Most of the families we have assisted have told us- They would not have had a Christmas at all, if not for our program.
Items We are Collecting:
Toys & Gifts Baby Supplies Clothing & Shoes Toiletries
Household Products Food Pet Supplies X-Mas Decor Gift Wrapping Supplies
Electronics Gift Cards Winter Coats Special Requests Art & School Supplies
Toys & Gifts Baby Supplies Clothing & Shoes Toiletries
Household Products Food Pet Supplies X-Mas Decor Gift Wrapping Supplies
Electronics Gift Cards Winter Coats Special Requests Art & School Supplies
New & Gently Used Toys for babies & children
Toys for children age birth-teen are ALWAYS needed, especially new, (unwrapped) toys. We do accept gently used toys, but we ask that they be clean, complete, and be gift-quality.
Toys commonly requested:
Toys for children age birth-teen are ALWAYS needed, especially new, (unwrapped) toys. We do accept gently used toys, but we ask that they be clean, complete, and be gift-quality.
Toys commonly requested:
Common Requests by Girls
Common Requests by Boys
Common Requests for Babies & Toddlers
- Baby Dolls (Baby Alive and similar dolls are very popular). We also get many requests for doll clothes and accessories.
- 18" Dolls (American Girl Dolls, Journey Girls (Toys R Us), Our Generation (Target), My Life (Walmart), clothing for these dolls, accessory sets, furniture, etc)
- Disney Princess themed Toys (Dolls, Playsets, Dress ups, etc)
- Barbie Dolls, Barbie Clothing, Playsets & accessories. (Barbies in any style, especially ethnic dolls, dolls with accessories/pets/etc.)
- Board Games (Preferably new) (Family-friendly games are very useful for a wide-variety of ages. Sorry, Connect 4, Rubick's Race, Catan, Cards Against Humanity, Pop the Pig, Soggy Doggy, Greedy Grandma, Etc etc.)
- Lego Sets (Friends, Elves, Disney & Creator Themes)
- Toys Based on Video Games (Toys based on popular games like Fortnite, Minecraft & Roblox are in HIGH demand)
- PJ Masks (All playsets and figures)
- Imaginext (Disney-themed)
- Melissa & Doug (All playsets -especially play food sets)
- Disney-Themed (Any toys based on Disney shows, movies, etc - dolls, play sets, action figures, dress-up kits, etc) Especially FROZEN, Mickey/Minnie, Vampirina, Toy Story, Lion King, etc)
- Nickelodeon-Themed Toys (All toys based on Nick shows like Paw Patrol, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Peppa Pig, Shimmer & Shine, etc)
- Fur-Real Friends (Various electronic animals/pets)
- Science, Art & Craft Kits (All types)
Common Requests by Boys
- Toys Based on Video Games (Toys based on popular games like Fortnite, Minecraft & Roblox are in HIGH demand)
- Lego Sets (Any size, age range, theme, etc.)
- Nerf (Any Nerf products are great for a wide age-range of kids)
- Board Games (Preferably new) (Family-friendly games are very useful for a wide-variety of ages. Sorry, Connect 4, Rubick's Race, Catan, Cards Against Humanity, Pop the Pig, Soggy Doggy, Greedy Grandma, Etc etc.)
- Disney-Themed (Any toys based on Disney shows, movies, etc - dolls, play sets, action figures, dress-up kits, etc) Especially FROZEN, Mickey/Minnie, Vampirina, Toy Story, Lion King, etc)
- Nickelodeon-Themed Toys (All toys based on Nick shows like Paw Patrol, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Peppa Pig, Shimmer & Shine, etc)
- Matchbox & Hot Wheels (All track Sets, Vehicles, etc)
- PJ Masks (All playsets and figures)
- Imaginext (All playsets and figures, especially Super Heros & Disney-themed)
- Science, Art & Craft Kits (All types)
Common Requests for Babies & Toddlers
- Baby Toys (All learn & play style Fisher Price, V-Tech, Leap Frog, Bright Starts - teething toys should be new only please)
- Baby-Safe Stuffed Animals (New Only Please) - All types of animals or dolls that are safe for young children with no hard parts, no removable buttons or beads, etc.
