Holiday Gift Drive Coming Up
Source/Author: SCA Gift Drive Committee
October 13, 2016
The weather doesn’t seem like it but It’s That Time of Year! Stores have their decorations up already for the holiday season and we are gearing up for this year’s Holiday Gift Drive.
Here are a few FAQs about the gift drive:
What is the Shorecrest Holiday Gift Drive?
An opportunity for the Shorecrest Community to come together and provide for children in the foster care system. We have partnered with the Guardian ad Litem Foundation for this project. As of May 2016, there were 2,366 children in Pinellas and Pasco Counties who had been removed from their homes and were living under court supervision due to abuse or neglect.
What are the dates of the Shorecrest Holiday Gift Drive?
Collections begin on Monday, November 28. The big day for Guardians to pick up the donations is Friday, December 9 in the Athletic Center. What is the Guardian ad Litem Foundation?
MISSION: To provide advocacy and support for abused, abandoned or neglected children in the Guardian ad Litem Program of Pinellas and Pasco Counties.
VISION: We envision a world where every child has a safe and permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.
Has the Gift Drive changed from past years?
There are 2 changes this year.
- We are providing for 250 children. (Last year we took 203.) There are more children than ever in the foster care system in Pinellas County who need our help!
- We are getting a list of top 3 needs and 3 wants - not just an unlimited list. This will help all of us to get what the child really needs (new coat, shoes, laptop for school, etc.) and something they’d like (toy cars, dolls, etc.)
How can I help SCA with this project?
There are many ways to participate in the Gift Drive.
- Volunteer to be a classroom liaison - coordinate gifts with your class, put lists out to parents, remind them to bring in gifts
- Help organize gifts on the final day - it is amazing to walk into the Crisp Gym and see the generosity of the Shorecrest Community on pick up day! (Friday, Dec 9)
- Volunteer on Friday, Dec. 9 to wrap gifts, put toys together or run to the store for last minute additions.
- Some families choose to sponsor an individual child as well. If you are interested in doing so, please contact us before November 1.
