Return to the December AT PENN calendar.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities

Penn VIPS Christmas Drive: December 1 through 18

Please join us in the Annual Penn Volunteers In Public Service Holiday Drive. As you buy toys and presents for the holiday season, please consider spreading some cheer to deserving members of our community. All toys and gifts donated will support the efforts of organizations including the People’s Emergency Shelter, McMichael School, Potter’s Mission, Our Lady of the Rosary, Intercultural Family Services and many more. All items for the holiday drive must be new not used and please indicate the gender and age appropriateness of all gifts. Below are locations to drop off donations:

Penn VIPS–Adopt A Family for the Holidays Program

During December, departments “adopt” a deserving family. The adoption is usually done in lieu of departmental gift exchanges. The family is treated to presents and sometimes holiday dinner. Families participate in the program on a one-time basis and are assigned to departments based on request. Departments choose the size of the family and can also request the ages of the children. Departments may request a “wish list” from the family or they may choose their own gifts for them. Departments choose the number and types of gifts. Departments are provided with size of the family, names, ages and sizes of each family member. Departments are encouraged to deliver gifts to the families, but they may also request to have gifts delivered.

Families are selected from the Carroll Park Community Council’s Housing Program and SunnyCrest Family Service Agency. A small number of referrals are also accepted. Contact Isabel Mapp at (215) 898-2020 or send an e-mail to sammapp@pobox.upenn.edu for more information and/or to volunteer.

—Isabel Mapp, Associate Director, Faculty, Staff and Alumni Volunteer Services, Director, Penn VIPS, CCP

Operation Santa Claus & Support Our Troops

The plans for this year’s 18th Annual “Operation Santa Claus” are underway. The party is held for the young and senior citizens. The Sheraton Hotel is again generously hosting the festivities. The guests of honor will be the Penn Center for Rehabilitation & Care (Ralston House) and St. Mary’s Villa for Abused & Neglected Children. Gifts will also be collected and distributed to St. Vincent’s and the People’s Emergency Center. Our senior citizen friends & the children will again be treated to a holiday luncheon, gifts from Santa, a magician/clown and a special performance by the 30th St. Postal Service Choir, on Tuesday, December 13.

Last year’s party was an overwhelming success, over 500 gifts were donated along with monetary donations to pay for the party expenses. The gifts were distributed to all the guests, as well as enough to be sent back to the children and elderly not able to attend. We’re asking for your help again. We are in need of gifts as well as monetary donations to cover the cost of the party. Monetary donations are extremely appreciated. This is used to cover the cost of transportation, entertainment and additional gifts that are always needed.

 For further information on how to donate or participate, please call Yvonne at (215) 898-4210. Those in Physical Plant/ Facilities can contact George Reale. You may also reach Anne Marie Pitts at (215) 898-7341.

We will be supplied lists of each child and senior citizen attending the party–we would appreciate your call if you would like to purchase a gift more personally. You will be given the name of a senior or youngster, and their gift wish. Simply wrap your gift addressed to them from Santa and give a call when it’s ready. Or if you prefer, choose from these gift suggestions, children’s board games/electronic games/radio control cars/barbie dolls; sweatshirts/pants (men’s & ladies’ sz. medium–2X); socks (men’s white and dark and ladies’ knee socks & knee highs); perfume and cologne and dusting powder for ladies; men’s and ladies’ sweaters, t-shirts, undershirts & thermals (medium–2X); men’s & ladies’ slippers with back out (slip-ons). Wrap it, & place a label/tag on the outside marked with what the item is, whether for a man or woman, girl or boy and the size if applicable. Please contact us & let us know if you are interested in participating so we can be sure that all the children and senior citizens attending will receive a gift.

There has always been a lot of interest from our staff and friends around campus. We are hoping that you will again be able to help. Please help make this another successful holiday project full of joy and giving for the less fortunate children and elderly. Deadline to participate is Monday, December 12.

Support Our Troops: We would like to support our troops and remember them during this holiday season. They are in need of disposable cameras and phone cards so they may contact their families. Your donations will be sent to Walter Reed Medical Center to be forwarded to the troops. If you would like to donate, please call (215) 898-4210.

–Yvonne Giorgio, Executive Secretary to Associate Vice President, Finance, Student Financial Services