- Baby Dolls (Baby Alive and similar dolls are very popular). We also get many requests for doll clothes and accessories.
- Fisher Price Little People Playsets (All playsets and figures, especially Disney-themed)
- Ride-On toys (Push-power ride on toys are especially popular.)
QUALITY over QUANTITY
Please Remember- Kids from families in need enjoy the same great toys, popular characters & current things that *ALL* kids do. If you're going to buy something new - it's better to buy one $10 toy than ten $1-store items. The focus is always better on QUALITY over QUANTITY. Many of these families have limited space, some have struggled with homelessness or have moved multiple times. If you aren't sure what to get - pick any classic toy from the list above, as these items are ALWAYS requested & ALWAYS appreciated.
Please Note: We do not need stuffed animals with the exception of popular current characters such as Paw Patrol, Disney Characters, Build-A-Bear, SpongeBob, etc. We have a large number of generic stuffed animals remaining from previous years as we try to limit each family to one stuffed animal per child.
Please Remember- Kids from families in need enjoy the same great toys, popular characters & current things that *ALL* kids do. If you're going to buy something new - it's better to buy one $10 toy than ten $1-store items. The focus is always better on QUALITY over QUANTITY. Many of these families have limited space, some have struggled with homelessness or have moved multiple times. If you aren't sure what to get - pick any classic toy from the list above, as these items are ALWAYS requested & ALWAYS appreciated.
Please Note: We do not need stuffed animals with the exception of popular current characters such as Paw Patrol, Disney Characters, Build-A-Bear, SpongeBob, etc. We have a large number of generic stuffed animals remaining from previous years as we try to limit each family to one stuffed animal per child.
Clothing & Shoes
New & Gently Used clothing and shoes in all sizes are needed, including Maternity Clothing for pregnant mothers.
Please Note: We do not have a great need for FORMAL clothing / suits unless specifically requested by a family. Any clothing that is extremely out of date/style - or is unneeded in the sizes/amounts donated, will be re-donated to other local charities at the end of the season. Clothing that is stained/damaged or that comes from a smoking or pet homes that requires significant cleaning may be destroyed- We are unable to use/give clothing that has heavy odor of perfume, smoke or significant pet hair. We do accept children's clothing that shows signs of reasonable wear.
New & Gently Used clothing and shoes in all sizes are needed, including Maternity Clothing for pregnant mothers.
Please Note: We do not have a great need for FORMAL clothing / suits unless specifically requested by a family. Any clothing that is extremely out of date/style - or is unneeded in the sizes/amounts donated, will be re-donated to other local charities at the end of the season. Clothing that is stained/damaged or that comes from a smoking or pet homes that requires significant cleaning may be destroyed- We are unable to use/give clothing that has heavy odor of perfume, smoke or significant pet hair. We do accept children's clothing that shows signs of reasonable wear.
Needed for Babies & Toddlers
Needed for Kids
Needed for Teens
** Last year we were SEVERELY under-supplied with donations of clothing for teenage boys & adult men: We VERY MUCH need *good condition* clothing for boys and men - especially in sizes XL, XXL, XXXL **
Needed for Women
Needed for Men
** Last year we were SEVERELY under-supplied with donations of clothing for teenage boys & adult men: We VERY MUCH need *good condition* clothing for boys and men - especially in sizes XL, XXL, XXXL **
- Onesies (Newborn -24 months) - both genders and unisex colors
- Pajama Sets, Sleep Sacks, Sleep Snap-Ups
- Christmas Outfits (All sizes newborn - 2T)
- All clothing in sizes newborn - 24 months
- Shoes in new & gently used condition (newborn - toddler)
- Warm zip-up one-piece "coats" for babies in sizes up to 24months.
