Holiday Giving Drive Makes Holidays Brighter for Homeless Youth

The December holidays are a time of cheer and celebration for most people; but for thousands of local teens and young adults experiencing homelessness, this season often brings hopelessness, loneliness, uncertainty and hardship. To make their holidays brighter, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) is hosting its 10th Annual Holiday Giving Campaign to fulfill their holiday wishes through donated gifts and funds, volunteer efforts, sponsorships and community support.

There are several ways that individuals, families, churches, companies and other groups can get involved to make the initiative a success for vulnerable youth in Southern Nevada. The Holiday Giving Drive takes place Nov. 24 through Dec. 19, and culminates with the “It’s a Wrap” Holiday Block Party presented by COX on Saturday, Dec. 20.

- Gift Donations & Donation Drive

Participants can purchase and donate items from NPHY’s Holiday Wish List, created based on the needs and requests of more than 500 young people experiencing homelessness, ages 12 to 24, or become a Holiday Wish Sponsor by hosting a donation drive with coworkers, friends or family. There are $10, $20, $50, $100 and $250 gift options; and items can be purchased directly from NPHY’s Amazon Wish List. Gifts can be shipped to NPHY, or dropped off in person at the NPHY Drop-In Center, 4981 Shirley St. (just south of UNLV), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All gift donations must be new and unwrapped, and received by Wednesday, Dec. 17.

- Volunteer at the “It’s a Wrap” Holiday Block Party presented by COX – Dec. 20

The “It’s a Wrap” Holiday Block Party on Dec. 20 begins at 9 a.m. and continues to 4 p.m. at the NPHY Drop-In Center. The event has become a holiday favorite for volunteers of all ages, who make holiday cards and sort, wrap, and create personalized gifts for young people experiencing homelessness throughout our community. The outdoor event includes sweet treats, hot chocolate, an ugly sweater contest, and other festivities.

Participants must register in advance at www.nphy.org/holidaygiving. The event fills up within days every year. One-hour shifts are available. Registration opens Dec. 1 and closes when all the volunteer shifts are filled.

- More Ways to Help and Volunteer

Volunteers also are needed throughout the season for holiday decorating on Dec. 2, gift donation sorting from Dec. 15-19, “It’s a Wrap” event-day elves and gift wrapping on Dec. 20, and gift distribution during NPHY’s Holiday Giveaway Feel Good Friday on Dec. 23.

For more information and to volunteer, email volunteer@nphy.org.

- Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorships are still available, including at the $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000 levels. Benefits include naming rights and recognition on NPHY’s holiday webpage, event materials, and social media (almost 17,000 followers).

For donations, sponsorships, volunteer registration, or the full wish list, visit www.nphy.org/holidaygiving, email events@nphy.org, or call 702-383-1332.

About Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth

NPHY is the most comprehensive service provider for the thousands of homeless youth in Southern Nevada, serving hundreds of youth through core programs and touching the lives of thousands more through outreach each year. NPHY’s programs stabilize homeless teens’ lives, meeting their immediate needs and providing a safe, supportive environment and a path to self-sufficiency. Through work with homeless youth, NPHY creates productive, healthy adults who contribute to society. Strengthening and complementing the high-quality direct services for homeless youth, NPHY is dedicated to advocating with and for the Las Vegas Valley’s homeless youth population and serves as a leader in systems-level efforts to eliminate homelessness among Nevada’s youth. For more information or to support our life-changing work for homeless youth, please visit www.nphy.org.

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