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2024: Give A Christmas helps South Jersey residents make a difference

Some consider the start of November to be the official beginning of the Christmas holiday season. Others prefer to get through Thanksgiving first.

No matter what, or when, you celebrate, it’s never too late to consider donating to families who may need help making magic this season — and that’s where Give A Christmas comes in.

If you start now, saving a few dollars each week or teaming up to donate with a friend, you could make a difference for a child near you.

What is Give A Christmas?

Give A Christmas is an initiative that runs every year in coordination between the Burlington County Times and NJ211, a 24-hour nonprofit referral ser vice connecting people in need with important resources. The annual effort provides monetary assistance to Burlington County families over the holiday season and relies on donations from community members.

“The Give A Christmas program is very important to me,” said Audrey Harvin, Burlington County Times executive editor. “I’ve been involved with it since I started at the newspaper in 1994. The generosity of our readers and the community over the years is just amazing.”

Last year, the program was able to distribute gift cards totaling $49,900 to 411 applicants in Burlington County, according to Rae Duncan, NJ211 program manager.

Ideas to donate for Give A Christmas

Donations can start in increments of just $25 or be made to a custom amount, and your generosity could make a big difference. Need some examples?

Skipping your morning coffee just five times between now and Dec. 24 could mean $25 to help Santa Claus child in Burlington County.

Have a vending machine in your office? Making a pact with your coworkers to skip that $1-$2 treat a couple times this month could mean a Christmas miracle for a South Jersey family.

Even gathering a handful of family or friends to give just $1 could mean the world to a family in need this holiday season.

Donors can visit the Burlington County Times website to submit their donation for the Give a Christmas project.

“The program has raised over $3 million since it began in 1968 and I’m proud to be a part of that,” Harvin said.

Who can receive assistance?

Low-income families with children younger than 18 in Burlington County are welcome to apply to this year’s program.

The application window is Oct. 13 through Nov. 29, and the last day to send all relevant documents is Dec. 6.

While applications are only open to Burlington County families, there is no deadline for donations, and they are welcomed from anyone regardless of location.

How to apply for Give A Christmas

Applying to receive assistance through Give A Christmas is simple and easy.

Applicants can either visit the Burlington County Times for more information, or apply via text by sending “GAC” to 898211.

From there they can answer the screening questions and receive a link to the online application.

Families should be prepared to present proof of residency, income and family size.

For questions about the Give A Christmas program, contact Executive Editor Audrey Harvin at aharvin@gannett.com

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2024: December is closer than you think. What to know about this year’s Give A Christmas

As far as holidays go, the current focus may be on ghouls and goblins and what candy you’ll be getting on Halloween.

Still, it’s never too early to start planning some Christmas magic.

For the 56th year, the Burlington County Times will be bringing the holiday spirit to local families in need, but that’s not possible without help from readers like you.

What is Give A Christmas?

Give A Christmas is an initiative that runs every year between the Burlington County Times and NJ211, a 24-hour nonprofit referral service connecting people in need with important resources, to provide monetary assistance to Burlington County families over the holiday season. It relies on donations from community members.

“The Give A Christmas program is very important to me. I’ve been involved with it since I started at the newspaper in 1994. The generosity of our readers and the community over the years is just amazing,” said Audrey Harvin, Burlington County Times executive editor.

Last year, the program was able to distribute gift cards totaling $49,900 to 411 applicants in Burlington County, according to Rae Duncan, NJ211 program manager.

Give A Christmas in the last 5 years

Every year since the campaign started, families are able to celebrate Christmas with a little more magic thanks to generous donations from readers.

Eligible families receive one $50 Amazon e-gift card per child (up to four children) to help put some presents underneath the tree.

Here are the totals from just the last five years, according to Duncan:

2019 — 329 families assisted.
2020 — 332 families assisted.
2021 — 417 families assisted.
2022 — 497 families assisted.
2023 — 412 families assisted.

Who can receive assistance?

Low-income families with children younger than 18 in Burlington County are welcome to apply to this year’s program.

The application window is Oct. 13 through Nov. 29, and the last day to send all relevant documents is Dec. 6.

While applications are only open to Burlington County families, there is no deadline for donations, and they are welcomed from anyone regardless of location.

How to apply for Give A Christmas

Applying to receive assistance through Give A Christmas is simple and easy.

