Casey’s sponsors Holiday Gift Drive for 9th straight year
For the ninth consecutive year, Casey’s Grill & Bar in Wakefield is sponsoring a holiday gift drive with the Washington County Coalition for Children (WCCC) for the region’s teens in need. People who drop off an unwrapped gift on Sunday, December 2 between 4-6 pm will be treated to Santa, caroling, eggnog, cider and a complimentary buffet.
Last year, the event raised more than $5,000 in gifts, gift certificates, and cash donations.
“Many disadvantaged families rely heavily on their teens to help care for younger kids, cook meals, etc.,” notes WCCC Coordinator Susan Orban. “In tough times, teens are often expected to do go without. They’re already used to financial hardship.”
“As a result, they can feel even more isolated and left out during the holidays. We hold the gift drive to let them know they’re never forgotten,” she says.
“This has become an important tradition for us at Casey’s,” states General Manager Noelle Brousseau. “Many donors support the drive in a big way, year after year, dropping off bags and boxes of thoughtful gifts. For example, last year one donor donated 10 basketballs, 10 footballs, and 10 soccer balls. Another donated 10 pairs of cool teen boots.”
Brousseau reports that local businesses, charitable organizations, schools, and community members always get involved, including many URI students and faculty members.
The Coalition then distributes the unwrapped gifts and cash donations to local human services agencies that serve families with teens.
“Casey’s has always been a fantastic and generous partner,” Orban says. “The Coalition depends on area sponsors and volunteers. Casey’s always steps up.”
Lots of gift possibilities
Orban suggests that ideas for teen gifts include: T-shirts, pajamas, slippers, hooded sweatshirts, caps, socks, Red Sox or Patriot jersey/cap, watches, skateboards, sports equipment, MP3 music players, board games, or arts and craft supplies.
“You can also think ‘stocking stuffers,” she adds, “such as nail polish, lip gloss, toiletries, body lotion, perfume/cologne, hair clips, jewelry, stationery, or CDs and DVDs.”
She also proposes gift certificates from area merchants and restaurants for meals, bike supplies, music, DVD’s, books, clothing, sporting goods, manicures, hair salon, movie passes, sports events, bowling, skating, ice cream, pizza, or fast-food.
“We also welcome cash donations,” Orban points out.
Unwrapped gifts should be brought to Casey’s on Sunday, December 2 from 4-6 pm.
“Everyone on our staff contributes in some way to make the gift drive successful each year,” says Brousseau. “The joy and holiday spirit can truly be felt throughout the restaurant. I hope generous gift givers will stay and celebrate the season with us.”
Encourage participation by posting the attached Casey 9th flyer