Needed for Kids
- Jeans, Leggings, Athletic Wear, Sweat Pants (Especially Play clothes)
- Character-Themed t-shirts
- Long Sleeve T-shirts, button down shirts
- Hoodies / Zip-Up Sweatshirts
- Pajama Pants, Pajama Sets
- Christmas Outfits (All sizes 3T-10/12)
- Shoes in new & gently used condition (All kids sizes)
Needed for Teens
** Last year we were SEVERELY under-supplied with donations of clothing for teenage boys & adult men: We VERY MUCH need *good condition* clothing for boys and men - especially in sizes XL, XXL, XXXL **
- Jeans, Athletic Wear & Sweat Pants
- Requests are often made for new clothing / gift cards for popular brands such as Nike, GAP, Aerie, American Eagle, Forever 21, North Face, H&M, Hollister, Aeropostale, Abercrombie & Fitch, Adidas, Rue 21, Polo, True Religion, Etc)
- Pajama Pants, pajama sets, snuggly warm socks
- Socks (New Only Please- both boys and girls)
- Underwear & Bras (New Only Please- Most teen boys request boxer briefs, most girls request boy shorts, hipsters, full-cut etc.)
- Shoes in adult sizes - New, name-brand shoes are often main requests made by teens- most requested sizes are 7, 8 & 9 in women's, 9, 10, 11 & 12 in men'. (Work Boots & Sneakers for teenage boys were especially short on these in years past).
Needed for Women
- Socks - Ankle socks, athletic styles, etc.(New Only Please)
- Underwear & Bras (New Only Please)
- Jeans
- Solid-color or striped t-shirts / polo shirts, button-downs, and dress shirts in medium, large, XL & XXL+
- Shoes in adult sizes (Most requested sizes are 7 - 10.5 in women's)
- Pajama Pants, pajama sets, snuggly warm socks
- Sweat Pants / Yoga Pants / Lounge-wear are most requested
- Hoodies & Sweatshirts in all sizes are HIGHLY requested - by nearly every family.
Needed for Men
** Last year we were SEVERELY under-supplied with donations of clothing for teenage boys & adult men: We VERY MUCH need *good condition* clothing for boys and men - especially in sizes XL, XXL, XXXL **
- Good condition work clothing for men (jeans & work-pants in a variety of sizes. Check each family for specific sizes needed- but we will accept clothing in any size.)
- Socks- Especially large packs of white socks (New Only Please)
- Underwear (New Only Please- Most requests are made for boxer briefs & boxer shorts)
- Solid-color or striped t-shirts / polo shirts, button-downs, and dress shirts for men and women.
- Jeans (especially waist sizes OVER 36")
- Shoes in adult sizes (Most requested sizes are 9-12 in men's)
- Work Boots and Sneakers for teenage boys and men. (We were especially short on these in years past).
- Hoodies & Sweatshirts in all sizes are HIGHLY requested - by nearly every family.
In 2017, a woman donated two dozen BEAUTIFUL handmade knit hats they had made that were cool, funky tye-dye colors - they were a huge hit. I was given one of these hats as well, and I've been wearing it for two winters- all winter long!
Christmas Decor & Supplies
We are always in need of artificial trees (both miniature and 6' & 7' tall)- working Christmas lights & outdoor (yard) decor as well as good quality ornaments & balls.
(Remember- some families that we help have lost everything and have NOTHING - they may be starting over and may have nothing to decorate for the holidays. Families last year were thrilled to get a mixture of plain colored balls & fun ornaments that we sourced from thrift stores - we were able to find lots of great things for very low prices.).
We are always in need of artificial trees (both miniature and 6' & 7' tall)- working Christmas lights & outdoor (yard) decor as well as good quality ornaments & balls.
(Remember- some families that we help have lost everything and have NOTHING - they may be starting over and may have nothing to decorate for the holidays. Families last year were thrilled to get a mixture of plain colored balls & fun ornaments that we sourced from thrift stores - we were able to find lots of great things for very low prices.).
The Families Need:
- Christmas Decorations for the home (If anything is fragile, please mark it and protect it- we will be sorting and moving a LOT of things and don't want anything to get crushed, broken or ruined.)
- Christmas Lights (new or used in good condition).
- Christmas tree decorations & ornaments - new, used, etc - We usually go to local thrift stores to find collections of ornaments for the families that need them. Tree toppers as well. The families who requested ornaments were thrilled to get a collection of various things - both plain colored balls and lots of ornaments that ranged from vintage and handmade ornaments, to modern, cute ornaments of popular kids characters. All the ornaments we collected were REALLY cherished and the families said they will be keeping and bringing them out year after year to remember their special Christmas with our help). We welcome handmade ornaments if your kids want to make some!
