No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted
The Giving Door came to life seventeen years ago when my family and I moved to Cary.
Over the past 17 years, I have had the honor and privilege of helping families and children have a joyful Christmas, full of needed items to wear, and requested toys from “Santa Claus.”
Awareness - Support - Donations
The Giving Door was created seventeen years ago when my family and I moved to Cary. I was searching for a program that was similar to what we participated in at Christmas time in our previous town—we adopted a child and supplied all his or her needs for Christmas morning. I called many places, and no one could understand what I was talking about.
I was transferred many times and somehow managed to get to the McHenry County Housing Authority. I explained what I wanted to do and my contact there was overjoyed! Yes, of course she had families with children that needed, well everything! I thought, why not adopt the entire family? I’m sure the parent/parents could use some new things also.
I mean, these are working moms and dads that ran into some challenging times (haven’t we all!) and just needed a little support to help them get back on their feet. Now, I knew we couldn’t afford to adopt a whole family on our own. So I decided to wing it and include my neighborhood and see if they would also like to reach out and help. Thus……..the first Giving Door was created!!!
This is up to the shopping individual. I will give you a deadline and you decide when you shop and how much time you spend shopping.
No. The items on your list can be purchased wherever you desire to shop.
Not mandatory. But please include if you think the sizing of a clothing item looks a little off than what you feel the size should be.
This is entirely up to you!! There are no minimums or maximums to spend! You will be given a list of needs and wants (each person will have 4-6 gift requests for you to shop for) and how much you spend and where you shop is your decision.
The families and the individual children are referred to me from the agencies that are already working with them for other needs. “The Giving Door” gifts are more times than not, the only gifts these families or children receive during this time.
The “needs” list is quite sobering and usually includes, but not limited to, underwear, socks, warm shirts, pants and sometimes even warm coats. Although these items are very important, I believe a “Santa wish list” is also important. Children are just that-children! They see the commercials of the popular toys, baby dolls, sports jerseys, etc. So when you see a toy of some sort on your list, have fun purchasing it! It will be much loved and appreciated.
No. “The Giving Door” is an anonymous program in that we give freely to those that need our help. We respect the adoptee’s privacy and protect their dignity during this time in their lives.