Interfaith Social Services seeking sponsors to provide holiday gifts for 700 children this season

Though fall has just begun, most local social service agencies have already begun preparations for what should be an incredibly busy holiday season. Interfaith Social Services, who provides South Shore families with emergency food, mental health counseling and homelessness prevention services, has already seen a marked increase in the number of people signing up for their holiday assistance programs.

The holiday season is a particularly difficult time for the families Interfaith serves, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only added more stress. The agency is gearing up to ensure that the 700 children they serve will be able to receive not only emergency food and a Thanksgiving meal, but also gifts for the holidays.

“It’s incredibly important to us to try to spread a little bit of joy to our client families during the holidays,” said Interfaith’s executive director Rick Doane. “We provide them with the basic necessities they need, but thanks to our generous donors, we’re also able to provide a bit of holiday magic for the children as well.”

Interfaith is now seeking donors to sponsor client families through their Help for the Holidays program. Interested donors will sign up to purchase gifts for a child and will receive the child’s age and interests. A $50-75 spending range is suggested for each sponsored child. Donors can sign up at http://bit.ly/ISSholidays.

Businesses, organizations and faith communities are also welcome to sponsor families or run toy drives to support the program. Please contact Emily Ryan, Family and Children Program Coordinator, at eryan@interfaithsocialservices.org.

About Interfaith Social Services

Founded in 1947, Interfaith Social Services’ mission is to improve life for South Shore families and individuals in need. Programs include one of the largest food pantries in Greater Boston; budget counseling and homelessness prevention; The New Directions Counseling center, community gardening; free professional attire for job interviews, life skills workshops, and The Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop – operated entirely by volunteers with all sales benefiting Interfaith’s programs. Clothing and food donations from the community are always welcome. For more information, or to inquire about volunteering with Interfaith, please visit: www.InterfaithSocialServices.org.