Cards and gift cards that were donated as part of a past drive.
File photo
This holiday season you have the chance to make things a bit brighter for more than 1,100 Bucks County tweens and teens.
LevittownNow.com and NewtownPANow.com are once again teaming up to support the United Way of Bucks County’s annual Holiday Gift Card Drive, which serves Bucks County children who come from families that are in need.
The Holiday Gift Card Drive provides gift cards for children who would otherwise receive nothing for the holiday season. Increasing since last year, the Holiday Gift Card Drive is aiming to provide gift cards to at least 1,100 area children with support from local residents, organizations, and businesses.
“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,” explains Danielle Bush, director of community and volunteer engagement at the United Way of Bucks County.
The Holiday Gift Card Drive accepts gift cards of all denominations, starting at $5. All donations go to local teens and older kids who are experiencing a true need this holiday season.
In many cases, Bush explained that there are toy drives for younger kids but their older siblings are often left out.
Danielle explained that gift cards for businesses that tweens and teens enjoying shopping at or grabbing a bite at are best. They suggested places like Old Navy, Kohl’s H&M other clothing stores or specialty shops like Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and Barnes and Noble.
Donations for the Holiday Gift Card Drive can be made in someone else’s honor or memory. Last year, people donated in honor of loved ones who have passed away or as a gift for someone who already has everything.
The collection for donations starts this week and continues through Friday, December 14.
“Over the past several years, LevittownNow.com and NewtownPANow.com readers have stepped up to the plate and helped hundreds of local teens,” Publisher and Editor Tom Sofield said. “It’s amazing how giving people have been in supporting the Holiday Gift Card Drive.”
In just a few years, the need for gift cards has grown from about 450 to more than 1,000. Last year, just under 1,000 teens received gifts thanks to the program.
“Support we receive from the followers of LevittownNow.com and NewtownPANow.com is vital to the success of this drive. We need your help!” said Bush
There are three ways for members of the community to help with this project: Bring gift cards to United Way of Bucks County at 413 Hood Blvd., Fairless Hills, PA, 19030; mail in a check to the same address with “Gift Card Drive” on the memo line; Visit www.uwbucks.org/giftcarddrive and donate online. The website includes an option to make your gift in honor or memory of someone.
Any questions can be directed to Danielle Bush at danielleb@uwbucks.org or call 215-949-1660, ext 112.
Families can put in a request for help online at www.uwbucks.org/giftcardhelp or can call 215-949-1660, ext. 105 for our Gift Card Drive Hotline.