- Household Christmas decor in good condition (Indoor & Outdoor)
- Christmas signage or wreathes
- Christmas Stockings
- Christmas cards & Stamps
- Artificial Christmas trees
- Elf on the Shelf w/ Book
Gift Wrapping Supplies
If every donor chips in just ONE roll of tape and wrapping paper, we will have PLENTY to go around by delivery time!
If every donor chips in just ONE roll of tape and wrapping paper, we will have PLENTY to go around by delivery time!
The Families Need:
- Wrapping Paper - Even left-over partial rolls are extremely helpful!
- Gift Bags & Tissue Paper (All sizes)
- Gift Boxes (Small/decorative)
- Gift Boxes (specifically for clothing)
- Christmas Cards & Envelopes
- Stamps (Many families are unable to send cards to friends and family as they can't afford to mail them)
- Ribbons & Bows
- Gift tags (To/From tags)
Baby Supplies
Diapers in ALL sizes are VERY MUCH needed each year. In the past, we have run out of size 3,4 & 5 diapers quickly. If you have any questions about weather or not one of the families could use specific baby-equipment, please text Kristie at any time. We have several families who have pregnant family members, so we have many families who could benefit from just about any baby-equipment in good condition. You can text Kristie at 856 685 6217 with any questions.
Diapers in ALL sizes are VERY MUCH needed each year. In the past, we have run out of size 3,4 & 5 diapers quickly. If you have any questions about weather or not one of the families could use specific baby-equipment, please text Kristie at any time. We have several families who have pregnant family members, so we have many families who could benefit from just about any baby-equipment in good condition. You can text Kristie at 856 685 6217 with any questions.
Needed Baby Supplies:
- Diapers & Pull-ups (all sizes and brands - open /partially unused packs are fine!)
- Baby Food (all stages - boxed and jars)
- Baby shampoo & tear-free baby-wash
- Breast-feeding supplies (storage bags, pads, nursing bras, pumps, etc)
- Formula- all brands and types - as long as its new/unopened and non-expired
- Baby Wipes
- (New/Unused Only) Baby Bottles & Teething Products
- Baby Books (new & gently used)
- Baby Toys ( New & Like-New Only Please)
- Bumbo-Style seats / Bouncers / Tummy-Time Play-mats
- Infant-safe toys
- Crib Sheets
- Foldable Pack & Play
- Strollers (Foldable - both standard and umbrella-style)
- Car Seats (In New & like-new condition- must be within the seat's expiration date. We receive requests for both booster & infant style seats, and especially grow-with-baby style seats that work for many years.) These can often be found on clearance for under $50 at stores like Target. The gift of a new, SAFE car seat is giving the gift of SAFETY.)
Household Products / Cleaning Supplies
(NEW, unopened items only please)
These products are extremely popular requests because they are necessary to care for one's home and family and yet Food Stamps, WIC & many food pantry programs often do not assist with these extremely necessary, but often expensive products. Please consider donating a handful of these items, even just an extra pack of toilet paper goes a long way for families who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. We use some of the financial donations made each year to make up for the lack of donations necessary to help the families appropriately.
(NEW, unopened items only please)
These products are extremely popular requests because they are necessary to care for one's home and family and yet Food Stamps, WIC & many food pantry programs often do not assist with these extremely necessary, but often expensive products. Please consider donating a handful of these items, even just an extra pack of toilet paper goes a long way for families who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. We use some of the financial donations made each year to make up for the lack of donations necessary to help the families appropriately.
