Seeking an opportunity to spread some holiday cheer? Waypoint is seeking gift elves to help secure in-kind donations for Waypoint Wonderland. These volunteers can support our gift drive by coordinating a drive through a workplace, civic group, church group or similar agency, to provide gifts for Waypoint Wonderland, which provides free holiday gifts to families who have used our critical service programs or attend our childcare program on financial assistance. Sponsors are also welcome to simply pick up some brand-new gift items as well.
Community members are asked to contribute by donating brand new toys, books, games, and household items for parents. Gift wrapping supplies can also be used for the gift distribution date.
Volunteers interested in hosting a gift drive can find some downloadable content either on our website, or by contacting Jade Riley, Waypoint’s Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator, at 319.731.6118 or jriley@waypointservices.org
ORGANIZATION IMPACT:
Waypoint supports over 20,000 individuals in crisis each year. Waypoint Wonderland is an event offered to help these individuals through the holidays by giving these individuals a holiday shopping event at no cost and making the holidays much easier for these families. On average, a substantial number of gifts are provided to more than 400 children aged 0-12 years old by the event. Having this event be more volunteer led helps our staff stay focused on the day-to-day of our critical services and also showing those we serve community support towards their struggles.
TIME COMMITMENT:
Time commitment can be as simple as 1-3 hours over this holiday season.
LOCATION:
Setting up the sponsorship can be done remotely, or with a brief visit onsite at Waypoint. Gifts do need to be dropped off by December 11th at Waypoint’s downtown office, 318 5th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.
PRINICIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collecting Waypoint Wonderland gifts
- Delivering them to Waypoint during donation hours (Monday-Thursday 9:30-4:30, Friday 9:30-11:30 from November 1st-December 11th 2023)
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Excellent communication, networking, and leadership skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
- Openness to working collaboratively with Waypoint staff, volunteers, and community members
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN
- An understanding of the intricacies of the nonprofit community and nonprofit best practices
- Knowledge of community resources related to childcare, housing and shelter, and victim services
- The ability to communicate the program’s mission and work to a variety of public audiences
- Extra holiday cheer!!!
Contact Jade Riley, Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator at 319.731.6118 or
jriley@waypointservices.org with additional questions.
