AIC Christmas Families Sponsorship

Post by **Jon Bolden** » November 24th, 2012, 10:21 am

Hey all,

Several folks and I have talked about bringing together the Austin Improv Community to collect clothing, food, houseware, toys, etc... for families in need.

Step One: How do we connect with these families? Does anyone have access to a organization that deals with this sort of thing? I'm thinking to start we should try 4-5 families and grow throughout the years.

Step Two: Once we find out what families we can sponsor and their needs, we'll need lots of help collecting items, organizing, delivering food, etc...

So to start, please contact me (jon@hideouttheatre.com) if you can help with connecting us with the families.

Jessica · Post by **Jessica** » November 24th, 2012, 2:50 pm

My friend Laura works with immigrant families and I think the do the adopt a family christmas thing. I'll try to get in touch with her and find out more.

Post by **Jon Bolden** » November 24th, 2012, 2:55 pm

Awesome! Thanks, Jessica. A few people are checking, so we'll see what shakes out and go from there. I appreciate it!

emmadholder · Post by **emmadholder** » November 24th, 2012, 6:58 pm

I would love to help out! We always did this growing up through our church. That might be a good place to start looking too. Austin Safeplace might do something as well.

Faybel · Post by **Faybel** » November 25th, 2012, 11:08 am

Safeplace and Lifeworks were recommended to me as good places to start.

Post by **Jon Bolden** » November 25th, 2012, 6:28 pm

Jessica has already gotten a promising response, so we'll wait to see how that shakes out and then get started on finding improv volunteers and assigning gifts, etc...

Thanks!

Terry · Post by **Terry** » November 27th, 2012, 11:00 am

This is a fantastic idea. Yay AIC!

Post by **Jon Bolden** » November 28th, 2012, 4:02 pm

I created a facebook group that is open to join if anyone wants to stay closely in the loop as this progresses:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/562361883780161/

Post by **Jon Bolden** » December 7th, 2012, 12:58 pm

We have the details for our first family. Here's the rundown:

Mother (38 years old):
HEB gift card
Target Gift card
Small electric drill
Screwdriver(s)
Wheeled shopping bag
Small storage tubs (roughly the size of a microwave)

Grandmother:
Likes sweets
Nice sweater or cardigan (size L)

9 Year old:
Enjoys Drawing
Enjoys Sports

3 year old:
Likes trucks

If you would like to sign up for an item, anyone can edit & access this google spreadsheet, or reply to this thread and I'll add you to the list.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... Ddnc#gid=0

Please let me mark you as verified before you purchase the item

Let me know if you have any questions.

Post by **Jon Bolden** » December 7th, 2012, 3:15 pm

Also! I will post information on how to drop off items or collect soon. I'm still ironing out those details

Post by **Jon Bolden** » December 7th, 2012, 6:22 pm

I have added the three smaller families to the spreadsheet. They are located in smaller tabs on the bottom left:

http://screencast.com/t/PFmDXyViFJz

Thanks for your support so far!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... Ddnc#gid=0

Post by **Jon Bolden** » December 7th, 2012, 6:24 pm

Jayme has posted some craigslist ads for the more pricey items as well.

http://austin.craigslist.org/app/3427620188.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/app/3403960167.html

I think that's a good way to get some of these items, great idea Jayme!!

Post by **Jon Bolden** » December 11th, 2012, 12:37 pm

Hey guys! We just got the info for our fifth and final family. They are asking for some higher priced items, so feel free to combine powers and split the cost of some of these things.

WE ONLY HAVE 9 DAYS LEFT BEFORE WE WANT TO DELIVER THEM!

Here's what we still need:

Family #2:
- game stop gift card (any amount)
- radio or shower radio
- (optional) DVD player and family movies (comedies)

Family #3:
-sound machine (to help sleep)
-optional family gift: Barnes and Nobles gift card

Family #4
-lotion and perfume sets
- optional gift: bed in a bag-comforter/sheets (red tones) sized twin

Family #5
Womens Leather boots ( size 8 ) & Matching purse
Build a Bear Forever Friend (for young girl)
Craft or coloring supplies
Build a Bear Rudolph or Kennel Dog german shepherd with roller skates (for young girl)
Womens black boots, size 7 1/2
Woman's clothes (shirt size M, pants size 3 or 5)
Anything to do with Dora the Explorer
Nintendo DS (optional)
Baby clothes for 6-9 month girl

Again, some of these are rather expensive so I suggest pairing up.

I will have drop off information soon.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

UPDATE THE SPREADSHEET!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... Ddnc#gid=5[/b]

Post by **Jon Bolden** » December 12th, 2012, 5:57 pm

To answer a few common questions:

1. PLEASE WRAP THE GIFTS and be sure to label it with a post-it or taped piece of paper with the family # and whom it's intended for (i.e. Daugher, 8 yrs old). The organizations we're working with will eventually label them.

2. DUE DATE is DEC. 19th BY NOON Please drop off at my house, 3500 Clarkson Ave. Austin, TX 78722. I am home usually all day during the day. Email me at jon [at] hideouttheatre.com or call/text me (5-one-two) 632-O59O

OR -- drop it off at The Hideout Theatre box office downstairs behind the counter. If no one is working the box office, please just leave it on the counter and I will gather items daily.

Post by **Jon Bolden** » December 13th, 2012, 10:14 am

Ok! We are in the homestretch. We literally only need these few larger items.

1. A Nintendo DS - Looks like they run $129.99 at Best Buy and other places. If several people join together for this, I think that would be killer.

2. Purse - Kerri Lendo is buying leather boots and the purse will ideally match this. If a few people can join forces and get with Kerri to pick out a purse.

We just need these to be purchased and delivered to my house or The Hideout Theatre box office by NOON, DEC. 19th

Thanks for your help! Here is the full spreadsheet once again.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... Ddnc#gid=2