Help us give every child a gift this holiday season

Tis’ the season for Southwest Human Development’s Annual Gingerbread Kids Campaign!

Each year, our corporate partners from around the Valley join us to achieve a simple common goal: Ensuring children in need receive holiday gifts during this special time of year.

“The holidays, more than anything, are a time for family,” said Annette Sutfin, Southwest Human Development’s volunteer engagement manager. “Southwest Human Development’s mission is to support family; this is another opportunity to rally people in the community to support children who may not receive a holiday gift otherwise.”

Parents in difficult situations may find themselves unable to participate in traditional holiday gift-giving because they are focused on paying bills or meeting their family’s basic needs. Southwest Human Development called upon local companies to help touch the lives of families in need with a sprinkle of holiday magic.

More than 10 corporate partners have signed up to participate in this year’s Gingerbread Kids Campaign. After signing up, companies receive the wishlists of individual children, including clothing and sizes, favorite toys and more. Presents are then returned to Southwest Human Development without being wrapped, giving the parents we serve an opportunity to play a role in the gift-giving process.

“It truly makes the difference for these children to receive a holiday gift and know that someone in the community cares about them,” Sutfin said. “We truly appreciate everyone who gets involved and helps us spread the holiday cheer.”

While many participating companies have internal gift drives, others like Camelback Toyota and Ruth’s Chris Steak House opt to have a drive open for public participation. Gift tags associated with individual children can be found in the Camelback Toyota showroom. The general public is welcome to pick a tag off the tree and return with the tag and an unwrapped gift. Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Scottsdale will provide a public donation box.

For those who can’t make it to a Gingerbread Kids location, people are also encouraged to get involved by shopping on our dedicated Gingerbread Kids Campaign online shopping cart.

This year, more Southwest Human Development programs than ever are participating; including Foster Care, Kinship Care and Adoptions; Healthy Families; Building Resilient Families; Services for Children with Disabilities; Nurse-Family Partnership; and our Newborn Intensive Care Program.

To learn how you and/or your organization can be a part of the Gingerbread Kids Campaign, please contact Annette Sutfin at 602.633.8416 or asutfin@swhd.org.