I’ve spent the last two years coasting through the holidays in a new mom haze. In 2015 I had a newborn, in 2016 I was very pregnant and in 2017 I was a mom of two under 2.5. Needless to say my head has been in the clouds. I still feel like life is hectic, but it’s busy and crazy in so many good ways. I don’t want my busy schedule and day-to-day commitments to be an excuse for not volunteering, giving back and carving out time to do things that are important to me and good for our community and city.

I want this holiday season to feel different and I want to establish new family traditions to show my boys that the holidays are not just about receiving gifts, but it’s also about giving. While my boys are still young, it’s important for me to raise them with an understanding of the importance of volunteering, giving back and helping others in need. This year I’m so excited to announce that I’ve organized a holiday gift drive for Rosie’s Place in Boston.

If you are not familiar with the organization, Rosie’s Place, which was founded in 1974, provides meals and shelter for over 12,000 women a year through wide-ranging support, housing and education services. Rosie’s Place relies solely on the generous support of individuals, foundations and corporations and does not accept any city, state or federal funding. There mission is truly to be a sanctuary for poor and homeless women within the Boston community.

If you are interested in participating you can read more about their holiday drive program here or scroll down where I’ve included everything you need to know.

What to Give

Gift Cards

From retailers such as CVS, Walgreens, Old Navy, Target, Payless (in the amount of $25).

Holiday Gifts

Bath and body gift sets with lotion, body wash and body spray (from stores such as Bath & Body Works). Other gifts that are welcome are new pajamas and sleeping gowns, slippers, sets of hats, scarves and gloves, throws, blankets, and new hoodies or sweatshirts

Finishing Touches

There is nothing like getting a gift and seeing it all wrapped up - it brings a smile to peoples faces. Regardless of your age, opening a gift is exciting. Help the staff members and volunteers make this the holiday shop an extra special experience by donating new gift bags, wrapping paper, ribbons and tape.

How to Give

I’ll be planning out a couple of days for gift pick-ups or drop-offs to make it easy, and I’ll be posting more specifics on my blog and IG, but please email me directly if you are interested in participating and I can work with you to arrange a pick-up.

When to Give

I will be planning to drop-off all donations at Rosie’s place on Friday, November 30th. Gift pick-ups can happen anytime between now and Wednesday, November 28th. If you arent from the Boston area and want to part, please send me an email and I can share how you can help.

Thank you for joining me in making this holiday season a little brighter for women who rely on, and need, the services and resources provided by Rosie’s Place.

Cheers to a season of giving!