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How is Holiday Giving different this year?
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Special Year to Spread Cheer
Dear Friend of Safe Shores –
Each December, our team is inspired and moved by the generosity of donors who give their time and resources to ensure Safe Shoes’ clients receive holiday gifts.
We ♥️ the tradition of matching children’s holiday wish lists with supporters who graciously and enthusiastically shop for gifts, coming together at Safe Shores to wrap presents, and celebrating the spirit of the season. These traditions are the ties that bind us together joyfully in community. This year, as you might imagine, the families we serve at Safe Shores need you more than ever.
As we continue to prioritize health and safety, we’ve made changes to our annual Holiday Giving campaign process. So, even though Holiday Giving 2020 won’t look the same as it has in prior years (but, then again, what does?), we’re excited to share with you two ways you can share holiday cheer, brightness, and goodwill with children by supporting this year’s drive:
Two Ways to Give
1. Donate directly to Safe Shores
Safe Shores will offer our young clients’ caregivers online gift cards to different stores based on our clients’ specific wishes and needs. A donation of $150 or more will take care of one child’s wish list. To donate, please visit safeshores.org/donate (noting “Holiday Giving” in the comments). The last day to donate to support the Drive is Monday, December 7th.
2. Purchase gifts for a child directly through an Amazon wish list
Safe Shores will be organizing wish lists of items based on the requests and interests of children and their families. Supporters who choose this option will be matched with an Amazon wish list by Monday, November 23rd. Supporters will be able to purchase the gifts through Amazon until Friday, December 4th, and the gifts will be delivered directly to the children’s homes in the respective caregiver’s name. If you are interested in sponsoring a wish list (or more than one), please complete the Safe Shores 2020 Holiday Giving Sponsor Request Form today or by no later than Friday, November 20th.
Please note — there are a limited number of Amazon wish lists available. If all wish lists are committed to other donors before we process your request, we ask that you instead make your gift directly to Safe Shores (per option 1) to purchase a gift card for a child. For more information, please see our FAQs.
One thing that hasn’t changed in 2020: the success of Safe Shores’ Holiday Giving Drive will depend completely on the generosity of supporters like you. Please help create special holiday memories for children and families affected by abuse in DC. Your tax-deductible gift will go a long way to ease the burden on caregivers working to give their children holiday fun and memories, particularly during this unprecedented time. Together, we can make this season meaningful in one of best possible ways, through sharing with others.
With warmest wishes of the season,
Everyone at Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Safe Shores’ Holiday Giving Drive?
Every year, Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center partners with individuals, businesses, and community organizations who sign up as sponsors to provide child victims of abuse with presents for the holiday season. By purchasing gifts on a child’s wish list, generous sponsors help ensure that hundreds of children affected by abuse and violence will have a brighter holiday.
How is this year’s drive different?
For Holiday Giving 2020, there will be no in-person donations, EVERYTHING will be done online. We’re excited to announce two ways you can support this year’s drive: you can purchase gifts for a child by sponsoring an Amazon wish list, or donate directly to Safe Shores.
Do I have to buy everything on the wish list?
Children and families have prioritized their most-needed gifts. We ask that supporters who commit to sponsoring a wish list purchase all the items listed.
How much should I expect to spend on each child?
Holiday Giving sponsors usually spend between $150–$200 per wish list.
Can I sponsor multiple wish lists?
Businesses, community organizations, and individuals are welcome to sponsor multiple wish lists. For more information about this option, please contact Valerie Blaemire, Manager of Individual Giving and Stewardship, at vblaemire@safeshores.org.
Can I share a sponsorship with someone else?
Joining with family and/or friends to jointly sponsor one or more wish lists is another wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of giving. If you choose this option, please designate one person as the point of contact to manage the process for your group.
I’m in! What’s next?
You can request a wish list(s) by filling out our Holiday Giving Sponsor Request Form. If you prefer to sponsor a child and let their caregiver do the shopping, you may donate online at www.safeshores.org/donate.
When is the last day to support Holiday Giving 2020?
The deadline to sign up to sponsor an Amazon wishlist is Friday, November 20th. The deadline to purchase gifts on an Amazon wish list is Friday, December 4th. The deadline to make a monetary donation to Safe Shores (noting “Holiday Giving” in the comments) is Monday, December 7th.
Once I get matched with an Amazon wish list, how do I make a purchase?
When you’ve been matched with a child’s Amazon wish list, we will send you detailed instructions on how to purchase items on the wish list. These instructions will also be made available on our website in mid-November. Stay tuned!
How do I learn more about Safe Shores?
Join us virtually for Coffee for Kids, a one-hour tour of our mission, held every other Thursday morning from 8:30–9:30 a.m.! To register, visit bit.ly/coffee-for-kids.
I have another question.
For more information about Holiday Giving 2020, please reach out to us at givetoachild@safeshores.org or call 202-645-4429.
