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