Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have
to get everything on the wish list?
No, the wish lists are provided to give you an idea of the needs and
interests of the people in the family you have been matched with. While
many families would be very grateful to receive these items it is not
expected for you to purchase everything.
Do I have
to spend $75 per person?
We ask that you do not go over $75 a person and the individual family
members receive an equal amount amongst themselves.
I can’t
find what they want?
The wish list is just a guide for the people’s needs and interest. If
you are shopping for clothes but uncertain on the size or a specific
design try to safety pin a gift receipt to a similar item (please no
regular receipts). Gift cards are an alternative.
Can I
drop off gifts early?
Warehouse space is very limited and only available to Sponsor A Family
on a few days. If you are unable to bring your gifts on one of the drop
off days please try to make arrangements with someone else to bring over
the gifts. Catholic Charities and Lutheran Social Service do not have
space to store gifts.
I signed
up to sponsor a family but I haven’t heard from anyone about my assigned
family.
Mid November you will begin to get information about your matched
family. If it is passed this time please contact the office to let us know
your situation.
Minneapolis
Sponsors: 1-866-620-2236
St. Paul Sponsors: 1-800-285-3014
I lost my
wish list. Can I get a new one?
Please contact the office for a new wish list.
Minneapolis
Sponsors: 1-866-620-2236
St. Paul Sponsors: 1-800-285-3014
I can’t
find my Family ID number?
Please call the office to get your family ID number(s). It is
important bags and boxes are clearly marked when dropped off so we can
identify which family the items are intended for.
Minneapolis
Sponsors: 1-866-620-2236
St. Paul Sponsors: 1-800-285-3014
I signed
up to volunteer but can no longer come.
Please call the office ASAP to inform us the change so we can find
other volunteers to fill your position.
Minneapolis
Volunteers: 1-866-620-2236
St. Paul Volunteers: 1-800-285-3014
What
amount should gift cards be?
Food Gift Cards will be distributed as $10/person. $10 gift card
appreciated. If you have a family of 5 one $50 gift card will be fine
instead of 5- $10 gift cards.
Store gift
cards to Target, Walmart , Best Buy (etc) can be any dollar amount
($10-$20 is suggested).
Please write
the Dollar Amount on the gift card. You will save volunteer staff precious
time from having to call and check for the amount on the card.
What are
gift cards donations used for?
The goal of the program is to provide families with gifts and a
holiday meal. Gift cards to Cub Food and Rainbow Food are distributed to
families to purchase food for the holidays.
Why am I
not matched with someone from Lutheran Social Service or Catholic
Charities?
Sponsor A Family invites affiliate organizations to be part of the
program. In 2007 we will be working with Goodwill Easter Seals, Guild
Inc., House Calls, RAP Head Start, Reuben Lindh and YWCA Childcare Center.
Can my
business get involved?
Yes, your business can:
-
Sponsor a
Family (be matched with a family in need),
-
Donate
general (extra) gifts,
-
Donate money
or gift cards,
-
Donate
office supplies,
-
Donate
volunteer treats (hospitality) for distribution,
-
Sponsor the
overall program. (helping with costs of running the program)
Each option
is an important piece of the program. You will make a difference with your
involvement!
Helpful
steps when sponsoring a family/in-kind donations for a large
group/business.
-
Decide who
will be involved. Example:
a. Department/ Individual Team(s)
b. Division/Entire Company
-
Determine if
there will be one contact from the business to coordinate everyone or if
each Department/Team will register on their own.
-
Decide if
you would like to be matched with a specific family or do a general
collection for gifts and/or gift card/food gift cards.
-
Promote your
involvement. Some places have incentives for teams that collect the most
number of gift cards/toys. Make it part of your holiday celebration (bring
a gift to the party) or take money typically spent to purchase gifts for
families in need.
-
Volunteer!
Some shifts are available for groups to volunteer at the warehouse or to
come as individuals/with their families. Create ways for internal
volunteer opportunities. Examples: shopping for gifts or delivering gifts
over to the warehouse.
-
Be aware of
the collection dates/time and make sure your collection is complete and
received by Sponsor a Family on-time.
-
Recognize
your involvement with the program. Suggestions: Take photos and track the
number of employees involved. Allow people who donate a “jean day.” Count
the number of gifts and/or amount of money/gift cards collected. Show your
photos at the holiday party or quarterly meeting.
