He’s baaaaaaaack …Uptown’s Secret Santa has confirmed that year 2 is a go – but, there’s a shift and Santa needs some help from the good people of Uptown.
Like last year, $50 Jewel cards will be going out between Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas. The week of Christmas, $100 Target cards will be popping up.
Again, like last year – recipients will be picked, randomly, from those demonstrating the spirit of the holidays.
What’s different is that Santa’s picked up a few dedicated elves and the decision at the Workshop is that gift cards aren’t enough to help some of our more needy neighbors.
So, gift packages will be delivered throughout the season.
This is where Santa needs some help: what to put in these packages?
The current inventory is as such:
Blanket
Gloves/hats/scarves/socks
Christmas cookies
Phone card
Convenient/non-perishable food
Can the good people of Uptown help out an elf by providing some ideas as to what else might be good to put into these packages?
Also – after hard arguments with his eleven staff members, Santa will be tweeting updates throughout the season via @UptownSanta.
Other ideas might be:
ReplyDeletetoiletries and grooming items
books and magazines
basic school supplies like paper and pens
How about disposable handwarmers?
ReplyDeletecandy such as peppermints that help out a dry throat during winter?
I volunteer for Back on My Feet Chicago and my team runs from REST at 941 W. Lawrence. I know that some of our teammates could use CTA cards to get to job interviews, vocational training and meetings with various social service agencies. We run every M,W,F at 5:45 am and Saturdays at 8:30. Our 11 guys would love a visit from Santa!!
ReplyDeleteI've seen people running from REST in the AM and I LOVE having people out and about at that time :)
ReplyDeleteI really do think the CTA Cards are a great idea too.
I run another non-profit in the area and have things that might help that don't help mine...like full size toiletries and other non perishable items... how could I connect with Uptown Santa? What a wonderful way to spread the holiday cheer in such a troubled community!
ReplyDelete