Household Cleaning Products:
- Batteries (All types- especially AA & AAA)
- Smoke Detectors / Carbon Monoxide Detectors / Fire Extinguishers
- Laundry detergent, Fabric Softener, Color-safe Bleach & Anti-Static Sheets
- Dish detergent (Liquid and Powder)
- Hand-soap (Antibacterial)
- Air Freshener (Plug-in and Sprays)
- Household cleaning supplies- Sponges, Magic Eraser, Mops, Swiffer & Swiffer Sheets
- Cleaning Sprays like Windex, Clorox, Tilex, Lysol, Kaboom, Scrubbing Bubbles, Toilet bowl cleaner
- Bleach
- **Paper Products such as Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Napkins, Paper Plates, etc.**
Toiletries
(NEW, unopened items only please)
These products are all necessary for every household, and every person in each household. We provide each family with at least one month's worth of basic toiletries. Teens & adults often make requests for gifts that would also fit into this category, so gift sets, mixed gift baskets, packaged holidays sets, etc are extremely popular and make great donations. We also especially appreciate large bulk purchases for those of you who have memberships to bulk clubs like Sams, BJs and Costco- as your donations often enable us to help multiple families from a single product purchase!
(NEW, unopened items only please)
These products are all necessary for every household, and every person in each household. We provide each family with at least one month's worth of basic toiletries. Teens & adults often make requests for gifts that would also fit into this category, so gift sets, mixed gift baskets, packaged holidays sets, etc are extremely popular and make great donations. We also especially appreciate large bulk purchases for those of you who have memberships to bulk clubs like Sams, BJs and Costco- as your donations often enable us to help multiple families from a single product purchase!
The Families Need:
- Soap (bars, and liquid body-soaps as well as pump-style hand soaps)
- Shampoo & Conditioner (for all hair types)
- Body Lotions & Moisturizers
- Hair Brushes, Combs, & Hair-Care Products, Hair Dryers, Straightening Irons, Curling Irons, Hair Ties
- Makeup & Make-up kits & Makeup Brushes/Sponges/Etc
- Nail Polish & Nail-Care Kits
- Make-up Remover
- Face-wash and Acne Products
- Body Spray
- Body Wash/Shower Gel
- Deodorant (Spray and Roll-on)
- Toothbrushes & Toothpaste (for kids and adults)
- Boxes of Tissues & Paper Towels, T. P.
- Feminine Hygiene Products - Pads, Tampons, Liners, etc. *These are requested by nearly every family and are a huge help* - remember, we get lots of pre-teen and teens!)
Requests for Pre-Teens & Teenagers
Because teenagers typically want items that are more expensive - it's more difficult to provide for families with teens. We really appreciate any effort made to help us with these families as we get many more requests for help than we are able to fulfill each year. Here are some suggestions of donations that make it much easier for us to help families with teenagers.
Because teenagers typically want items that are more expensive - it's more difficult to provide for families with teens. We really appreciate any effort made to help us with these families as we get many more requests for help than we are able to fulfill each year. Here are some suggestions of donations that make it much easier for us to help families with teenagers.
- Gift Cards in any amount to fast food places, online retailers, Walmart/Target, restaurants, etc. Have a gift card that you don't plan on using? Donate it to one of the families in need who will make the most of it! Remember - the gift of an ACTIVITY is always appreciated. Gift certificates and free tickets to movie theaters, or the opportunity to go have a meal with friends can be a really big deal.
- Batteries.
- Candles & Room Scent Warmers(Especially decorative or jar candles) & Air-freshener products (Like Scentsy, Warmers, Glade plug-ins, etc etc)
- Pajama Pants or Pajama Sets
- Headphones / Earbuds are always a popular request.
- Soft/Fuzzy Blankets, Throws & Pillows (These were especially popular and both the kids and adults were VERY excited about them.)
- New packages of Socks & Underwear
- Art Supplies - Packs of pens,colored pencils, paints, markers, journals, notebooks, Sharpie markers, school supplies, adult coloring books, blank drawing pads, etc.
- Craft Kits designed for older kids and adults.
- Purses, backpacks and water bottles in nice/new condition.
- Video Games for any system (We will contact the families to find out if they have a system available, and if so, what kind).
- Body-Product gift sets especially toiletries, lotions etc. These gift-kits very useful and work for a wide-range of the teens we help serve. Small but nice pre-packaged items from Bath & Body Works, LUSH, Walmart , etc often have a wide-range of themed gift kits and gift baskets that are generally under $20 - such as Makeup & Food-themed gift sets. These are often a big hit with teenagers.
