United Way of Bucks County Hosts Holiday Gift Card Drive for Local Teens in Need

FAIRLESS HILLS, PA – United Way of Bucks County is asking the community to help older kids and teens in need this holiday season. The organization’s annual holiday gift card drive, which runs November 13th through December 15th, provides a gift for kids who would otherwise receive nothing.

“For older kids who are not expecting to receive any gifts, a gift card means so much. They are so grateful that our community cares about them. It’s a meaningful and empowering experience for older kids to get a little something for themselves rather than be left out,” explains Danielle Bush, Director of Community and Volunteer Engagement at United Way.

Last year the gift card drive was able to serve 683 older kids and teens. This was a huge increase from the 2015 drive which served 455 kids. This year the need is even greater.  Requests from area non-profit agencies, school districts, and residents are expected to exceed 800.  United Way hopes to fill all requests for gift cards that they receive.

The Holiday Gift Card Drive accepts gift cards of all denominations, starting at $5, now through December 15th. All donations go to local teens and older kids who are experiencing a true need this holiday season.

Bush suggests that donors consider gift cards to places that teens enjoy shopping: Target, Wal-Mart, popular clothing stores, and specialty shops like Starbucks and Barnes & Noble. A list of suggestions can be found at www.uwbucks.org/giftcarddrive.

She adds that for the first time, donors can also make a gift in someone else’s honor or memory this year. “Helping an older kid makes a great gift for that person on your list who has everything,” says Bush. “You can make a donation to the Holiday Gift Card Drive in their honor and we will acknowledge your gift with a card and a story about a kid who got help.”

There are three ways for members of the community to help with this project:

  1. Bring gift cards to United Way of Bucks County, 413 Hood Blvd., Fairless Hills, PA, 19030;
  2. mail in a check to the same address with “Gift Card Drive” on the memo line;
  3. Visit www.uwbucks.org/giftcarddrive and donate online. The website includes an option to make your gift in honor or memory of someone.

Any questions can be directed to Danielle Bush at danielleb@uwbucks.org or call (215) 949-1660, ext 112.

Families looking for help through the Holiday Gift Card Drive can call (215)949-1660, ext. 105 for our Gift Card Drive Hotline.

About United Way of Bucks County:  For over 60 years, UW Bucks has been improving lives in Bucks County by uniting donors, advocates, and volunteers around the common good.  United Way programs focus on early child care and education, helping families in an emergency, supporting seniors, and helping those who are hungry, homeless, or need help.

UNITED WE FIGHT. UNITED WE WIN.

Join us in changing lives in Bucks County for good by making a donation today. Donations can be made online or by mailing a check to, United Way of Bucks County, 413 Hood Blvd., Fairless Hills, PA 19030.