Credit: Erich Martin/Levittownnow.com
The United Way of Bucks County served every young person on its Holiday Gift Card Drive list this year thanks to an outpouring of support from community members.
The nonprofit’s Holiday Gift Card Drive, which serves older kids and teens in need, received a record number of requests this holiday season. At the beginning of this week – and with over 1,800 already served – there were still nearly 400 young people remaining on the list.
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After appealing to the community for additional support, the nonprofit was not only able to serve every young person on the list, but even received extra donations to meet last-minute requests.
“We had a flurry of last-minute requests from families in need,” said Katie Matarazzo, project manager. “Thanks to our community, we could say yes to people struggling to find help. Over the past few days, we had some teens who lost their homes, lost a caregiver – or even both – over the past year.”
Marissa Christie, president and CEO at United Way of Bucks County, also expressed her gratitude.
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“We never want to say no to a child in need, but this program relies on community support. It is incredible how many people rushed in to help. I’m hoping people will open their hearts next week, too. We have a challenge gift of $50,000 to unlock and we’re only halfway there. We still have a lot of folks to help before the end of the year,” she added.
Local couple Simon and Jane Hallett are matching every gift made to the nonprofit, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 through December 31. Donations can be made at www.uwbucks.org/donate or by mailing a check to United Way of Bucks County, 413 Hood Boulevard, Fairless Hills, PA 19030. Checks must be postmarked by 12/31/2021 to qualify for the match. Gifts will be directed to basic needs in Bucks County: healthy food, safe and secure shelter, and other essentials.
Editor’s Note: Publisher Tom Sofield is a member of the United Way of Bucks County Board of Directors.
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