high need area. Gift cards in $25 increments to places like Target, Best Buy or Bookman’s offer teens the dignity of choice.
• Gifts for Teens Ages 12–17 – Clothing jackets, books, purses, sports equipment/balls diaries/journals and board/card games.
• Gifts for Younger Children 6 months–11 years – Scooters skateboards action figures dolls building blocks sports equipment and books.
• Adult Gifts – Gift cards $25 increments books/DVDs or small appliances.

Contact for the Holiday Project Direct monetary or gift card donations are highly encouraged as they anticipate challenges collecting enough gifts for teen boys.

• Phone – 520.547.6136 (for the Holiday Project contact)
• Email – nmacdonald@saaf.org (or donations@saaf.org)
• Main Office – 375 S Euclid Ave Tucson AZ 85719

2. Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth one•n•ten

one•n•ten is dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 11–24 in Arizona providing safe spaces, supportive programs and resources that foster self-confidence and life skills.

InKind & Ongoing Resource Support

Your help is crucial in keeping their year-round resources fully stocked which makes a profound impact on youth who rely on the organization daily.

The Gender Affirming Closet Needs Monetary donations are currently prioritized for the Gender Affirming Closet to purchase size-specific items like binders and packers. Clothing donations are currently on hold due to spacing issues.

• Direct Monetary Donation Visit their website and note that the donation is for the Gender Affirming Closet.
• Gift Cards for Clothing/Shoes These are highly needed for size-inclusive purchasing.

Essential In-Kind Donations for Youth Programs

• Pantry & Food Items All types of beans chicken/tuna instant rice pancake/brownie/cake mix pasta sauce and peanut butter.
• Toiletries New and unused items like chest binders binding tape plus-size clothing tucking & packing items body wash deodorant new make-up tampons/pads and toothpaste.
• Household Items Laundry detergent paper towels trash bags and all-purpose cleaner.

3. Caring for Elders Southern Arizona Senior Pride

Southern Arizona Senior Pride is dedicated to providing community resources and connection to LGBTQI+ older adults 55+ often combating increased isolation during the holidays.

Connection & Financial Stability

Senior Pride focuses on vital programs that combat isolation and provide resources.

• Volunteer for Community Cares This program pairs volunteers with isolated or homebound seniors for regular check-ins and support. This requires a background check and specific training.
• Other Volunteer Areas Activity/Event Assistance Community Engagement Development (Fundraising/Grant Writing) and Administrative Assistance.
• Financial Donation Donations help fund their social gatherings, support groups and advocacy work ensuring older LGBTQ+ adults remain connected and visible.

Volunteer Application – To apply or inquire about volunteering including the Community Cares Program

• Visit their website’s Volunteer page and complete the application.
• Email volunteer@soazseniorpride.org for questions.

4. General Community Support LGBTQ+ Alliance Fund

If you are looking to support the broader Tucson community without choosing a specific focus, a gift to the LGBTQ+ Alliance Fund is an excellent choice. This fund provides grants to multiple local non-profits helping to sustain the entire network of LGBTQ+ services in the region.

Direct Donation

• Donate Online – Visit the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona website and search for the LGBTQ+ Alliance Fund to make a secure online donation.

Your next step is simple, find the organization that resonates most with you and visit their official website for the latest drop-off locations and immediate needs