Holiday Gift Drive
Fulfill the holiday wishes of a child from the broader Wood Acres Community, including New Hampshire Estates/Oakview ES in Silver Spring and Rolling Terrace ES in Takoma Park. Visit this link to sign up to participate; carefully read the guidelines on the signup page and remember that we add wishes through early December.
Drop off will look different this year. Gifts can be dropped off during the lunch hour on 12/10 and 12/11 at Wood Acres (11:45 am to 12:45 pm) or can be dropped off any time at the house of Victoria Kelly (address below) or can be mailed directly to Victoria Kelly’s address through Amazon but PLEASE include the Child ID# in the Amazon Gift Note. If you leave a gift at Victoria’s house please ensure it is labeled with the Child ID# and if there is rain, please text Victoria so she can retrieve the gift immediately.
Gifts should be dropped off or mailed unwrapped any time before December 15th to:
Victoria Kelly (cell phone 201-317-5358)
5308 Briley Pl
Bethesda, MD 20816
Questions may be directed to Amy Cucinella Roush.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will receive these gifts?
Families at Wood Acres ES who submit wishes to Counselor Andrea Solazzo, as well as families identified by school counselors or Linkages to Learning at New Hampshire Estates ES (NHE), Oakview ES (OV) and Rolling Terrace ES.
Linkages to Learning is an MCPS community-school partnership with an integrated focus on health, social services, community development and engagement to support student learning, strong families and healthy communities. Linkages to Learning has an office and comprehensive health center on site at New Hampshire Estates ES and at Rolling Terrace ES.
How are we connected to these other schools?
Wood Acres has long considered NHE/OV our “sister schools.” Both serve the same Silver Spring community; NHE offers Kindergarten through 2nd grade, then children move to Oak View for grades 3-5. Many of the families at NHE/OV are in need; more than 85% qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Families from these sister schools benefit from our annual Warm Clothing Drive, Book Drive, and Dine Out to Donate. For our holiday gift drive, we also include Rolling Terrace ES located in Takoma Park, a community with similar needs.
How do I participate?
Click on this link to sign up. Please carefully read the guidelines at the top of the signup page.
The signup is full. Can I still participate?
Yes. We continue to add wishes as they come in, so please check back, if all slots are taken.
How much should I spend?
Linkages suggests a spending guideline of $40 per child.
May I spend more than the guideline?
Yes, and your excess contribution will go to a needy child, but it may not go to the needy child you’ve “adopted” through the signup. The caseworkers and counselors who distribute the gifts ensure the children are treated equitably. If you buy multiple items and spend significantly more than the guideline, the counselors may re-distribute some of your largesse to other children to ensure equally generous treatment.
The child wished only for clothes, but won’t s/he be sad to not receive a toy?
Some of the families benefiting from our gift drive will also be eligible for Toys for Tots, but have no resources for new clothing for their growing child. With your participation, they can receive a gift of clothing and also a toy through Toys for Tots.
Where should I buy clothes and gift cards?
For clothing, families have expressed preference for Target, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshall's, and Macy's, which are most convenient should exchanges be necessary. Please include a gift receipt to allow for exchange. For gift cards, we recommend these preferred stores or Westfield Mall; the suggested amount is $40.
If I’m uncertain about what style of clothing or shoes to buy, is a gift card acceptable?
Yes, a gift card is welcome, especially for older children, so they may pick out the style they prefer. The suggested amount is $40.
When, where and how should I deliver gifts?
Gifts should not be wrapped. Please label your gift with the Child ID# from the signup and include a gift receipt, if possible. Recipient names are concealed for privacy. Drop off gifts at Wood Acres during the lunch hour (11:45 am to 12:45 pm) on 12/10 or 12/11 or deliver gifts to 5308 Briley Pl, Bethesda, MD 20816. Gifts can also be mailed directly but be sure to include a Child ID# in the gift note of any items mailed.
Questions? Contact Amy Cucinella Roush.
Warm thanks for your support for this effort!