As the holiday season approaches, Total Action forProgress (TAP) is asking local businesses, schools, civic groups, and community members tohelp make the holidays brighter for children enrolled in TAP’s Head Start and Early Head Startprograms. TAP is requesting contributions for approximately 125 children across SouthwestVirginia to ensure every child receives a special gift this season.
Each child will receive gifts totaling approximately $50, that may include age-appropriate toysand essential clothing items such as coats, hats, gloves, and shoes. TAP is currently looking forassistance with 16 classrooms, each with 8 to 15 children.
“This is an opportunity to truly make a difference for families who are already stretched thinfinancially,” said Ramona Wray, Interim Director of TAP Early Head Start and Head Start. “Formany of these families, the cost of holiday gifts is simply out of reach. By providing a full classwith gifts or offering financial support at any level, organizations and individuals relieve some ofthe financial burden on low-income families while ensuring that each child experiences theexcitement of receiving holiday gifts.
How you can help
Option 1 – Donate funds of any level to sponsor a full or partial class, allowing staff tohandle the shopping.o Donations of any amount may be made online on the TAP donation webpagebyselecting the designation category of “Education and Employment” and typing“Head Start Holiday Gifts” in the comment box below. As an alternative, checks with “Head Start Holiday Gifts” on the memo line maybe mailed or delivered to TAP – HS Holiday Gifts at 302 2nd Street, SW, Roanoke,Virginia 24011. All monetary donations should be received by December 9, 2024 to ensure timefor staff to purchase gifts.
Option 2 – Purchase gifts for a full or partial classroom.
• Organizations or individuals interested in this option will be matched with a specific classroom of 8-15 children and supplied with details such as clothing sizes and toy preferences.
• All gifts should be unwrapped and delivered to TAP no later than December 16, 2024.
• To learn more about this option, contact Crystal Fernatt, Supervisor of Monitoring and Compliance, at (540) 309-5016 or crystal.fernatt@tapintohope.org.
Why your sponsorship matters
Families served by TAP’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs have incomes which are below the poverty line and often face challenges to meet basic needs such as rent, utilities, and food. Holiday expenses create an unmanageable financial burden many cannot afford.
“By stepping in to sponsor these gifts, you’re not just giving toys or clothing. You are also giving hope to families in your community,” said Fernatt. “These gifts bring joy to children and ease financial stress, ensuring that every family can celebrate the holidays with dignity.”
TAP’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide vital education and learning opportunities while supporting families with health services, good nutrition habits, and physical activity. These programs encourage parents to play a central role in their child’s development and offer resources for pregnant mothers to promote healthy beginnings.
TAP’s full-day programs are offered in the following areas of Southwest Virginia: the counties of Alleghany, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Botetourt, and Craig; and the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, Lexington, Roanoke, and Salem. TAP also partners in Montgomery, Giles, and Pulaski counties to support families interested in Early Head Start programs.
To provide a financial contribution for this effort, visit the TAPintoHope.org website. Please contact Crystal Fernatt at (540) 309-5016 or crystal.fernatt@tapintohope.org to sign up to purchase gifts for a classroom. Requests for interviews should be directed to Stacy Simms at stacy.simms@tapintohope.org.
