Each year, families, businesses and groups of friends become holiday elves for families in need in the Greater Newburyport community. These families are our neighbors and friends. Some have children in the public schools or YWCA child care programs, some live in affordable housing, some are struggling to make ends meet.
At NYS and the YWCA, we feel strongly that everyone should have a joyous holiday season. We need your help to make that happen. We are looking for elves that will fulfill the wishes of a family or will help us make holiday wishes come true in other ways.
We have been running this heartwarming, successful program for over 10 years! Our team works really hard to make this an organized, fun and joyous experience for our volunteer elves. We hope that we can continue to work our magic this year as you make the decision to spread joy.
Here are some ways to make the season extra special for a family in need. Your family, group of friends, or business can:
Please fill out our Elf Interest Form and we will contact you!
*You can also make a tax-deductible financial donation to Family to Family (and we will do the shopping)!
Family to Family Holiday Program is changing this year and going back to the way it all started. Due to organizational capacity and increased holiday assistance availability in surrounding towns, Family to Family will again be serving families in Newburyport and families living in YWCA Greater Newburyport housing. For families in surrounding towns whom we have served in the past, we have community partners able to provide holiday assistance this year and we can help connect you (please go to the bottom of the page for more information).
We want to make your holidays really special. Please complete the Family Wish List and one of our social work team members, Trish or Jackie, will contact you. Please include all family members in your household, including adults!
You will answer a few questions about your family and then have the chance to complete a section about each family member. At the end is a space to tell us anything else that you want us to know!
You will then be matched with elves who will work to fulfill a wish and a need for each family member!
Please complete the Family Wishlist online or call 978-572-6189 to complete your application over the phone.
What does an Elf do?
Here are some ways that elves can make the season extra special for a family in need:
Fulfill the wish list of a local family
Be paired with another family to fulfill the wish list of a local family (NYS will make the match)
Provide a holiday meal for a family (via a gift card)
Donate filled stockings for single adults and elders
Donate gift certificates to Wal-Mart, Marshalls, Market Basket, movies, bowling, ice skating, etc.
How does someone become an Elf?
Fill out an Elf Interest Form online or email us at familytofamilyholiday@gmail.com
What happens after the person fills out the form?
Each Elf will be matched with family (if you selected this option) or be added to our gift card, stocking, and/or volunteer list and will be contacted via email with further information and instructions in the coming weeks.
What is the timeline?
Elves Deadline: No deadline – sign up anytime. However, if you want to be matched with a family, please sign up by November 10th.
Elves will receive their matched families before Thanksgiving!
Elves will drop off purchased gifts December 14th-16th at a location TBD.
Is there a deadline for signing up to be an Elf?
No. Elves can sign up anytime. When an Elf signs up later than Nov 10th, they are often paired with other Elves or given last minute requests. They may be matched with a family or may help in another way, as needed.
Where are gifts to be dropped off?
All gifts, including gift cards and stockings, will be dropped off at a location TBD from December 14-16. Special drop off hours will be sent to all Elves in December.
Can I find out which families we are helping?
No. The mission of the Family to Family Holiday Program is grounded in dignity. In this program, dignity translates to confidentiality. Please respect the families who are getting gifts by not discussing specifics about any elf, family, or family member.
What if I know an individual or a family who needs help this holiday season?
Please refer them to the NYS or YWCA websites. Both will have a link to the program information. They can also email us at familytofamilyholiday@gmail.com or call/text 978-572-6189.
Who receives the stockings?
Stockings are given to single adults and elders who are living in YWCA affordable housing, senior housing and are distributed through local food pantries.
Are the stockings for all genders?
Yes, so please make the stockings gender-neutral.
Do these seniors/single adults also get other gifts from your program?
No, and for some this is all they receive for the holiday. Some elves like to use a gift bag instead of a stocking and include some small gift items with their stocking.
What usually goes in a stocking?
When filling your stockings think about wishes and needs. Elves usually put in things like shampoo, soaps, razors, combs, toothbrush, tooth paste, candy, mittens, hats, fun or regular socks, cross word or sudoku books, candy canes, etc. Please no alcohol or scratch tickets. If you would like to donate a gift card, please do so separately and hand it to the Family to Family volunteer at drop-off.
Do I wrap the gifts in the stocking?
You can do whatever you usually do for your family. Almost all of the stocking receivers live alone so there will be no conflict with differences between one stocking and another.
What if I want to do more for the program?
You can also donate gift cards to our program and we can use them to fulfill family wishes. We also have some single gifts that are part of the list from bigger families like bikes, tablets and other medium to large ticket items for middle and high schoolers, as well as elementary kids who need technology to do their homework.
Where do I drop off my stocking?
Specific drop off dates, locations, and times will be provided in early December.
Who can I connect with for more information?
You can email us at familytofamilyholiday@gmail.com or call/text 978-572-6189. If you live in YWCA Greater Newburyport housing, please reach out directly to Jackie.
If I am in need of gifts for my family this holiday season how do I sign up for this program?
From October 1- November 1 we are accepting applications. Fill out a wish list online (click on “Fill in Your Wish List!” above) or call 978-572-6189 to complete it over the phone. The Wish List takes about 15 minutes to complete, and you will need to know your children’s clothing and shoe sizes.
Who is eligible to participate?
Families living in Newburyport or families living in YWCA Greater Newburyport housing are eligible to participate.
Your immediate family is eligible to be included in this program. This includes parents (yourself), adults and children living full time in your household.
Can we ask for certain items we need?
YES, when you sign up you will be asked for both needs and wishes for each person in your family.
How do we receive our gifts?
You will need to pick up your gifts or contact Trish or Jackie if transportation is a barrier and you need to make other arrangements. Pick-up will be at a location TBD on December 19th-21st. A sign-up for pick-up appointments will be sent out via email in early December.
Can we send a thank you note to our matched family?
Yes, you will have the chance to fill out a thank you card when you pick up your gifts and we will get the note to your matched family. You may also bring one with you.