how do i actually go about donating?
We have 3 ways to donate:
Call us at (434) 977-7051 between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, and a volunteer will record your gift pledge.
Donate securely online by credit or debit here:
What does it mean to be a sponsor?
Sponsors are any individuals, groups, or organizations that sign up to provide food and gifts for a family experiencing hardship this holiday season. Recipient families are referred to us by the Salvation Army and local public schools. Sponsors choose what family size they would like to sponsor and provide a monetary donation. Below, you will find a graphic showing the estimated cost of sponsoring various family sizes.
Sponsors provide a monetary donation (by cash, check, or credit/debit card), then our volunteers will use the funds to purchase gift cards for each member of the family.
Given these trying times, any donation amount is more than appreciated. Whether you decide to contribute based on the table above or donate a flat amount, your donation will provide a complete gift package for an entire family for the holiday season!
Sponsor Recognition
Individuals or organizations who make major contributions to the Holiday Sharing program are eligible for Sponsor Recognition efforts.
Major contributions may include, but are not limited to:
Sponsoring a significant number of families
Sponsoring more than one exceptionally large family
Providing critical support to further the Holiday Sharing mission
For such sponsors, we offer the following:
Name/logo on program t-shirts
Free program t-shirts (number commensurate with contribution size)
Shout-out on the Madison House Facebook page
Additionally, ALL sponsors will receive a handmade thank-you card.
When is the deadline to sign up?
The last day to sign up to become a sponsor is November 20th.
Frequently Asked Questions from Sponsors
why do donations need to be in before thanksgiving?
We have moved the deadline for donations to before Thanksgiving for two reasons. First, UVa is asking students to stay at home following Thanksgiving Break meaning volunteers would not be available to distribute gift cards after Thanksgiving. Second, we hope that families who receive gift cards prior to Thanksgiving will be able to take advantage of Black Friday deals and other promotions which they previously could not.
why can’t i donate actual gifts?
While we wish this was possible, we feel that dealing purely with gift cards is a more responsible choice for our volunteers, sponsors, and families we serve. We hope that this does not pose any inconvenience to you. By providing gift cards we also hope that families will be able to purchase exactly what they need during these challenging times.
Can I donate items to the family that are gently used?
The items donated to the family should be new. Additionally, no physical items will be accepted this year to minimize in-person interactions.
What grocery stores are gift cards from?
Gift cards will be purchased for Food Lion, Walmart, or Kroger because the food is cheaper and your family will get the most from their gift card.
do i need to donate enough to support an entire family?
No! You may donate as much as you are able. If you are able to sponsor an entire family we’d love that, however, this holiday season is going to be different for all of us – any amount is appreciated!