Help Bring Holiday Joy
For more than 25 years, Services for the UnderServed’s Holiday Gift Project has helped bring the holiday spirit to people in our programs across New York City.
Many of the people we serve may be spending the holidays alone or without the resources to purchase gifts for themselves or their loved ones. Your generosity helps ensure everyone experiences the warmth and magic of the season. Help bring holiday joy to 1,400+ New Yorkers supported by S:US.
Who You Will Help
- Children living in family shelters, domestic violence shelters, and supportive housing
- Adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities
- Seniors with disabilities
- Veterans in need of support
How You Can Help
- “Adopt” wishes by emailing Siona Schmid at [email protected] with the number of individuals you’d like to gift. We’ll send you their names and wishes.
- Organize a drive: Get your coworkers, friends, family, or community involved. Reach out to Siona Schmid at [email protected] for more information. We’ll provide resources to help you organize your drive and spread the word.
- Host a gift-wrapping party: Turn your holiday gathering into an opportunity to give back by wrapping gifts for S:US. Prefer not to wrap? You can send your gifts unwrapped and we’ll take care of it!
- Make a monetary donation and we’ll shop for you.
- Purchase gifts from our Amazon Gift List.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get involved?
Email Siona Schmid at [email protected] with the number of individuals whose wishes you’d like to fulfill.
How much should I spend on each individual?
We ask our programs to keep the individuals’ wishes under $40.
Can I spend more?
Of course, we do not want to quash anyone’s generosity. However, if you have the means, please spread the wealth and adopt more gift wishes.
What if I can’t find (or afford) the person’s wish?
No worries! The wishes are suggestions, and you should not feel obligated to fulfill a wish exactly. If you’re having trouble finding an item or it’s outside your budget, please reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help.
I don’t enjoy shopping. Can I still participate?
Definitely! You can make a monetary donation above and we will do the shopping for you. You can also purchase items from our Amazon Gift List that contains individuals’ wishes. Additionally, gift cards are also a popular request, especially among teens and young adults. It allows individuals to make their own purchases. Just let us know and we’ll send you individuals who specifically request gift cards.
What is the best way to put names of gift recipients on stockings/gifts/bags?
You can staple, glue, or tape the names on. If you are feeling crafty, feel free to get creative with gift tags or decorations!
Should the gifts be wrapped?
We’d appreciate it if the gifts came wrapped, but no worries if not — we can take care of it on our end!
What is the deadline to drop off gifts?
December 9, 2026, is the deadline to drop off gifts.
Where do I send or drop off the gifts?
Please send or drop off gifts to 463 Seventh Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10018, Attention: Siona Schmid
Can I drop off gifts?
Yes, you can. Our business hours are generally Monday through Friday, 9 AM–5 PM. Please contact Siona Schmid at [email protected] or 646-588-9774 to schedule your drop-off.
Can my company, school, or community organize a Holiday Gift Drive?
Absolutely! Gather your coworkers, friends, family, or community to fulfill holiday wishes together. Email Siona Schmid at [email protected] and we’ll provide information and materials to help you get started. You can also bring your group together for a gift-wrapping party before sending the gifts to S:US.
For further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Siona Schmid, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, at [email protected] or 646-588-9774.
