Gifts of the Season
With the generosity of individuals, employee groups, and service organizations, Somerset County United Way, the Somerset County Food Bank Network, the Somerset County Board of Social Services and other local agencies work together through this program to bring holiday gifts to thousands of low-income individuals and families throughout Somerset County.
The 2009 Gifts of the Season program is now underway and will be completed in mid-December. During these difficult economic times, it is expected that need for the program will increase significantly. There are a number of ways people can help meet this need:
· Coordinate a gift drive – drives can include:
- a toy drive,
- household item drive (great for senior gifts),
- gift card drive or
- teen gift drive (always a big need)
· Purchase a gift for a specific program participant (child, teen, disabled adult or senior) – simple contact us for a gift tag
· Collect or donate gift wrap (gifts are given unwrapped, but we also provide gift wrap to families so parents are able to wrap the gifts for their children)
· Collect new items that are also needed: socks, gloves/mittens, hats, scarves
If you or your group would like to coordinate a community, faith-affiliated, corporate or school drive, please complete the Registration Form and return it to Irene Natale via fax at 908-725-5598 or electronically at Irene.natale@scuw.org.
Anyone interested in receiving information about volunteering for the Gifts of the Season should contact Lisa Galonardo at either 908-253-6503 or via e-mail at lisa.galonardo@scuw.org.
New this year: Give or purchase an American Express Gift Card and Help United Way advance the common good. Simply click HERE and follow the steps indicated.
The card is available for sale beginning October 30, 2009 and will be available until supplies are exhausted. American Express is giving United Way Worldwide the $3.95 fee it normally charges with a cap of $250,000.
Project Impact
In 2008, over 10,000 holiday gifts were distributed to thousands of low-income individuals and families due to the generosity of individuals, civic groups and employees at over 80 local organizations.
Gifts given through the program may be the only ones received by those less fortunate in our community. For parents, receiving the gifts for their children enable them to utilize their limited financial resources to pay for basic needs such as food, utilities, rent, etc. and not go into debt to pay for gifts for their children. For seniors and disabled adults, their gifts enable them to live more comfortably, as often their gifts are practical items such as towels, blankets, small appliances and clothing.
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