Brown School's Blizzard Of Giving Hopes To Fill Teen's Stockings

MADISON, CT — New and unwrapped toys and games for young children are the ask of most holiday toy drives. Toys for Tots, for example, is geared towards kids 12 and under. But the youth demographic from ages 12 to 18 may be the group overlooked during Christmas. Toys and games are perhaps not on their gift lists. But gift cards work nicely for that age group, from fast food restaurants to mall and big box stores as well as from local small businesses that might cater to teenagers.

Brown Intermediate School has partnered with Shoreline Youth and Family Services in a 'Blizzard of Giving,' an event the school has participated in for years.

In a message to families from the school's nurse and guidance counselor, the Brown holiday giving project drive hopes to serve many kids from 12 to 18, and their families.

"This year we have projected over 70 teens to buy gift cards for. We would also like to provide their parents with gift cards to help purchase household items, groceries, and other holiday necessities. We may have over 50 families to help provide for. This year more than ever families are in need," the missive reads.

The holiday giving project, which began Nov. 19, seeks donations of gift cards from stores and services including Madison-based stores and Amazon, Target, Walmart, Stop & Shop, Big Y, CVS, Cumberland Farms, Kohl's, Dicks Sporting Goods, Visa/Mastercard and Old Navy, for example. Cash donations are also welcome: "Any donation, large or small, would be appreciated."

And the ask of students is to contribute through action.

"In the spirit of community service, we encourage students to do chores around the house to earn contributions rather than just asking you to buy a gift card or donate money," the message reads.

Collections are ongoing until Dec. 17.