More than 11,000 people in The Woodlands could use a hand this holiday season.
Interfaith of The Woodlands has launched its annual Holiday GIVING Programs, a three-pronged campaign that includes Adopt-a-Family, a Holiday Toy Drive and a Gifts for Seniors program, according to Woodlands Online. Several deadlines fall in the next few weeks.
Adopt-a-Family lets community members "adopt" a local family by providing requested holiday gifts for their children. Interfaith matches donors with a family and provides a list of gift ideas. Those interested can contact Mayra Alvarez at [email protected], according to Interfaith's website. Adopt-a-Family gifts are due by noon on Nov. 19.
Holiday Toy Drive collects new, unwrapped toys that parents can select for their children. Toy donations are being accepted at Interfaith's main office at 4242 Interfaith Way in The Woodlands, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Friday hours ending at noon. Additional drop-off sites include local fire stations throughout The Woodlands, Montgomery County Pct. 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler's office and the Kevin Brady Community Center and Library. Interfaith's website lists the toy drive deadline as noon on Thursday, Dec. 3. Woodlands Online's report lists Friday, Dec. 4, though Dec. 3 matches the website's stated day of the week.
Gifts for Seniors asks donors to purchase a $50 gift card for a senior client. Options include a $50 Walmart, Amazon or Target gift card, according to Woodlands Online. Gift cards must be delivered to Interfaith by noon on Thursday, Nov. 19. Residents can contact Laurie Oglesby at [email protected] for details.
Interfaith also accepts Walmart and grocery gift cards in $25 increments for general holiday assistance to families and seniors, its website states.
Beyond gifts, all participating families and seniors receive food from the Interfaith Food Pantry to prepare a holiday meal and a clothing voucher from the Hand Me Up Shop.
Missy Herndon, president and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, called it "one of our favorite times of the year," according to Woodlands Online.
Waste Connections is again supporting the effort through its annual Bike Build, which provides new bicycles for children in the community. The season wraps up with the Holiday GIVING Dinner and Carols by Candlelight, where more than 400 seniors gather for a meal, music and fellowship.
Residents who want to donate, adopt a family or volunteer can visit woodlandsinterfaith.org/holidaygiving or call 281-367-1230.