- New/Complete Board Games or Card Games (Especially Settlers of Catan, Cards Against Humanity, Exploding Kittens & other party-style games.)
- Make-up & Make-up brushes: (We need both the products designed for teens & adults as well as the cute "play make-up" kits aimed at younger kids with peel-off nail polish, make-your-own nail polish and eye shadows. Individual items were popular requests including concealer, compacts, mascara, eye shadows & eye shadow pallets. Chapsticks, lip glosses, nail polish, nail stickers and nail polish kits as well as polish-remover and polish remover pads are very popular. Also, make-up removers, face-wash). Several families reported that their daughters were INCREDIBLY excited about the make-up products they received. Also great are any kind of Facial treatments, skin masks, spa kits, etc.
School Supplies, Art Supplies & Craft Kits
Art supplies are useful for kids of ALL ages, all the way through adults. We rarely have any supplies left at the end of the season as they are typically requested by most of the families.
Art supplies are useful for kids of ALL ages, all the way through adults. We rarely have any supplies left at the end of the season as they are typically requested by most of the families.
- Coloring Books (For both kids & adults- adult coloring books have been a popular request for several years by teens.)
- Activity Books (Sodoku, Crossword Puzzles, Word Searches, mazes, etc)
- Craft Kits (All-supplies included kits in the toy section)
- Markers & Marker Sets
- Play-Doh & Play-Doh Kits
- Slime-Making Kits
- Learn-to-Draw books and kits
- Colored Pencils, Colored Pencil Sets
- Water Color Paint Sets, Acrylic Paints & Paint Brushes
- Sketch Books, Construction Paper, Art Paper, notebooks
- School Supplies (Binders, notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, locker supplies, etc)
- Book-bags & Lunch Kits
- Easels & Blank Art Canvasses
Winter Gear
Everyone needs to stay warm in order to remain healthy through our cold winters. New & Gently used winter gear is one of the most important categories that we collect & distribute. Any EXTRA supplies collected will be given to local coat drives (gently used donations) or stored and kept for future project-Christmas drives (all new coats & gear).
Everyone needs to stay warm in order to remain healthy through our cold winters. New & Gently used winter gear is one of the most important categories that we collect & distribute. Any EXTRA supplies collected will be given to local coat drives (gently used donations) or stored and kept for future project-Christmas drives (all new coats & gear).
- Heavy (warm) winter coats for adults & children - especially in larger sizes for adults (XL & larger)
- Hoodies (zip-up sweatshirts)
- Pull-over sweatshirts
- Long-johns (long underwear, insulated under-layers)
- Snow Suits, Snow Pants/Ski Pants
- Winter Hats (knits, etc)
- Gloves (water proof, stretch-style, etc) for both kids and adults
- Scarves
- Head-bands, Earwarmers, Ear-muffs, etc.
- Face-Masks / Face Covers
- Winter snow-boots (water proof) in all ages and sizes for both children & adults
- Sleds & other snow-toys
Non-Perishable Food Items
Many of the families we serve are struggling to keep their heads above water. Early on, we tried to focus on providing a holiday meal for families, but in more recent years, we've found that by assisting families with basic food supplies, meal ingredients, snacks, items that can go into packed school lunches, etc - are a huge help to reduce stress from the whole family this time of year. Some families receive regular food assistance from the state and need less help from us - but each year, we've collected a good amount of food which has gone a long way towards making December easier.
A Note Regarding Gift Cards: We will also make the BEST use of Gift cards for Walmart or grocery stores. We may give a family a gift card for food - or we may use the gift cards to shop for the best deals on things we need to help fill-in-the-blanks between the items wed have donated and what we still need. If you have a gift-card leftover from someplace you don't plan on using - or a card with just a few bucks left on it - we'd be just as happy to have that to put towards the family's needs.
Many of the families we serve are struggling to keep their heads above water. Early on, we tried to focus on providing a holiday meal for families, but in more recent years, we've found that by assisting families with basic food supplies, meal ingredients, snacks, items that can go into packed school lunches, etc - are a huge help to reduce stress from the whole family this time of year. Some families receive regular food assistance from the state and need less help from us - but each year, we've collected a good amount of food which has gone a long way towards making December easier.
