Our Shelter Elves program connects our clients with community members interested in sponsoring them for the holidays. Corporate groups, faith groups, clubs, community organizations, families and individuals are welcome to participate! Our goal is to match all of our clients with gifts during the holiday season.
Register to be a Shelter Elf today and we’ll send you all the information you need to give someone a special holiday.
Shelter Elves sponsorship
There are six types of Shelter Elves sponsorship:
- Sponsor a family
- Sponsor a single individual
- Put a Gift Giving Tree at your site
- Give multiple gifts of one type
- Give gift cards and certificates
- Give a cash donation
Sponsor a family
You specify the size of family to sponsor, and we fax you a Family Holiday Wish List on which each family member lists specific needs or wants. In addition to purchasing gifts listed by the family, we ask you to include a gift card from a major food store to allow the family to purchase ethnic foods of their choice. The value of this card should be $25 per adult or teen and $15 per child.
Families vary in size and sometimes include an adult child or grandparent. Families with young adults and teens are often the last to be sponsored, so we appreciate it when they are requested. Every effort will be made to give you the size of family you request.
Sponsor a single individual
We fax you a Single Adult Holiday Wish List detailing the needs and wants of a homeless individual. They often request very basic items such as shoes, watches, pants for job interviews, or bus tokens. We suggest that you spend $25-30 per Wish List, and we welcome you to sponsor one or more individuals.
Give a gift from the Gift Giving Tree
Gift Giving Trees are festive to set up in churches, schools, neighborhoods, companies, etc. As for our Reality Gift List to get an idea of the gifts we request for homeless adults and teens. Shelter Elves will speak to your group’s contact person to tailor a list that fits your group.
Give multiple gifts of one type
Gifts of socks, hats, shaving kits, headsets, etc. are most welcome because many homeless request them. When we receive your donor information form we will contact you to discuss our needs and your preferences. Ask for our Reality Gift List for gift suggestions for homeless adults and teens. This giving category differs from the Gift Giving Tree in that a large quantity of the same item is donated.
Give gift cards and certificates
All of our clients appreciate gift cards since they can purchase what they need; plus, shopping provides enjoyment. A gift card is an excellent choice for a teen, as a phone card may prompt them to call home while a gift certificate for music allows them to purchase a CD they really enjoy. For homeless single persons, a certificate to a restaurant gives them a chance to get in from the cold and have a warm meal; a gift certificate to a department store enables them to buy a pair of shoes that fits. We’re happy to suggest stores or restaurants for gift cards. Shelter Elves will contact you after receiving your registration form to let you know which cards are requested.
Give cash donations
These are very helpful as they help us cover operating costs for the Shelter Elves program. Make checks payable to EHC LifeBuilders and send to:
EHC LifeBuilders,
2665 N. 1st Street Suite 210
San Jose, CA 95134
ATTN: Kelly Hemphill, Shelter Elves.
Or donate online today and specify Shelter Elves in the designation box.
You can be a Shelter Elf this season. Register today!
For more information about Shelter Elves, contact Jennifer Chau at 408-539-2155.