Bring Holiday Cheer to Local Families
As the holiday season approaches, Total Action for Progress (TAP) is asking local businesses, schools, civic groups, and community members to help make the holidays brighter for children enrolled in TAP’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs. TAP is requesting contributions for approximately 125 children across Southwest Virginia to ensure every child receives a special gift this season.
Each child will receive gifts totaling approximately $50, that may include age-appropriate toys and essential clothing items such as coats, hats, gloves, and shoes. TAP is currently looking for assistance with 16 classrooms, each with 8 to 15 children.
“This is an opportunity to truly make a difference for families who are already stretched thin financially,” said Ramona Wray, Interim Director of TAP Early Head Start and Head Start. “For many of these families, the cost of holiday gifts is simply out of reach. By providing a full class with gifts or offering financial support at any level, organizations and individuals relieve some of the financial burden on low-income families while ensuring that each child experiences the excitement of receiving holiday gifts.”
How You Can Help
- Option 1 – Donate funds of any level to sponsor a full or partial class, allowing staff to handle the shopping.
- Donations of any amount may be made online on the TAP donation webpage by selecting the designation category of “Education and Employment” and typing “Head Start Holiday Gifts” in the comment box below. As an alternative, checks with “Head Start Holiday Gifts” on the memo line may be mailed or delivered to TAP – HS Holiday Gifts at 302 2nd Street, SW, Roanoke,
- Option 2 – Purchase gifts for a full or partial classroom.
- Organizations or individuals interested in this option will be matched with a specific classroom of 8-15 children and supplied with details such as clothing sizes and toy preferences.
- All gifts should be unwrapped and delivered to TAP no later than December 16, 2024.
- To learn more about this option, contact Crystal Fernatt, Supervisor of Monitoring and Compliance, at (540) 309-5016 or crystal.fernatt@nulltapintohope.org.
Why Your Sponsorship Matters
Families served by TAP’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs have incomes which are below the poverty line and often face challenges to meet basic needs such as rent, utilities, and food. Holiday expenses create an unmanageable financial burden many cannot afford.
“By stepping in to sponsor these gifts, you’re not just giving toys or clothing. You are also giving hope to families in your community,” said Fernatt. “These gifts bring joy to children and ease financial stress, ensuring that every family can celebrate the holidays with dignity.”
Learn More & Get Involved
To provide a financial contribution for this effort, visit the TAPintoHope.org website. Please contact Crystal Fernatt at (540) 309-5016 or crystal.fernatt@nulltapintohope.org to sign up to purchase gifts for a classroom. Requests for interviews should be directed to Stacy Simms at stacy.simms@nulltapintohope.org.