Spreading Joy: 2023 Holiday Toy, Gift, and Gift Card Drive by Methodist Services

Spreading Joy: 2023 Holiday Toy, Gift, and Gift Card Drive by Methodist Services


The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and giving. It's a time when communities come together to make a positive impact on the lives of those who may be facing challenging circumstances. Methodist Services, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need, is once again gearing up for its annual Holiday Toy, Gift, and Gift Card Drive in 2023.

Methodist Services: A Beacon of Hope

Methodist Services is on a mission to make a positive impact on the lives of children, adults, and families who are dealing with difficult situations like limited resources, poverty, homelessness, disabilities, and educational inequities. They provide a wide range of life-enriching programs that cover early childhood education, school-age programs, housing services, family support, mental health and counseling services, and nutrition programs. Their holistic approach recognizes that every aspect of a person's life is interconnected.

The Annual Holiday Gift Drive

One of the heartwarming initiatives by Methodist Services is their annual holiday gift drive. In 2023, the organization aims to provide a special gift to each of the 1,200 children and teenagers they serve. Additionally, they plan to gift every participant in their Education, Housing, Counseling, and Care Management programs with a gift card. These gifts are not just material items; they represent a gesture of compassion and a way to bring a little bit of joy and comfort to those who are facing adversity during the holiday season.

How You Can Make a Difference

Methodist Services believes in the power of community, and they invite you to join their mission. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, can make a significant impact. Here's how you can get involved:

Donate Gifts and Gift Cards: Consider donating new and unwrapped gifts suitable for various age groups. From board books for infants to video games for high schoolers, your gifts can make children's holidays special.

Gift Cards: Families treasure gift cards from popular retailers like Target, Kohl’s, Walmart, Best Buy, and Old Navy. These cards provide flexibility and allow recipients to choose items they need or desire.

Baby Care Items: Many of the programs serve young children and families who could benefit from donations of new car seats, bouncy seats, high chairs, boxes of disposable diapers of all sizes, and other baby care items.

Gift Wrapping Supplies: Methodist Services also appreciates receiving wrapping paper, gift bags, and bows. These items make the presentation of gifts even more special.

Let's Come Together

The deadline for donations is the week of December 11th, so it's time to start thinking about how you can contribute to this wonderful cause. Your generosity can bring smiles and happiness to mothers, children, and others during the holiday season. By donating, you can help Methodist Services fulfill their mission of making children's holidays special and supporting families in need.

As we embrace the spirit of giving this holiday season, let's come together as a community and show those facing adversity that we care. Your kindness can make a world of difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Suggested Donations:

Young Children: Infants & Toddlers: Board Books, Toddler Toys, Mr. Potato Head, Peg Puzzles, Push & Ride-on Toys, Bibs, Diapers & Wipes

Pre-School: Ages 3-5 Years: Age-Appropriate Books, Mr./Ms. Potato Head, Age-Appropriate Toys, Safe Blocks, Art Supplies (Paints, Finger Paints, Markers), Playdough, Fun Foam, Kinetic Sand, Craft Supplies (Ribbon, Yarn, Fabric, etc), Trucks, Cars, Active Toys, Dolls (African American, Latino, Other), Wooden Puzzles, Dress Up Clothing & Accessories, Learning Games

Elementary School: Ages 6-10 Years: Action Figures, Legos, 30 to 50 Piece Puzzles, Age-Appropriate Books, Sports Equipment, Team Apparel, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Trucks, Train & Car Sets, Dolls (African American, Latino, etc.)

Middle School: Ages 11-14 Years: Age-appropriate books, Bi-Lingual Books and games, Arts and crafts Supplies, Science Kits, Robotic Sets, Beauty and grooming Items, Sports Equipment, Team Apparel, Jewelry, Video Games, Gaming Systems

High School: Ages 15-18 Years: Age-appropriate books, Gift Cards, Arts and crafts Supplies, Sports Equipment, Beauty and grooming Items, Jewelry, Video Games, Gaming Systems

Young Adult: Ages 18-24 Years: Pillows & Twin Comforters, Twin Bed Sheets & Mattress Protectors, Towel Sets & Washcloths, Shower Curtains & Liners, Dish Cloths, Board Games, Journals, Small Room Trash Cans, Dish Sets, Pots/Pans

Adults in Our Programs: Books, Jewelry, Beauty & Grooming Items, Personal Care Baskets, Hats, Scarves, Watches


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This post was orignally published in the October 2023 of the Lighted Cross. Please use the links below to view the full newsletter.

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