BREVARD COUNTY — The magic of Christmas has got a hold of a certain nonprofit this summer and it could use your help to spread some holiday cheer for families in need.
Gifts from the Heart Christmas Shop is a joint partnership between local nonprofits Neighbor Up Brevard, Family Promise of Brevard, and Community of Hope. Each year, these organizations seek out new toy donations to offer at dramatically reduced costs for the families they serve.
This July, Neighbor Up Brevard initiated a new “Christmas in July” program to spread the word about its Christmas shop and to find interested public citizens willing to donate.
“Just like everything has inflated – the cost of homes and food, the cost of toys has not been immune to it,” said Andrea Sasson, development director for Neighbor Up Brevard. “Christmas is a very special holiday for many families. The ability to provide Christmas and that joyfulness comes with being together as a family, but also having toys under the tree is a big burden for families who can’t afford it.”
Sasson explained that Gifts from the Heart Christmas Shop aims not to be a hand-out but a hand up. The nonprofits only accept brand new toys and in the past has provided bicycles, Kindle Fire tablets, and gift cards among the latest toys and games. Gifts are provided for children ages newborn to 18 years old.
What may retail for $50-$100 can be found for as little as $13-$18. Items that normally sell for $20 are available for $3. Nothing costs more than $18 at this store, and only families who are being served by these nonprofits are invited to shop.
Sasson added that families facing financial hardships can earn “Shop Dollars” by volunteering with partner organizations, receiving a $10 credit for every hour volunteered.
“When you ring them up and this whole table full of toys is $50, it’s all worth it when you see how grateful and surprised the parents can be,” said Cindy McAllister, administrative assistant for Neighbor Up Brevard. “They’re so glad to be able to have a program that they get to come in and pick the toys, they get to provide for their children and have that experience of shopping for their kids when they didn’t think they were able to.”
Families can shop for three presents per child. Additionally, stocking stuffers are available and free books are given out. A gift-wrapping station is even set up in another room for parents.
This Christmas, Sasson said the nonprofits are hoping to raise together 1,000 gifts, which would serve approximately 350 families.
“We’re empowering families by letting them be part of the process from choosing a gift to wrapping it,” Sasson said. “I think it’s really special for the families we serve to be able to do this.”
To find gift registries and how to donate, visit neighborupbrevard.org/gfth. Gifts can also be dropped off at Neighbor Up Brevard’s office, 1151 Masterson St., Melbourne during business hours.
