Holiday Gift Program

We know that many families are living in poverty after they escape abuse. The first year can be especially difficult. That’s why we try to make the first holiday season in a new life a happy one for moms and kids who have been through so much.

 

Each year, the YWCA works with local businesses and generous members of our community to help ensure that women and their children have the opportunity to share in the festive cheer of the holiday season.

 

Donations of new unwrapped* toys, clothing, and household items are paired with grocery gift cards to help ensure that families can share in the tradition of exchanging gifts and the pleasure of a special meal.

 

While small, these gestures of kindness can mean a great deal to families who have left many of their belongings and traditions behind to build a more peaceful life.

 

Who can apply for sponsorship?
 

Women and children (up to age 18) who have used the YWCA’s shelter or counselling services within the past calendar year can be sponsored.

How do sponsors get matched with families?
 

Businesses, families, clubs or individuals can complete a Sponsor Registration Form or contact the YWCA at (705) 743-3526 to express interest in sponsoring a family during the holiday season.
 

Sponsors are encouraged to give some thought to the size and age of family they would like to sponsor, as this will assist us in finding an appropriate match. Sponsors will be contacted when a suitable family has been identified (prior to November 1st).
 

What does a sponsor know about the family they are matched with?

 

In order to protect the confidentiality of our clients, sponsors are provided with an anonymous “wish list” to assist them with gift selection. The lists typically include a few special items, as well as the ages and genders of each family member. Year after year, families are amazed by the magic that is created by these brief lists and the kindness of our community!
 

What does sponsoring a family cost?
 

While the YWCA does not set a specific dollar amount for sponsors, we ask that each member of the family be treated equally and that one half of the total value of sponsorship be provided in grocery gift cards. In doing so, sponsors ensure that both the needs and a few wants of the family are met during this special time of year.
 

Something to keep in mind:
 

While groups are often tempted to try to make this “the best year ever” for one lucky family, we often encourage sponsors to consider making it a “special year” for several families. Not only does this help to spread the good cheer among more people, it also avoids putting a parent in the position where they cannot possibly achieve a similar level of generosity for their children in future years.
 

What happens if a family can’t be matched with a sponsor?
 

Every year, there are families for whom a sponsor cannot be found. In these cases, YWCA “elves” pack special gifts containing a variety of additional new items donated to the YWCA during the holiday season.
 

The YWCA welcomes donations of new, unwrapped* toys, gift certificates (groceries, drug stores and department stores), household supplies, clothes and baby supplies during the months of October, November and December.
 

Why does the YWCA request Gift Certificates?
 

Gift certificates offer mothers the valuable opportunity to actively participate in selecting that special gift their child has been hoping for.
 

Are there items that the YWCA cannot accept?
 

Yes. Due to health and safety concerns as well as storage restrictions, the YWCA cannot accept the following items for the Holiday Gift Program:

• Gently used items
• Travel sized items
• Heavily perfumed items
• Food of any kind
• Toys that promote violence (i.e., toy weapons, fighting theme games, armed action figures, etc.)

What else do I need to know?
 

The YWCA encourages sponsors to be creative in their gift giving.
 

• Consider incorporating useful household items (such as a laundry basket or roasting pan) as a container for your gift.
 

• Think about gifts that encourage quality time at no additional cost. Art supplies or board games offer fun, inexpensive ways for family members to connect and spend time together.
 

• Encourage family and friends to contribute by hosting a themed gift exchange (i.e.,   spa/personal care items, family game night, children’s books, etc.) or purchase gift cards in lieu of an annual exchange.
 

When and where can I drop off donations?

 

Sponsors are encouraged to deliver their clearly marked unwrapped* gifts to the YWCA Administrative Office (located at 216 Simcoe Street, open Monday to Friday between 9:00 am – 4:30 pm), no later than the first week of December. You can bring packages to our front door with the ramp or to our covered back porch on the north side of the building (please ring the doorbell).

If at any point you have questions about the YWCA Holiday Gift Program, please do not hesitate to contact us at (705) 743-3526.
 

*Why unwrapped? Since the YWCA is responsible for the quality and appropriateness of the gifts, wrapped gifts, unfortunately, will need to be opened before they can be distributed. Some sponsors like to include wrapping paper, ribbon and tape along with their gifts to help families put those special finishing touches on their gifts. That really helps!
 

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about this annual program. There is absolutely nothing like seeing a mother’s face when she comes to receive a basket for her family. Happy tears are the best tears and we see a lot of them at the YWCA around the holiday season.