From Tracy and Catherine, our neighborhood's volunteer liaisons to The Kensington Family Shelter
Hello neighbors:2020 is almost done—and good riddance! We hope you have weathered everything in good health and that better times are ahead.Because of the pandemic, the shelter has not been accepting donations or scheduling events since the spring, but they have asked us to put together our annual holiday gift drive and they are organizing a socially distanced celebration to distribute the presents.As in past years, we have two drives: one for the kids and one for the adults.We work with shelter staff to select gifts for each child that are appropriate to their age, the space, and other considerations, at a range of price points. Everything is on this Amazon wish list, and the shelter address is the default shipping address.We know that many people want to support struggling local businesses this year so if you would like to purchase an item from the list at another business and drop off or ship to the shelter, feel free! Please just mark the item as purchased on the list so we don’t get doubles.In the past we have organized a wonderful gift-wrapping event that will not be possible this year. If you are able to select the gift wrap option when ordering, that would be amazing. Otherwise, shelter staff will be putting anything unwrapped in gift bags (which are also on the wish list, along with batteries, if you don't feel like browsing hundreds of toys!)We don’t want to forget the parents at the shelter and will be collecting new perfume, cologne, and body care gift sets. You can buy one or more of your choice anywhere and drop off or mail to the shelter, and we have also added some items to a separate Amazon wish list for convenience.We know the pandemic has caused financial strain for many people and so we understand if you are unable to donate a gift this year. Please feel free to post our wish lists on your social media so we can make this year’s drive as big a success as in the past—and thank you in advance for whatever support you can provide.Adult wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2DMWOX3PF1GQ6?&sort=defaultShelter address: The Kensington Gift Drive / Attn: Uniquia / 385 McDonald Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11218We wish you very happy and healthy holidays and will keep you apprised of any donation or volunteer opportunities down the road. Mask up and stay safe!Love,Tracy and Catherine