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Where can I find my selected family or child wish list and sizes?
Towards the end of October we will publish the wish lists that are available to select. Check back soon!
How are families selected?
All 400+ benefiting children receive community based services from New Directions. New Directions workers talk with parents/caregivers to determine a family’s need and desire, then create “wish lists.” To honor client confidentiality, all families have been given a holiday-themed name. For organizing and ease of delivery, families are further coded based on the program, location, and worker. Please use the holiday name and/or code when delivering items.
Do I have to purchase everything listed?
Wish-lists are ideas and starting points to help guide your gift purchasing. Not every item on the list must be purchased.
How much should I spend?
Each donor will set the amount they are comfortable spending. The important thing is to balance spending across a sibling group, so when purchasing for siblings each child receives gifts of similar value. On average, each child has received approximately $75-$100 in gifts (amount based on previous Save-a-Christmas campaigns).
Can I donate gently used items?
Sorry, we are not able to accept gently used items.
Should I wrap the gifts I purchase?
Unwrapped gifts provide an opportunity for parents to participate in the giving process by wrapping gifts for their child, and to know what their child is receiving. You may include wrapping paper, tape or bows with your gift, if you like!
Where and when do I drop off gifts?
Early gift drop off helps!
Lockport: Gifts may be dropped off weekdays between 8:30am and 4pm at 6395 Old Niagara Rd, Lockport NY 14094
Randolph: Gifts may be dropped off weekdays between 8:30am and 4pm at 356 Main St, ER, Randolph NY 14772
Amherst: Our Amherst location typically hosts two Save-a-Christmas drop off events and also accepts drop offs by appointment. Stay tuned for this year’s dates!
Would you be able to pick up my gifts?
We can make arrangements to pick up gifts. Give us a call or email to set that up!
Are monetary donations accepted?
Yes! Monetary donations are used to purchase gifts in the event not all children are selected by donors. All monetary donations are applied to Save-a-Christmas. Click here to donate.
What opportunities are there for my workplace, church, or group of friends?
Save-a-Christmas is a great way for groups to sponsor large families or multiple children, host toy drives, or make monetary donations. Friendly giving competitions within your circles will help to get all kids covered! Please contact us to discuss your ideas before you get started.
Are there other ways I can help?
Yes! Help us spread the word by sharing our Facebook posts and Giving Tuesday campaign with friends and family. We also have an Amazon Wish List that supports last minute needs. We will post a link to that Wish List at the end of October
Additional Tips:
– Please drop off items as early as possible! We need time to get all gifts to the families.
– Please bag and label all gifts for the child you have selected. * Please select gifts that are safe for the age of the child selected.
– We do not recommend the purchase of video games, tablets, or other expensive electronics.
– Receipts are available and provided upon request, when your gifts are dropped off with an agency representative.
Questions?
Call the Save-a-Christmas phone at (716) 229-8266 or email us at SaveaChristmas@ndyfs.org