Applicants can either visit the Burlington County Times for more information or apply via text, by sending “GAC” to 898211.

From there they can answer the screening questions and receive a link to the online application.

Families should be prepared to present proof of residency, income and family size.

Where to donate for Give A Christmas

Donors can visit the Burlington County Times website to submit their donation for the Give a Christmas project.

“The program has raised over $3 million since it began in 1968 and I’m proud to be a part of that,” Harvin said.

For questions about the Give A Christmas program, contact Executive Editor Audrey Harvin at aharvin@gannett.com

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2024: Give a Christmas is back for the 2024 season, here’s how to donate and apply

Halloween isn’t the only holiday creeping up on us. Stores are already setting out their holly and jolly decorations, which means that December 25 will be turning the corner sooner than we expect it.

And what better way to prepare for the Christmas season than to get into the spirit of giving?

For the 56th year, the Burlington County Times will be bringing the holiday spirit to local families in need, but we need your help.

What is Give A Christmas?

Give A Christmas is an initiative that runs every year between the Burlington County Times and NJ211, a 24-hour nonprofit referral service connecting people in need with important resources, to provide monetary assistance to Burlington County families over the holiday season, thanks to donations from community members like you.

“The Give A Christmas program is very important to me. I’ve been involved with it since I started at the newspaper in 1994. The generosity of our readers and the community over the years is just amazing,” said Audrey Harvin, Burlington County Times executive editor.

Last year, the program was able to distribute gift cards totaling $49,900 to 411 applicants in Burlington County, according to Rae Duncan, NJ211 program manager.

Who can receive assistance?

Low-income families with children under 18 in Burlington County are welcome to apply to this year’s program.

The application window is Oct. 13 through Nov. 29, and the last day to send all relevant documents is Dec. 6.

Each child in the applying family is eligible to receive a $50 Amazon e-gift card, up to four per family.

While applications are only open to Burlington County families, there is no deadline for donations, and they are welcomed from anyone regardless of location.

How to apply for Give A Christmas

Applying to receive assistance through Give A Christmas is simple and easy.

Applicants can either visit the Burlington County Times for more information or apply via text, by sending “GAC” to 898211.

From there they can answer the screening questions and receive a link to the online application.

Families should be prepared to present proof of residency, income and family size.

Where to donate for Give A Christmas

Donors can visit the Burlington County Times‘ website to submit their donation for the Give a Christmas project.

“The program has raised over $3 million since it began in 1968 and I’m proud to be a part of that,” Harvin said.

For questions about the Give A Christmas program, contact Executive Editor Audrey Harvin at aharvin@gannett.com

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2023: Applications are closed, but it’s never too late to donate to Give a Christmas

Applications for this year’s Give a Christmas program have officially closed, and now local children need your help.

The Burlington County Times has partnered with NJ 211 for the 55th year of providing holiday magic for low-income families in Burlington County. This year, a $50 Amazon e-gift card will be delivered for each child in eligible families, but that gift relies on donations.

Total applications rose 40 percent from last year.

As of Dec. 6, there were 544 eligible applications, a 10 percent increase, according to NJ 211. As applicants’ documents get turned in and approved, that number may grow.

As of Dec. 6, $48,856 had been donated for Give a Christmas. Last year, the program was able to distribute 1,586 gift cards totaling $79,300 to 497 applicants in Burlington County

So, how can you donate and give some Christmas magic to a family near you?

How to donate to Give a Christmas

Giving is simple, quick and easy.

Donors can visit The Burlington County Times’ website to submit their donation for the Give a Christmas project.

“I anticipate the need to be greater this year given the economic climate,” said Audrey Harvin, Burlington County Times executive editor.

“That’s why this program is so important,” she said. “It helps provide gifts for children during the holidays and eases the financial stress for parents.”

For questions about the Give a Christmas program, contact Executive Editor Audrey Harvin at aharvin@gannett.com

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2023: Have you applied for Give a Christmas? There’s still time

Over 150 families have applied for this year’s Give a Christmas program. Were you one of them?

If not, don’t worry. You still have time.

As of Nov. 8, NJ211 has received 160 eligible applicants for its holiday assistance program in Burlington County, but the deadline to apply isn’t until Dec. 1.

Who can apply for Give a Christmas?

Give a Christmas applications are open to low-income families living in Burlington County with children.

