ICS Seeks Holiday Gifts of Love for Children and Older Adults in Need

Interfaith Community Services (ICS) is excited to announce the launch of its annual Gifts of Love campaign. ICS invites individuals, families, faith communities, businesses, and organizations to participate by providing gifts for children, teens, and older or disabled adults in our community. The online adoption portal is now open at https://www.icstucson.org/giftsoflove/ and will remain available through December 2, 2024. Donated gifts can be dropped off at ICS offices December 9–13.

Gifts of Love is a need-based annual drive that provides holiday gifts for children, teens, and older adults living alone. The program brings joy to families living below the poverty line and to older or disabled adults who might not receive gifts otherwise, especially those without family or a social network.

ICS case managers have identified more than 500 individuals this year who are facing unemployment, hunger, homelessness, isolation, and other significant challenges. Profiles and wish lists for these individuals are available on the online adoption portal for donors to review and select.

“It’s truly humbling to see the gifts requested by the families we’re serving this year,” says Tom McKinney, ICS CEO. “Parents are asking for basic items like coats, socks, shoes, and underwear for their children. Many older adults are requesting simple things like slippers and kitchen towels—items that will make a big difference in their daily lives. Last year, one recipient thanked us for a small $30 gift card, saying it helped her get what she needed and relieved her of so much worry.”

Parents and guardians of adopted children will pick up their gifts at ICS, along with wrapping paper and tape, so they can prepare for a holiday season that might otherwise have felt uncertain. In addition, food from ICS food banks will provide families with the ingredients for a holiday meal.

For older and disabled adults, volunteers will deliver gifts along with a warm visit. For many of these recipients, who are isolated and homebound, a cheerful visitor can be the highlight of their holiday season.

“Each year, we’re moved by the heartfelt gratitude we receive from older adults in our Gifts of Love program,” says McKinney. “Some are so overwhelmed they cry, and sometimes, they make us cry. You’d be amazed at the joy a warm blanket, shoes, or a book—delivered with kindness by a volunteer—can bring.”

There are three ways to help: adopt an individual or family to provide gifts; donate wrapping paper, tape, or gift bags for wrapping; or make a monetary donation. Donations support ICS emergency financial assistance programs, which provide essential items like food, shelter, and a continued safe place to live for those in need. Visit icstucson.org/giftsoflove for more information and to access the adoption portal.