This year, Syracuse University’s Holiday Sharing Program is again partnering with PEACE, Inc.’s Give-A-Holiday program to help local families in need during the holiday season. In 2019, 29 University schools, colleges and departments participated in the voluntary Holiday Sharing program.
Staff members in the Division of Marketing and Communications deliver gifts for the Holiday Sharing Program in 2019.
“The pandemic has complicated many of the routine joys we take for granted. Given how stressful this year has been it is especially rewarding to ensure a struggling family’s basic human needs are met,” says Brandon Dyer, an executive writer in the Division of Marketing and Communications who participated in the division’s Holiday Sharing efforts last year. “Thankfully, this is a welcome dose of normalcy in two ways. To those of us who donate, as well as the families we assist with Holiday Sharing. No matter how many challenges we have personally faced this year, we can still participate in the spirit of the season and support the most vulnerable members of our community. This is one of my favorite campus service initiatives every year, and this year it has a special significance.”
Participation opportunities are described below. University departments that would like to participate in the 2020 Give-A-Holiday program should submit a request on the Syracuse University online form. Questions can be directed to events@peace-caa.org.
These are the ways to participate:
Giving to a Family(ies)
If you choose to give gifts to a family or families, you will be provided with a family wish list that includes the first name, gender, age, and sizes of each family member along with gift suggestions. Sponsors will purchase, wrap, and drop off gifts for each member of the family. See below for drop-off information.
Give a Basket(s)
You can put together a basket with the following items: toiletry items, paper goods, laundry detergent, grocery and/or gas gift cards, board games, candy, and/or arts and craft supplies. You will be sent a more specific list of items after completing this form. These items can be collected and put into a basket(s) (i.e. gift basket, laundry basket, etc.). If desired, sponsors may provide baskets in addition to giving gifts to a family.
Give a Collection of Items
Many families do not have the opportunity to be sponsored for holiday gifts. You can still help these families by donating a collection of items such as socks, hat/scarves/gloves, blankets, gift cards, etc., to PEACE, Inc. These items will then be given to families.
Give Monetary Donations
Monetary donations will be used to purchase gifts and items for unsponsored families. Donations may be given online or by mail. To mail donations, please send checks payable to PEACE, Inc. and mail to PEACE, Inc./Give-A-Holiday, 217 S. Salina St., second floor, Syracuse, NY 13202
Drop Off Date/Times and Locations for Syracuse University
PEACE, Inc. will be at Syracuse University at three locations on various days. Your pick-up date and time will depend on your location at SU along with assigned pick up time.
Pick up times will be communicated in the donation instructions. If you need a particular campus time slot, please notify PEACE, Inc. when making your sponsor request. It is very important that you deliver within your assigned time.
If you are unable to make the pick-up schedule at Syracuse University, you can deliver to the PEACE, Inc. hub located at the Eastwood Community Center, 401 S. Midler Ave. in Syracuse, on Friday, Dec. 11, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Monday, Dec. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please wear a mask or face covering during drop off.
