Teen Gift Drive: Let's Not Forget These 'Kids' At Christmas

GUILFORD, CT — Toy drives are popular this time of the year. Kids in need who might otherwise have nothing, or next to nothing, under the tree are well-served by the generosity of everyday folks; dolls, Hot Wheels, Elmos, LEGOS, Nerf Blasters, and you-name-them super hero figures to unwrap.

But there's a population of kids who have long left LEGOS behind. Teenagers need presents, too. Kids from 13 to 17 are part of what is widely recognized as an under-served and often overlooked, however unintentionally, population. And who knows this better then kids themselves.

The Guilford Youth & Family Services Youth Board understands this reality and that's why its annual holiday fundraiser, the Teen Gift Drive, is so important.

Slated to be held on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. outside of Walmart in the Guilford Plaza, the gift drive is an opportunity for the community to step up and help give teenagers in need something to unwrap.

The Youth Board has some gift suggestions: games, art supplies, movie passes, makeup, bath sets, sports equipment, plush blankets and the like. And of course cash donations are always needed. But what one can count on teens being thrilled to get are gift cards, from Amazon to Subway, Bath & Body Works to Xbox, gift cards are a safe bet!