Posted on 12/5/2022

5 Ways to Share the Holiday Spirit Near Topsail Island

5 Ways to Share the Holiday Spirit Near Topsail Island | Ward Realty

5 Ways to Donate to Charities and Local Nonprofits

The biggest holiday of the year is here, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate it than by giving back to those in need. The true spirit of Christmas is giving from the heart. We thought you would love these local charities in the Topsail Island area. You can donate food, money, or your time while you’re staying at your beach vacation rental this holiday season.

If you love kids and want to help the less fortunate this Christmas, look no further than the Toys for Tots program. For local donations, you can donate toys at the Surf City Community Center or the Surf City Town Hall until December 20th. 

If you’re unable to make a local donation they have a new program where you can donate virtually. It is like shopping online. Pick out the toy you’d like to donate from their list and add it to the box and pay for it online! They will make sure the toys make it to the right kids.

5 Ways to Share the Holiday Spirit Near Topsail Island | Ward Realty

Adopt a Turtle

If you love animals and want to donate to a local organization, check out the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue. They devote themselves to taking care of these beautiful animals. They have several ways you can donate. If you want to volunteer, they have several positions where they need your help. To see their full list of opportunities, check them out at Volunteer.

But you can also help a great deal by adopting a turtle and makes an excellent gift for a loved one. With your donation you’ll receive a photo of your turtle, an Adoption Certificate, information about your turtle’s species, and more. To learn more, check out their website and donate today!

Share the Table

This organization helps to make sure no one goes hungry over the holidays or any other day. They’ve been helping the Pender and Onslow counties since 2010. They provide free community meals, a food pantry, and their school backpack program.

You can make a monetary donation, donate to their food pantry, or even “adopt a shelf.” For the "adopt a shelf" program, you can sign up to provide a certain type of food each month. Then, deliver it when you have time. Help them keep their pantries stocked with canned goods and other pantry items.

If you want to help them by volunteering your time, they also have opportunities for that. Visit their website to find out more!

5 Ways to Share the Holiday Spirit Near Topsail Island | Ward Realty

Christmas in the Ferry

If you have goods to sell or want to see what others are selling, make sure to visit the Christmas in the Ferry event on December 9-10 in Sneads Ferry, NC. Enjoy Lighting of the Trees, a chili cook-off, and a candy tree decorating contest.  Get your picture with Santa, watch a theater performance from Ferry Tale Youth, and so much more!

All proceeds from this event will go to Dixon School’s unpaid lunches.

Paws 4 Purpose

If you love dogs and cats who end up in shelters throughout the year, consider giving to Paws 4 Purpose this year. They need your donations to help care for the many animals they’re trying to rehome.

Donations are helping them with several programs. Like, heartworm treatments, spay/neuter programs, and general shelter support. Their mission is to educate and help reduce domestic pet euthanasia numbers. North Carolina is currently third highest in the country behind California and Texas.

If you have space in your home and can take care of a pet, be sure to check out their adorable pets up for adoption! Or, if you’re not ready to adopt, consider becoming a foster fur parent! 

If you’re unable to adopt, you can still help by sharing their educational page. Help others in the community understand the dire situation pets are facing. You can also like them on Facebook and help them get the word out to save pets’ lives.


There are always ways to give back to communities. Even if it’s just visiting local businesses and helping them keep the heart of the community alive. We hope you’ll enjoy this list of ways to give back to the community and have a great holiday season this year.

5 Ways to Share the Holiday Spirit Near Topsail Island | Ward Realty

What's Your favorite way to help others over the holidays?

Let us know in the comments!

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