Spread Joy This Holiday Season with Housing Families First
Each year, Housing Families First offers special programs to ensure our families experience the warmth and joy of the holiday season. In 2023, with the help of our incredible community partners, we brightened the holidays for a little over a hundred families. This year, we invite you to create a holiday miracle for a family in need by participating in one of our holiday programs.
It is our goal to provide each child with a gift (or gifts) from their wish list valued at $50, a cozy new coat, fresh pajamas, and a festive filled stocking to celebrate the joy of the season.
To participate, please visit the Sign-Up Genius page that is linked to the program that resonates most with you.
To protect the privacy and dignity of our families, their full identities will not be disclosed. Once you sign up, a Housing Families First Coordinator will reach out to verify you have received all pertinent info for the family you signed up for, drop-off and delivery details, and answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your consideration and support. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jasmine Snead at 804-236-5800 ext. 130 or [email protected].
Below you will find options for you to provide a magical experience for the families we serve:
Sponsor a Child’s Holiday Wish
Holiday Wishes is our signature holiday initiative. This program supports families currently participating in our housing programs. As a sponsor, you will “fulfill” a child’s (or multiple children) holiday wish list (valued at $50 or less) bringing joy and hope during the season. More information to come.
Provide Holiday Wishes for the Entire Family
Want to provide holiday wishes for more than one child? Consider providing wishes for for every child (ages 0-18) in the family. Wish list items should be valued at $50 or less per child. This opportunity is great for families, organizations, corporations, or friend/co-worker groups looking to come together and do something meaningful for the holidays. If interested in this option, please email Jasmine Snead at [email protected] for the size of the family and availability.
Provide a New Set of Pajamas
For many children, the joy of new pajamas is a special part of the holiday season. You can bring comfort and warmth to a child by donating a new pajama set. More information to come.
Provide a New Coat
As the temperatures drop, many families in our programs face the challenge of keeping their children warm during the winter months. By donating a new coat, you can ensure that a child stays cozy and comfortable all season long. More information to come.
Holiday Stockings
Fill a stocking with small toys, art supplies, books, snacks, and other fun surprises that will bring cheer to a child’s holiday. These stockings will be distributed to children of all ages in our emergency shelter and housing programs. In addition to stockings for the kids, we also invite you to create stockings for the parents in our programs. These can include items like cozy socks, toiletries, hot chocolate, small gift cards, and other treats that offer comfort and warmth during the holiday season.
Provide Holiday Gift Wrapping Supplies
The joy of receiving a beautifully wrapped gift is something every child should experience. This holiday season, you can help us spread cheer by sponsoring holiday gift wrap supplies. Your contribution of wrapping paper, gift boxes, tape, and ribbons will ensure that every present is wrapped with care and love, ready to bring smiles on Christmas morning. Gift wrapping supplies are welcomed to be dropped off or delivered to Housing Families First, 3900 Nine Mile Rd, Henrico VA 23223- starting November 1st-December 13th, M-F between 9a-4p.
Make Holiday Dinner Baskets
HFF would like to provide each family in our community programs with a holiday meal basket so that
they are able to make a special meal this Holiday season!
Meal baskets will be collected for the Thanksgiving holiday and the Christmas holiday, and are welcomed from November 1st through December 20th.
Ask family, friends or volunteers at your office (or at your place of worship or social club) to put together baskets, bins or bags of holiday dinner staples for families in need. It’s simple! Click here for more information.
New Home Starter Kits
When families transition from shelter to permanent housing, they receive a New Home Starter Kit. These kits are filled with essential household items, such as bedding, kitchen supplies, cleaning products, and more, helping families establish their new homes with comfort and care. More information to come.
Future Family Support
Throughout the year, new families join our housing programs, often close to the holiday season. For these “TBD” families, your sponsorship will ensure that we are prepared with gifts and essentials, even before we know their specific needs. Your support makes sure that every family, regardless of when they arrive, has a memorable holiday. Click here to donate.