Volunteers pack donated gift cards in December 2017.
Credit: Erich Martin/NewtownPANow.com
A Bucks County teen started with a plan. He formulated his fundraising efforts and then started knocking doors, making phone calls, sending emails, and visiting local businesses.
In the end, the teen ended up more than $700 in donations for the United Way of Bucks County’s Holiday Gift Card Drive.
The teen, who outlined his efforts in a letter to the Falls Township-based nonprofit, said he asked neighbors, family, friends, and local businesses for donations to help older kids and teens in Bucks County who may not get anything this holiday season.
Credit: United Way of Bucks County
“I hope that these gift cards bring a measure of joy to my peers in our community and I look forward to working with you again in the new year on another project, as I feel in order to make the world a better place, you must start in your own community,” he wrote in his letter.
And the teen’s efforts did not happen in a bubble.
Since it launched in November, the Holiday Gift Card Drive has received numerous generous donations that will help 1,100 older kids and teens receive a small gift this year.
Over the weekend, one donor, who wanted to only be known as “Mrs. Claus,” offered to match a $750 donation if someone else would step up. Within a sort time of the news being posted on social media, a LevittownNow.com reader, who wanted to be known as “Secret Santa,” put forward the $750 match for Mrs. Claus.
These stories are on top of area groups, businesses, and residents who have donated online, by mail, or in person.
As of Thursday evening, there were enough donations for close to 1,000 kids, but there was a still a gap to cover gift cards for roughly 100 older kids and teens, said Danielle Bush, director of community and volunteer engagement at the United Way of Bucks County.
The LevittownNow.com-supported Holiday Gift Card Drive ends on Friday and volunteers will show up to package gift cards for the older kids and teens who need a boost this season.
The annual charity drive provides gift cards for older kids and teens who would otherwise receive nothing for the holiday season. Over the years, the need has increased and donors have come through every year.
Bush explained that gift card donations 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.
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 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.