Low-income is defined as 200% of the federal poverty level, which is $60,000 for a family of four this year.

How to apply for Give a Christmas

Applicants can either visit The Burlington County Times’ website for more information or apply via text, by sending “GAC” to 898-211.

From there they can answer the screening questions and receive a link to the online application.

Families should be prepared to present proof of residency, income and family size.

Donating to Burlington County families

Donating to the Give a Christmas program is simple, easy and open to everyone.

Click here to donate online. To donate by mail, click here to download the coupon. Donations received after December 25 will roll over to next year’s program.

For questions about the Give a Christmas program, email Executive Editor Audrey Harvin at aharvin@gannett.com.

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2023: How to apply for Give a Christmas

Partnering yet again with NJ211, the Burlington County Times is bringing its Give a Christmas Program back for the 55th year to help low-income families this holiday season.

Through community donations, the program assists families with their holiday shopping through $50 Amazon e-gift cards, capped at $200 per family.

Who can apply for Give a Christmas?

Give a Christmas applications are open to low-income families living in Burlington County with children.

Low-income is defined as 200% of the federal poverty level, which is $60,000 for a family of four this year.

How do I apply for Give a Christmas?

Applicants can either visit The Burlington County Times’ website for more information or apply via text, by sending “GAC” to 898-211.

From there they can answer the screening questions and receive a link to the online application. Families should be prepared to present proof of residency, income and family size.

When will I receive assistance?

The e-gift cards are to be distributed to approved applicants via email by Dec. 8.

Important dates and deadlines

The application deadline for this year’s program is Dec.1.

While applications are only open to Burlington County families, there is no deadline for donations, and they are welcomed from anyone regardless of location. Click here to donate online. To donate by mail, click here to download the coupon. Donations received after December 25 will roll over to next year’s program.

For questions about the Give A Christmas program, email Executive Editor Audrey Harvin at aharvin@gannett.com.

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2023: The Give a Christmas program is back to assist Burlington County families

Give a Christmas is back for 2023, marking its 55th year of helping Burlington County families in need celebrate the holidays.

The Burlington County Times and NJ211, a 24-hour nonprofit referral service connecting people in need with important resources, have teamed up once again to make this season a little bit brighter for families near you, and you can help.

What is Give a Christmas?

Give a Christmas is an initiative that runs every year between the Burlington County Times and NJ211 to provide monetary assistance to Burlington County families over the holiday season, thanks to donations from community members like you.

“The Burlington County Times is proud to kick off year 55 of the Give a Christmas program. The program has helped thousands of families over the years due to the generosity of our readers,” said Audrey Harvin, Burlington County Times executive editor.

Last year, the program was able to distribute 1,586 gift cards totaling $79,300 to 497 applicants in Burlington County.

Who can receive assistance?

The application deadline for this year’s program is Dec.1, and low-income families with children under 18 in Burlington County are welcome to apply.

Each child in the applying family is eligible to receive a $50 Amazon e-gift card, capped at $200 per family, explained NJ211 Chief Operating Officer Kevin Donahue.

Low-income is defined as 200% of the federal poverty level, which is $60,000 for a family of four this year.

While applications are only open to Burlington County families, there is no deadline for donations, and they are welcomed from anyone regardless of location.

Donahue said that this year Give a Christmas is starting with about $2,500 worth of donations that rolled over from the past year.

How to apply for Give a Christmas

Applying to receive assistance through Give a Christmas is simple and easy.

Applicants can either visit The Burlington County Times’ website for more information or apply via text, by sending “GAC” to 898-211.

From there they can answer the screening questions and receive a link to the online application.

Donahue said that families should be prepared to present proof of residency, income and family size.

Applications must be completed by midnight on Dec.1.

Where to donate for Give a Christmas

Donors can visit The Burlington County Times’ website to submit their donation for the Give a Christmas project.

“I anticipate the need to be greater this year given the economic climate. That’s why this program is so important. It helps provide gifts for children during the holidays and eases the financial stress for parents,” Harvin said.

For questions about the Give a Christmas program, contact Executive Editor Audrey Harvin at aharvin@gannett.com

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2022: Still time for Give a Christmas donations and needy family applications

As the 2022 Give a Christmas campaign to help struggling families enters its fourth week it is evident by the requests for assistance that community need is greater this year than in 2021.

