As I reflect on another year and preparing for the upcoming holiday season, I can say with confidence that this isn’t the blog I was hoping to write. I truly hoped we were leaving the days of social distancing, masks, and virtual events behind—but it seems that as we face this holiday season we are still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. I thought that planning an entire holiday season without being around others, with shipping delays and supply chain issues, and only seeing people’s faces with their masks on was a one-time occurrence but here we are again.
Supporting our community during the pandemic
I know what you’re thinking too, the COVID-19 fatigue is real. We’re all exhausted hearing about it and dealing with it—but the reality is that nonprofits like CHRIS 180 must continue to overcome the repercussions of our world being turned upside down and inside out while still serving our clients. During this season, that means that our clients still get all the magic and spirit of the holiday season despite what is going on around them. Last year, we were able to serve more clients than ever before with gifts and meals during the holiday season. This year, we have even more clients in need, and we are looking for help from our community to assist.
Shop online or in-person for a good cause
Our extended CHRIS 180 family has continued to support us through the most difficult past two years: from donating to our Giving Tuesday campaign, attending The CHRIStal Ball and donating to our in-kind drives. Before the end of 2021, we need our family to show up again by purchasing holiday gifts for our clients. It is easier than ever to donate by shopping our Amazon Wishlist and having items delivered right to us! If shopping online isn’t your style, you can drop off new and unwrapped presents to us. We need presents for every age from 0 to 18 years old and can also utilize gift cards to places like Visa, Walmart, Mastercard, or Target. Please consider sharing this opportunity with your personal and professional networks—there is truly no donation too small to make a difference. Even buying one toy can help create a magical holiday for a client in need.
For any questions about presents or to schedule a time to drop off, please reach out to Grace at Grace.Garde@CHRIS180.org .
Grace Garde is the Holiday Magic Manager at CHRIS 180. For more information on holiday giving and volunteering please email her at Grace.Garde@CHRIS180.org.
