GIFT has become a model of cooperation and consolidation in serving families in need during the holidays. Started in 1995, GIFT is a festive, one-stop application and distribution center for holiday family food boxes and toys for children.
Eleven years ago, agencies like Catholic Social Services and The Salvation Army were each rushing to provide holiday boxes to their clients. In 1995, non-profit agencies, churches, government agencies, service clubs, and businesses formed a new collaboration to consolidate holiday services for families and individuals needing assistance. By working together, they now share resources, staff and volunteers while maximizing the effectiveness of Anchorage’s holiday generosity.
With GIFT, holiday services of partner agencies are centralized at one location, the ACS warehouse, or GIFT Central. GIFT Central simplifies both the collection and distribution processes. Donated goods from The Salvation Army Angel Trees, the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots, and food and toy donations from schools, offices, and individuals go to one location to make a convenient “one stop shopping” holiday experience.
Gift Central is not just a distribution center. It is a holiday celebration. Decorations supplied by the YMCA, ACS employees, youth organizations, and local interior designers transform the ACS warehouse to a festive GIFT Central. Volunteers staff a Kids Korner with entertainment and goodies for children while their parents shop.
Support for GIFT is widespread. ACS donates the facility and logistical support. Generous corporate support from ConocoPhillips helps with expenses and toys.
Northern Printing, Inc. helps with printing and the Anchorage media is very supportive in getting the word out. Beans Café brings food to the volunteers. Organizations, companies, church groups and individuals volunteer as personal food shoppers and food and toy sorters.The result? Through the collaborative partnership of Catholic Social Services, Food Bank of Alaska, Lutheran Social Services, The Salvation Army, United Way of Anchorage, and US Marine Corps Toys for Tots volunteers, staff and services are consolidated and resources and donations are maximized. In 2004, our community came together to remember and reach out to over 11,000 people in need, making the holidays brighter for all of us. That’s what matters.