You can help make a significant impact this holiday season by ensuring local children and families receive the "gift of giving." The Holiday Gift Drive, formerly known as Spirit of Giving, aims to fulfill the holiday wishes of many local children with your support. Let's kickstart this effort now, marking our 5th year of operation.

The core belief behind "Gift of Giving" is service to others in need, through the contribution of time, talent, resources, and community support. It's not about any individual or family but about a community rallying together when someone else is in need.

"Gift of Giving" collaborates with individuals, families, and children from all backgrounds and demographics. As the president and owner of "Gift of Giving," a nonprofit organization based in Clarion, a small rural town in Wright County, Iowa, I have witnessed our evolution into a more meaningful and ongoing charity. Originally established to help families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 by providing holiday gifts, we quickly realized the broader needs within our communities. This initiative now serves as a fundraiser to provide holiday gifts for children.

Accessibility, defined as the practice of making information, activities, and environments sensible, meaningful, and usable for as many people as possible, is a key commitment. With the support of local entities and individual investments of labor, talent, or skills, we can help provide families with a path to security, health, and stability. Currently, over 50% of the school district's students qualify for free and reduced meals.

We have an increasing number of families in need of basic supplies, clothing, and daily necessities. According to the USDA, our location is classified as a food desert. Additionally, a significant elderly population struggles to maintain a healthy lifestyle and requires assistance. The grant funds would be utilized in various ways to improve the lives of children, families, and those facing difficulties. At "Gift of Giving," we purchase beds and bedding for children, prioritizing their mental health, overall well-being, and safety. Our annual program, NO Child Sleeps on the Floor, is one such initiative. We also provide school supplies and backpacks to students in need, distributing over 139 filled backpacks this year.

Our mission is, "If we can help, we will find a way. If you are in need, all are welcome, no judgments." We have a trailer that travels to surrounding communities, offering repurposed clothing and re-homed furniture. These efforts help us connect with the community and build trust to address more significant needs such as late rental payments, electricity disconnections, and water shut-offs. Clients must fill out a request form, which is evaluated to determine need and urgency. All funds are reinvested into the community, with a focus on children, families, the elderly, and anyone struggling with everyday necessities.

Our vision is to create an inclusive community and an organization that can proudly say, "We did that. We accomplished it together." With commitment from local entities and individual investment, we can provide families with a path to security, health, and stability.

Gift of Giving (Wright Community Connections) 5th Annual Holiday Drive

5th Annual Holiday Gift of Giving Drive & fundraiser