The season of giving is almost here, and plenty of Baton Rouge neighbors could use a little extra. These three local organizations make it easy to help.

## Fill the toy closet at Capital Area CASA

CASA volunteers are trained community members appointed by a judge to speak up for the best interests of abused and neglected children in foster care. Capital Area CASA has served more than 4,000 children in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Each Christmas, CASA stocks its shelves with new, donated toys and gifts so volunteers can "shop" for their CASA child. Each child gets four to five gifts, with free gift wrapping. You can help by buying from the CASA Amazon toy wishlist, which ships right to the office at 848 Louisiana Ave. Donations are accepted through Dec. 7. Please send new, unwrapped toys only.

## Stock the shelves at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank

The Food Bank has served an 11-parish area for 40 years. Its most-needed items include canned vegetables, fruit and soup, rice, pasta, dried beans, peanut butter, flour, corn meal and breakfast bars or cereal. Any nonperishable helps.

Prefer to give your time? Volunteers sign up online, create a profile and sign a waiver before their shift at 10600 S. Choctaw Drive. Wear closed-toe shoes, because the warehouse isn't climate controlled.

## Serve a meal with St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge has served the area since 1865. Its Dining Room serves free hot meals every day of the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas included, and holiday volunteers are needed on the serving line.

The nonprofit's holiday season also includes the Neighbors Helping Neighbors food drive and the Santa Shop, where parents choose donated toys for their kids. Dates and registration for 2026 are coming soon on its website.

## Start now

Pick one, grab a friend and start a new holiday tradition. A can of soup, an hour of your time or one toy goes a long way here at home.

Photo courtesy of Capital Area CASA.