In 2020, the Town of Bennett started the Holiday Help program, transitioning from the Santa’s Sleigh program previously administered through the Adams County Sherriff’s Office and Victims Advocate Division.
Holiday Help incorporates assistance in two areas:
- Sponsors and Sponsored Family Pairing (Formerly Santa’s Sleigh Program)
- Holiday Toy Drive and Distribution
Each of these program areas require funding and partnership to execute. The Town invites and incorporates partnership with other local agencies such Adams and Arapahoe Counties, and Bennett School District. Community partners and businesses are also invited to participate in support of the event, through funding, volunteering and collection and distribution activities.
Sponsors and Sponsored Family Pairing (Formerly Santa’s Sleigh Program)
The sponsored family program continues the tradition of nominated families in need from school district partnership that allows a sponsored family to be matched with a sponsor who will purchase, wrap and drop off their donations for families to be distributed by the Town in a mainly anonymous form. The sponsored family’s information is gathered by the school and families are contacted to accept program assistance. Each family is assigned a number and we gather basic information and contact info that is kept confidential. Each child’s first name is given to sponsors along with information for child needs such as clothing items (including sizes) and basic necessities, as well as fun toy and wish list items the child is hoping for. Sponsors shop for items, wrap and drop off the gifts, labeled with family number and child’s first name. The Town will distribute those items to the families on a designated date coordinated with the parent/guardian contact.
Holiday Toy Drive and Distribution
The Town also coordinates the donation of toys for distribution of them at the Town Hall on a Saturday in December. In 2023, this date will be Saturday, December 9th from 8-11am. In order to execute this event, the Town seeks toys in a variety of ways. First, at Town Hall and at partner locations, toy drives are held and donation boxes distributed. The Town also seeks financial donations so that Town Staff can also purchase additional toys. The toys are collected and gathered at Town Hall and then distributed at the event. The Town also uses volunteers to help with the distribution. This is a drive through event, where each car fills out a wish/information list, and shoppers fulfill the orders. The Town has also distributed limited food packages and grocery coupons simultaneously.
How to Help
There are many ways to help the program.
- Sign up to be a sponsor to a family. Be aware that sponsoring a family can involve a larger commitment. If you choose to sponsor a family, please know the commitment can be around $250 for a family with one child and an additional $100 for each additional child depending on ages and needs. You can sign up here.
- Donate toys or items for the Toy Drive. You can donate at Town Hall and be entered into our drawing give away. You can also host a donation drop off site as well. Donation boxes and information can be delivered to your place of business.
- Make a financial donation. Simple, quick and can be done online. You can make a donation here.
- Donate non-perishable food items for distribution at the toy drive distribution event. Any unused items will be donated to the Bennett Food Bank.
- Be a volunteer. Distribution day for the Toy Drive is a great event! We need people to work the drive up line, be a shopper and more. Distribution day for 2023 is December 9th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Town Contacts
For information and to join the community partner meetings please contact:
Trish Stiles, Town Manager at 303-644-3249 ext. 1009 tstiles@bennett.co.us
Danette Ruvalcaba, Finance Director at 303-644-3249 ext. 1021 druvalcaba@bennett.co.us.
| Monetary Donation | Family Sponsorship |