Applications from needy families seeking donations the public makes to the program, sponsored by the Burlington County Times and the nonprofit NJ 211 social services agency, are outpacing last year’s responses at this point in the campaign.

“We’ve received 349 applications from Burlington County families compared to last year at this time when we had only 205 applications,” Kevin Donahue, NJ 211 chief operating officer, said at the end of last week.

The latest jump in the number represents a 71 percent increase in applications.
“So, we’re seeing many more families in need this year. I imagine that is reflective of wider economic factors. Across New Jersey the cost of basic necessities like food and housing keeps going up, and that squeezes the budgets of low-income families,” explained Donahue, who had predicted there would be an uptick in applications this season.

“We’re relying on the generosity of donors to get Christmas gifts to these families, because there really is so much need out there.”

NJ 211 will be taking applications until Dec. 5. That leaves two more weeks for families to apply.

This year the gift certificates will be in the form of $50 Amazon e-gift cards.
“We’re hoping to send out all the Amazon gift cards by mid-December,” Donahue said.

Meanwhile, donations are being received but are lagging behind last year’s giving. As of Friday, the donation total had reached $4,230. Last year the program distributed $60,000 in gift cards to more than 300 eligible family applicants.

So what did parents buy for their children last year? Popular items were stuffed animals, board games like Monopoly, dolls, LEGOs, toy trucks, and dolls.
Cherae Brown of Beverly, a disabled mother of five, has re-applied for the gift certificates this year .

“Its getting a little rough because prices are up and Christmas is right around the corner,” said Brown, who lives in low-income housing and is on a monthly Social Security disability check and has trouble walking and standing.

“The father of four of my children is absent in their lives and pays no child support, so I am thankful I have my Mom and friends and my older kids help out at home with the chores.”She said among the gifts she bought with certificates last Christmas were a Nerf toy and Monopoly game.
“My kids just love Monopoly,” she added.

She wanted to remind the public that a lot of people have “different situations,” including being a single parent like her, and don’t have the money to buy their kids gifts and that depresses some parents and some children, she explained.

“Some kids try to be happy even if they don’t get anything or much at all.”

I am really happy that my kids are thankful for what they get. It may be the smallest thing, but they say, ‘Mommy, oh thank you, thank you!’”

Donations this year will be distributed to needy families with children up to 17 years of age with a maximum of four gift cards per family.

Whether one can afford only a few dollars or $50 or more, all donations will help. Donations received after Dec. 25 will be applied to next year’s campaign.

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2021: More families need your help to celebrate the holidays this year, says NJ 211

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Nearly 400 applications, more than $25,000 in donations and contributions from over half of the municipalities in Burlington County. 

Those numbers show where Give A Christmas — the Burlington County Times’ annual program that provides struggling families with funds to help them buy presents — stands with just 30 days until Santa comes to town.

Last year, the Times distributed $59,600 to Burlington County families, according to executive editor Audrey Harvin. 

So far, NJ 211, a nonprofit that’s helped the Times connect families with funds since 2019, has received 388 applications. 

As of last week, the number of applications is up by about 7% from last year, according to Kevin Donahue, chief operating officer of NJ 211. 

This means the Times and NJ 211 will need to distribute about $4,000 more in order to match the increased needs of our community. 

With your help, we can not only reach that number but surpass it.

COVID, Cancer and Slime: How Give A Christmas helped one family celebrate in 2020

Seeking help: A step-by-step guide to applying for the Give A Christmas program

Donate: Burlington County Sheriff kicks off 26th annual Toy Drive for children in need

Our readers in 21 Burlington County towns — and even one in Trenton — have already helped us raise $25,665 since we began this year’s Give A Christmas campaign last month. 

We’ve received contributions big and small. Some were to pay forward the generosity they’ve received in the prior years, while many were to honor loved ones. 

“The Give a Christmas program has been running very smoothly this year,” said Donahue. “And while it’s a lot of paperwork for our staff, everyone feels good to be a part of such a wonderful program.” 

No matter the size, every contribution helps; whether you can donate $25 — our smallest donation — $50 or $100 — tied for the most frequent donations — or $20,000 — our largest single donation. 

Applications for assistance closed Sunday, so now it’s up to readers like you to help us meet and beat our goal to help more families in need this year. 

“I am truly impressed with the generosity and kindness of all the donors who make it possible,” said Donahue. “It’s great that together we can bring a little extra Christmas joy to families in need.” 

