MADISON, Wis. (November 21, 2014) Downtown merchants are joining with United Way of Dane County to help make the season bright for local teens in need, with a Holiday Gift Drive for Teens. While many holiday gift drives focus on young children, junior high and high school-age youth also hope to receive something special at holiday time. Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID), the Greater State Street Business Association (GSSBA) and Isthmus have partnered with United Way of Dane County on a Holiday Gift Drive for Teens, which kicks off Friday, November 28 and runs through December 29. Information is at visitdowntownmadison.com/GiftDrive.
While shopping downtown at the Holiday Open House (Nov. 28-29), or anytime Nov. 28 through Dec. 29, people can pick up a Gift Drive Item at participating stores, and drop off their donation at one of five convenient downtown locations. United Way will collect donated items and distribute to teens in need. Or, visit unitedwaydanecounty.org or call 2-1-1 to give.
Teenage volunteers with United Way of Dane County helped develop the “wish list” of items for boys and girls ages 13-17 (think hats, mittens, boots or coats; fun room decorating items; bath and body products; wallets or purses; digital cameras, headphones, or prepaid cell phones, and more).
The list of Gift Drive items and participating downtown stores is at visitdowntownmadison.com/GiftDrive, or can be picked up at drop off locations (below) or any participating store on State Street or the Capitol Square (look for the “We Carry Gift Drive Items” signs).
Downtown Gift Drive Drop-Off Locations (Nov. 28-Dec. 29):
· DreamBank – American Family Insurance, 1 N. Pinckney St.
· Downtown Visitor Center, 452 State St.
· Fontana Sports Specialties, 216 N. Henry St.
· A Room Of Ones’s Own Bookstore, 315 W. Gorham St.
· The University Book Store, 711 State St. (Library Mall)
The Downtown Holiday Gift Drive for Teens to benefit United Way of Dane County is sponsored by Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID), the Greater State Street Business Association (GSSBA) and Isthmus.