A Note Regarding Gift Cards: We will also make the BEST use of Gift cards for Walmart or grocery stores. We may give a family a gift card for food - or we may use the gift cards to shop for the best deals on things we need to help fill-in-the-blanks between the items wed have donated and what we still need. If you have a gift-card leftover from someplace you don't plan on using - or a card with just a few bucks left on it - we'd be just as happy to have that to put towards the family's needs.
- Candy and Holiday related foods for the kids' stockings are really helpful.
- Pasta - Boxes of dry pasta (spaghetti, elbow macaroni, bowties, etc. Cans and jars of sauce. Boxed mac & cheese, as well as instant-pastas like canned ravioli, etc.
- Cereal & other Breakfast Foods Pop-Tarts, Granola Bars, Oatmeal, Protein bars, dried fruits, trail-mix, etc.
- Canned Soups, Stews & Pastas
- Canned Fruit & Veggies
- Chips, Pretzels and other types of bagged snack foods Family sizes especially.
- Fruit-Snacks, Fruit Roll-ups, Chips & other individually sized snacks. These are really helpful - things the parents can send to school with their kids, or use as after-school snacks. They are also nice because we can open bigger packages (from Sams Club, etc) and share them among several families.
- Cookies, Snack Cakes, Etc (No fresh baked goods please.)
- Powdered Drink Mixes, Cans and bottles of soda & juice.
- Gravys & Sauces
- Just-add meat boxed meals Such as Hamburger Helper, etc.
- Drinks: Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolates, Juice and Soda
- Baking Supplies - Baking is one of those things that makes great gifts, great holiday memories, and unfortunately, isn't inexpensive. Even if we use packages or pre-packed mixes, things like cupcakes, cookies and all the fixings - icing, sprinkles, cupcake wrappers, etc - they are all great things that the families can use to enjoy the holidays together. Boxed cake mix, brownie mix and cookie mixes are great for giving families something they can create together.
- Christmas Dinner Supplies (We will make exceptions- we can store frozen Ham & Turkeys if anyone would like to donate them. We can arrange to transport & store them safely. We also need canned veggies for the holiday meal (cranberry sauce, gravy, corn and other canned veggies) & boxes of stuffing.
Electronics & Larger Items
Many of the items below are the type of donations that we do not EXPECT to receive- we understand that these items are more significant, more expensive, and therefor, more difficult to promise to families who need or want them. These items go a LONG way, and often are much more than just a Christmas gift - they can be life-changing. These gifts are matched carefully to the families that need them. Many of these items would be considered gifts for the whole family to share, or would be a single large gift for a teen in the family, as teens often get fewer gifts, but may get 1 more expensive item.
Please Note: If you have an electronic item that is in good condition and less than 3 years old, please contact us and we can discuss finding a family in need who could really benefit from your gift.
Many of the items below are the type of donations that we do not EXPECT to receive- we understand that these items are more significant, more expensive, and therefor, more difficult to promise to families who need or want them. These items go a LONG way, and often are much more than just a Christmas gift - they can be life-changing. These gifts are matched carefully to the families that need them. Many of these items would be considered gifts for the whole family to share, or would be a single large gift for a teen in the family, as teens often get fewer gifts, but may get 1 more expensive item.
Please Note: If you have an electronic item that is in good condition and less than 3 years old, please contact us and we can discuss finding a family in need who could really benefit from your gift.
- Laptop, Web-book or desktop computers
Please Note: We're not going to give a student a computer that is so slow and out-of-date that they can't enjoy or use it. All technology is thoroughly is formatted, upgraded or repaired when necessary, and it's provided to families in ready-to-use condition. (We'll assist with set-up when necessary). We will accept video game systems of any age as long as they are in working condition - computers, tablets, phones, etc - we request that they are models released within the last 3-5 years old, and that are reasonably up to date so that they will be useful to families/students who need them. - Head-set (headphones w/ built in microphone)- for video games or computer games.
