Libraries launch annual clothing, toy and food drive

Donations of winter clothing, toys, non-perishable food and pet supplies can be dropped off at a number of campus locations to help make sure that community members have access to essentials during the holidays.

By Genevieve Wakutz November 28, 2025

A graphic featuring a wrapped present, greenery and pinecones. Text reads: Holiday Clothing, Toy and Food Drive.
Items collected in the holiday clothing, toy and food drive will benefit Empowerment Squared, the McMaster Students Union Food Collective Centre, the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, and Good Shepherd.

McMaster University Libraries and campus partners are launching this year’s holiday clothing, toy and food drive.

The annual initiative gathers donations from Nov. 24 to Dec. 17, to help local organizations ensure that members of the community have access to essentials during the holidays.

Donations may include new or lightly used winter clothing, new unwrapped toys and non-perishable food, as well as pet toys and supplies.

“Supporting one another is important in times like these, when everything is increasingly expensive and may be out of reach,” said Lynne Serviss, associate university librarian, User Services and Community Engagement.

“If you are able, we encourage you to consider helping a fellow community member get through the holidays.”

Donation bins are available at:

  • Mills Memorial Library
  • H.G. Thode Library of Science and Engineering
  • Chemistry & Chemical Biology (ABB 156)
  • La Piazza in the McMaster University Student Centre
  • Student Success Centre (GH 110)
  • Media Production Services (T34)
  • Commons at Centro
  • McMaster Campus Store
  • MacPherson Institute (Mills L504)

All proceeds will benefit Empowerment Squared, the McMaster Students Union Food Collective Centre, the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, and Good Shepherd.

The clothing, toy and food drive is organized by McMaster University Libraries, McMaster Campus Store, the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Hospitality Services, the MacPherson Institute, Media Production Services and the Student Success Centre.

For more information, contact library@mcmaster.ca.

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