In early December an Amazon Gift Registry was created which has allowed donors to purchase a gift for a child that is being served by the Suffolk County Department of Social Services (DSS) Family and Children’s Services Division. The registry has been set up to have the gifts delivered directly to Family and Children’s Services for distribution to the families by the Caseworkers. The Amazon gift registry has been an evolving endeavor, with ongoing entry of wish lists that were received from the families.

To spread the word social media was utilized to ask for support. The link for the Amazon gift registry was included in the post, which quickly spread to include community members, churches, and parent associations. A simple process of a couple of clicks and the requested items were delivered to DSS for distribution to the families in time for the holidays.

With so many varied requests and ages of the children included in the wish list, the steady stream of deliveries has provided a wide array of items to bring so many children happiness during this holiday season. Family and Children’s Services has received about 500 gifts, including 2 microscopes, 2 laptops, 2 iPads, 3 Kindles Fires, 5 bikes, a few electronic games, winter clothes, and an electric guitar with an amp.

Knowing that this is a season about giving, gifts for adults were also requested and received. What child doesn’t get happy giving a present to their parent or older sibling? Now, through the generosity seen by the donations received through this gift drive, the children served by Family and Children’s Services will also be able to experience the joy of giving a gift to someone they love. The children can pick out a gift for their parent or older sibling to be given during supervised family time.

Due to the overwhelming response to this gift drive, known donors were asked why they contributed. They stated that they trusted where it was going because they knew where it was going, indicating that when they put a toy in a box or toys for tots, they really were not sure that it was making its way to needy family. There have also been many contributors that have declared continued support for a 2021 virtual holiday gift drive.