- Ipads
- Android or Iphones (6 or later)
- Apple / Lightening Charger Cable
- Android tablets (Samsung, LG, Galaxy, etc)
- Digital Cameras (<8 megapixel). If the camera is used, please make sure it's got the battery pack (if it doesn't take batteries) or any charging or data cables if it doesn't take standard USB / Micro USB / Micro SD or SD cards.
- SD cards or USB storage
- Flat-screen Tvs (It doesn't matter the size. If you upgraded and got yourself something newer or bigger for black Friday - why not give your older (but still great) TV to a family who could really use it? Families with multiple kids benefit from an extra tv - one where a gaming system can be set up. Even small TVs are great- they can be used as a computer monitor if need be, or they work well for an older child or teen to have their own TV in their room. Many kids and teens would he thrilled to have their own tv no matter what size it is.
- New or Gently Used Ugg Boots in all sizes are always a popular special request. Some of the older teen girls we've helped both in years past and currently, have requested that they would be happy to have their only gift be a nice pair of Uggs. Our family personally donated six pairs in assorted sizes that are very gently used and look very much Like-New. Last year, this was a huge thing and the families said their daughters were shocked and thrilled to receive such an awesome item.
- Name-brand Sneakers - much like Uggs were a common request for the teen and pre-teen girls, most of the teen boys requested one nice pair of sneakers. We welcome gently used items - most of the families said their kids definitely need shoes and boots, but the kids absolutely appreciate a pair of popular sneakers; Nike, New Balance, Adidas, Converse, Doc Martens / Airwair, etc.
- Video Game Systems & Video Games: Any Games, controllers or accessories for any of the more current systems Wii, Wii-U, Playstation 4, X Box One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3 DS
- Any of the Retro gaming consoles - Sega Genesis, Atari Classic, Nintendo Retro Classic NES or Super Nintendo Retro
(All of these systems are self-contained and include 50-100 games.)
Financial Contributions
Your financial contributions are GREATLY appreciated & incredibly necessary as they allow us to fulfill wish list items for each of the families on our list.
Please see our current Go Fund Me here.
When we accept a family into our program - we want families to feel comfortable knowing that they will not need to buy ANY gifts for their children. In the past five years - we have never accepted a family & then been unable to provide a WELL-rounded, and fully acceptable amount of gifts for each child. That is one of the reasons that we have to remain realistic and limited in the number of families we agree to help.
Your financial contributions are GREATLY appreciated & incredibly necessary as they allow us to fulfill wish list items for each of the families on our list.
Please see our current Go Fund Me here.
When we accept a family into our program - we want families to feel comfortable knowing that they will not need to buy ANY gifts for their children. In the past five years - we have never accepted a family & then been unable to provide a WELL-rounded, and fully acceptable amount of gifts for each child. That is one of the reasons that we have to remain realistic and limited in the number of families we agree to help.
**Why We Don't Wrap the Gifts**
We sort the gifts and donated items, to be sure that the children within the same family receive a fair and equal amount of gifts (we don't want hurt feelings) - as such, it's important that donations are not pre-wrapped.
We do our best to provide each family with enough gift boxes & gift bags as well as a variety of gift wraps and tape so that each family can wrap all the presents they are giving to their children. We want the parents to have the final say on all gifts, and not wrapping anything gives the parents the opportunity to review each item - some parents choose to set aside birthday gifts or to maybe hang onto a gift that they feel the child still needs to grow into. Parents also have the choice to decide it gifts intended for one family may be swapped out for others - we hope that you'll trust that we take this seriously and that we do the best job that we can, but that ultimately, we want parents to have the final say.
Plus: We feel strongly that wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve is an important part of being a parent!
We do our best to provide each family with enough gift boxes & gift bags as well as a variety of gift wraps and tape so that each family can wrap all the presents they are giving to their children. We want the parents to have the final say on all gifts, and not wrapping anything gives the parents the opportunity to review each item - some parents choose to set aside birthday gifts or to maybe hang onto a gift that they feel the child still needs to grow into. Parents also have the choice to decide it gifts intended for one family may be swapped out for others - we hope that you'll trust that we take this seriously and that we do the best job that we can, but that ultimately, we want parents to have the final say.
Plus: We feel strongly that wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve is an important part of being a parent!