East Haddam Youth and Family Services (EHYFS) plays a pivotal role in supporting local families during the holiday season through its annual Holiday Giving Campaign. This initiative aims to ensure that all children in the community experience the joy of the holidays, regardless of their family's financial situation or what religion you practice or which holiday you celebrate, everyone is welcome.
Each year, EHYFS collaborates with various community partners, including the East Haddam Police Department and the East Haddam Parks and Recreation Department, to facilitate the Holiday Giving Campaign. One of the key components is the Adopt-A-Family program, where community members can choose a tag from a Christmas tree displaying a child's age and gender. Participants then purchase an unwrapped gift within a specified price range and drop it off at EHYFS by a designated deadline. On a set date, parents can pick up unwrapped gifts, wrapping paper, and tape, allowing them to prepare presents for their children.
In addition to the Adopt-A-Family program, EHYFS partners with the East Haddam Police Department to host the Stuff-A-Cruiser Toy Drive. During this event, community members are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys, as well as hats, gloves, scarves, and socks for children of all ages. These donations are collected in police cruisers and distributed to families in need through EHYFS.
The success of the Holiday Giving Campaign relies heavily on the generosity of East Haddam residents and local businesses. Donations can be made in various forms, including:
Gift Cards: Monetary donations are used to purchase gift cards for families, allowing them to select gifts that best suit their children's needs and preferences.
Unwrapped Gifts: Community members can purchase and donate unwrapped gifts for children, ensuring a diverse selection of presents.
Volunteering: Individuals can volunteer their time to assist with organizing holiday events.
For more information on how to get involved or to make a donation, please contact EHYFS at (860) 873-3296 or visit the donation page by clicking here.
Through these collaborative efforts, EHYFS ensures that the spirit of the season reaches every child in East Haddam, fostering a sense of community and support during the holidays.