As the season begins, our team starts reaching out to families before Black Friday to prepare for the holidays ahead. Each parent is invited into a warm conversation—by phone or Zoom—where they share what lights their child up. Favorite colors, hobbies, dreams, and hopes become the inspiration behind every gift. These heartfelt exchanges set the tone for everything that follows, weaving intention and care into every part of the process.

Once the wish lists are gathered, local donors, small businesses, and caring neighbors help raise the funds that make the magic possible. Volunteers shop for each child; selecting the exact items requested, and ensuring every detail feels personal. We make the most of Black Friday sales to stretch each dollar further, but our team keeps shopping until the final days before December 11th, making sure no wish goes unanswered.

By December 11, gifts begin arriving at The Gathering Place, filling the space with color and anticipation. They’re carefully sorted and wrapped for each family, ready for the most meaningful part of the process; Parent Pick-Up Day on December 13. Parents arrive by appointment to collect the presents that were chosen just for their children, each package carrying the love and generosity of an entire community.