The magic of the season
United Way of Bucks County hosts Holiday Gift Card Drive for local teens in need through Dec. 15
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Whether it’s through Toys for Tots or The Salvation Army, there’s a number of opportunities to donate toys and games to children in need throughout the holiday season. While these efforts are much-needed, there’s another group that could use some cheer as well — teens. They may be too old to anticipate Santa coming down their chimney, but they’re still young enough to want a bit of holiday magic. That’s why United Way of Bucks County created the Holiday Gift Card Drive solely for young people ages 11 to 17.
The Holiday Gift Card Drive began four years ago when United Way saw a need in the community to put a larger focus on young adults. According to Danielle Bush, director of community and volunteer engagement, the program has significantly grown over the years, helping teens whose families have a low income or are experiencing an emergency.
Last year, the drive served 683 older kids and teens, a massive increase from the 2015 drive that served 455. This year, United Way expects to receive more than 800 gift card requests from area nonprofit agencies, school districts and residents, and hopes to fulfill each and every one.
As far as which gift cards are acceptable to donate, Bush suggests they come from teen-friendly stores such as Forever 21, Hot Topic or H&M. The only restriction is that they cannot have an activation fee or fees for inactivity. Each teen receives $30 in gift cards — $25 is for clothing or general stores such as Walmart, where they choose from a variety of items. The remaining $5 is for an eatery such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Wawa or Starbucks.
“Anywhere they can treat themselves,” Bush said.
According to her, the beauty of the Holiday Gift Card Drive is that it allows the teens the freedom to choose what and who they use it for. She reflected on one boy who couldn’t wait to use his Walmart gift card to buy a meal for his family.
New this year, participants can donate a gift card in someone else’s honor or memory.
“Helping an older kid makes a great gift for that person on your list who has everything,” Bush said. “You can make a donation to the Holiday Gift Card Drive in their honor and we will acknowledge your gift with a card and a story about a kid who got help.”
Over the past four years since the initiative began, Bush has encountered a number of families that were so appreciative they were moved to tears. For her, it’s about making their teen’s holiday a little brighter and letting them know they’re not forgotten.
“They’re doing all they can to keep their family afloat, but it’s not adding up,” she said. “For older kids who are not expecting to receive any gifts, a gift card means so much. They are so grateful that our community cares about them. It’s a meaningful and empowering experience for older kids to get a little something for themselves rather than be left out.”
This year, while United Way saw a large number of gift card requests from nonprofits and caseworkers, a record amount came from grandparents. Bush explained how many are taking care of multiple grandchildren, including one woman whose daughter fell victim to the opioid epidemic, but still want to give them something special for the holidays.
For those interested in participating in the Holiday Gift Card Drive, there are three ways to donate: bring gift cards to United Way of Bucks County, 413 Hood Blvd., Fairless Hills, PA, 19030; mail a check to the same address with “Gift Card Drive” on the memo line; or visit uwbucks.org/giftcarddrive and donate online. The website includes an option to make the gift in honor or memory of someone.
The drive accepts gift cards of all denominations starting at $5 now through Dec. 15. All donations go to local teens and older kids who are experiencing a true need this holiday season.
Families looking for help through the Holiday Gift Card Drive can call United Way’s hotline at 215–949–1660 ext. 105. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
