PHOENIX (December 14, 2017) – For many families, the holidays are a great time to think about the needs of others and find ways to give back to the community and for many, this is an especially important time to pass these values onto their children.
This holiday season, Valley of the Sun United Way is making giving back as a family easier than ever, with five great ideas on how to volunteer from home.
Valley of the Sun United Way team members are available for interviews on how families can give from home over the holidays. To schedule interviews, please contact Jamie Killin at 480.710.5270 or jamie@evanscommunications.com or Tom Evans at 602.448.5483 or tom@evanscommunications.com.
At home philanthropy ideas include:
- Adopt a Classroom
- Help Fight Hunger
- Host a Holiday Party with a Purpose
- Assemble Stockings for those in need
- Give a Holiday Book
Make sure students have the tools they need to succeed by getting together a group and creating 30 student activity kits for a classroom in need. Supplies vary by grade level, but include pencils, erasers, scissors glue and other essentials. To learn more about what to include in the kit, or to coordinate a drop off, visit www.vsuw.org/athome or email volunteer@vsuw.org.
Fighting hunger is a year-round cause, but during the holidays is a great time to help make a difference. One way to help is by collecting a specific high need item — like cans of tuna. Or, you can host a peanut butter and jelly drive — just be sure to avoid any glass jars! Donations can be dropped off at the Valley of the Sun United Way office.
Utilize your network for good this holiday season with a festive party that’s as philanthropic as it is fun. Host your friends, then fundraise through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, texts, emails and phone calls! You can accept funds online through a special Party for a Purpose page or in person at the party, then donate them directly back to Valley of the Sun United Way to be distributed to those in need in the community. For more information on how to get started, visit: vsuw.org/you-can-help/volunteer/purpose
Give giving a festive twist this season by filling a stocking full of essentials for those who don’t have a place to call home. Purchase a stocking and fill it up with the items that are most needed this time of year like warm socks, underwear and toiletries. You can even top it off with an inspirational message for someone in need. Donations can be dropped off at the Valley of the Sun United Way office.
As more and more research shows the importance of early literacy, it becomes increasingly critical that children develop a love of reading! Help a child build their home library this holiday season with a great holiday gift — a book in a bag! Gather your family to pick out books to donate, then add some holiday cheer by decorating the bags you’ll drop them off in with inspirational messages and fun colors. Donations can be dropped off at the Valley of the Sun United Way office.
More Information: Visit www.vsuw.org/athome.
