Posted by Meredith Joy

Happy kidsThe JF&CS Center for Family Assistance is beginning our annual Holiday Gift Card Drive early this year. The first night of Chanukkah falls the night before Thanksgiving Day, which is the earliest it has been since 1888 and the earliest it will be until 2146. Interestingly, this will be the last time Chanukkah falls on Thanksgiving until some 78,000 years from now, so enjoy your turkey and latkes while you can.

At JF&CS, we look for opportunities to empower our clients with choices and decisions whenever possible. Providing gift cards to our low-income clients allows them the dignity of choosing their child's gift themselves. Our goal is to give $25 gift cards to parents of more than 400 children (ages 0 -18) in 100 different communities who would otherwise not receive a holiday gift.

"There has been zero money for any type of gifts, again, this year, and all money that I am able to get goes directly to bills and oil. Although this is understood and my children are well aware of my struggles, these gift cards will enable me to buy a little something special."

Your tax-deductible donation will bring great relief and dignity to parents and immeasurable joy to children.

You can donate in two ways:

  • Donate Gift cards in $25 increments from the following stores: Target, Toys "R" Us, Best Buy, T.J. Maxx, or Marshall's. Gift cards may be mailed to: Holiday Gift Card Drive, JF&CS, 1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451
  • Let us do the shopping: Make an online donation.

Our deadline for donations is November 5. Thank you for your support. Please contact us at toydrive@jfcsboston.org if you have any questions.

Meredith JoyMeredith Joy is the Director of Basic Needs. She received her MSW from Boston University and has 22 years of experience working in nonprofit organizations. She has been with JF&CS since 2005.