5 Nonprofits Collecting Holiday Donations

While many of us may be fortunate enough to have our holiday wishlists include iPads and new clothes and other non-necessities, some people have to hold out hope for a hot meal and a place to sleep every single day. The holidays shouldn't be the only time we look for ways to help the less fortunate, but they are still a great time to do so. Here are some local charities and non-profits to help those in need:

: Operation Homedrive will be using Dollar Tree as a local headquarters for its toy drive. The Operation collects toys for military families.

: Volunteers from the League for Animal Protection of Huntington will be on-hand at the East Northport Barnes & Noble. For a donation that will benefit the League's pets, they will wrap your gift.

: Gather your friends and family -- Santa and his elves, Rudolph, and Frosty the Snowman are coming to town. If you have at least 15 children, the holiday gang will stop at your location. Be sure to have some cookies and cocoa for the travelers.

Toys Of Hope: Huntington-based Toys Of Hope collects all sorts of necessities for homeless children and their families. During the holidays, they gear their efforts towards toys and fun things.

: A spare can of food can help feed a hungry person. Long Island Cares is looking for as many spare cans of food as possible, and for volunteers to sort and hand out the food, too.