About the Give A Christmas program

The Burlington County Times’ annual Give A Christmas program helps struggling Burlington County families celebrate the holidays by providing them with gift cards to purchase presents. 

 NJ 211 — the Times’ partner organization for the program —  is a nonprofit that connects people with community resources that provide living necessities.

While applications for assistance closed on Nov. 21, there is no deadline for donations.

Although assistance from the Give A Christmas program is only available to Burlington County residents, anyone in New Jersey can text NJ 211 at 898211 for help. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Anyone interested in donating can do so at www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/giveachristmas. 

For questions about the Give A Christmas program, contact Executive Editor Audrey Harvin at aharvin@gannett.com. 

Aedy Miller covers education and the economy for the Burlington County Times, Courier-Post, and The Daily Journal. They are a multimedia journalist from Central Jersey and a recent graduate of the George Washington University.

Help support local journalism with a digital subscription.

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2021: Push through fears of asking for help, say past Give A Christmas recipients. Here’s how.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

That is the advice many past Give A Christmas recipients would share with those unsure of applying to the Burlington County Times’ holiday gift assistance fund this year.

“I think a lot of people are scared to let people know their story,” said Crystal Pfeiffer, a single mom of three children who received assistance from the program in 2020. “If you need help, definitely ask around for help because there’s a lot of people that do help around the holidays.”

More: 2021 Give A Christmas program will help families in need during second pandemic holidays

“I was always like, ‘I got it, I’m going to do everything on my own,’” she said. “But times do get rough and sometimes we all do need a little bit of help.”

Guilt, shame and the pressure to appear resilient are some common reasons why people struggle to ask for help, according to Mark Sigmund, a therapist at Retreat Behavioral Health in Philadelphia.

“We see it all the time, people struggle to reach out for help because, a lot of times, it makes them feel very vulnerable,” said Sigmund, who is from Palmyra. “It hurts somebody’s pride.”

More: COVID, Cancer and Slime: How Give A Christmas helped one family celebrate in 2020

Coming from a family that refuses support or denies they need it is how many people become averse to seeking help, he said.

“A lot of families have sort of this tough exterior where there’s family secrets and, if the family is struggling at all, they try to handle it internally,” he said. “Kids are taught, ‘Don’t reach out for help, keep this a secret, protect the family name.’”

Growing up around parents who fail to recognize when they are struggling is another way people learn to avoid reaching out in times of need, he said.

“People tend to isolate (when struggling),” said Sigmund. “One of the ways to really fix things is to actually get help from a good support system.”

More: Give A Christmas helped family welcome adopted son, buy gifts despite hardships in 2020

To combat the urge to isolate, start small, he said. Grab coffee with a friend and cultivate a sense of security with them. It’s unnecessary to jump into the big stuff right away — or even at all. Forming a connection with another person can be all someone needs to feel safe advocating for themself.

“You would be amazed at how much pressure that takes off the individual when they can let other people in and other people can give them assistance,” he said.

More: A step-by-step guide to applying for the Give A Christmas program

Sigmund also stressed the need for altruism all year round.

“It’s so important for people to realize that there’s a lot of people that are suffering around the holidays,” he said. “The biggest thing that I see both on the mental health side and the drug and alcohol side is (that) support is the most important thing to get through the holidays.”

About the Give A Christmas program:

The Burlington County Times’ annual Give A Christmas program helps struggling Burlington County families celebrate the holidays by providing them with gift cards to purchase presents.

With the help of the Times’ partner organization, NJ 211 — a nonprofit that connects people with community resources that provide living necessities — applying for assistance is easier than ever.

Burlington County residents who require assistance can text GAC to 898211 to check their eligibility. Eligibility is based on income and recipients may include, but are not limited to, parents with sick children, single-family households, people struggling with addiction and people who are unemployed.

Applications for assistance will be accepted through Nov. 21. There is no deadline for donations.

Anyone interested in donating can do so at www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/giveachristmas.

For questions about the Give A Christmas program, contact Executive Editor Audrey Harvin at aharvin@gannett.com.

Aedy Miller covers education and the economy for the Burlington County Times, Courier-Post, and The Daily Journal. They are a multimedia journalist from Central Jersey and a recent graduate of the George Washington University.

Help support local journalism with a digital subscription.