 NEARI Children's Fund
Gingerbread Express Here comes the Gingerbread Express!
What do needy Rhode Island students get when they become part of the NEARI Children’s Fund Gingerbread Express program? Last year, they were happy to receive a share of over 13,000 gifts bought on their behalf by NEARI members and friends during the holiday season.
The Gingerbread Express links our members and friends with public school students who may be facing a bleak, gift-less holiday season. Each of these students designs a gingerbread cookie cutout listing information about his/her clothing needs and gift wishes. The cutouts are then distributed anonymously to donors willing to fill the requests.
You, as a donor, simply purchase the gifts, wrap them, attach the gingerbread cutout, and deliver them to the specified Children’s Fund representative in your area. The child may or may not be from your school district. In either case, complete anonymity for the giver and the recipient are preserved.
This program has embraced thousands of needy children since its inception eight years ago. In many instances, the gifts from the Gingerbread Express have been the only gifts the child has received. What a great way to feel the magic of the season!
If you would like to participate as a donor, please complete the form below.
The deadline to sponsor a child is November 16, to ensure that you receive your Gingerbread cutout in time to shop for gifts and deliver them to the designated location by December 4th. Classes, groups or families are welcome as Gingerbread donors as well, especially since families of children are often submitted as recipients. In these situations, it becomes easier to avoid discrepancies in type and quantities of gifts among siblings if the same group adopts them.
The donor packet contains complete information—and shopping tips.
Please follow the few guidelines listed below: - The Children’s Fund suggests clothing as the primary gift, but be sure to try to add a toy or other fun item that the child has put on his/her wish list. Bigger size garments are more likely to last the winter (or even two), and sweat suits and underwear are always good staples.
- Wrap your gifts securely, taping boxes together or wrapping smaller packages and enclosing them all together in a larger box. Giant gift bags that fit everything also make it easier for children to carry their gifts.
- PLEASE ADHERE TO THE DEADLINES—missing them may mean a very disappointed child.
Sign up by November 16
Deliver gifts by December 4—no exceptions made. To become a donor in the Gingerbread Express gift-giving program, print and mail the form below or call Valerie Staples @ 463-9630 or e-mail vstaples@nea.org.
Please include me in the Gingerbread Express gift-giving program NAME:_____________________________________________ ADDRESS:__________________________________________ CITY:_________________________STATE:_______ZIP:_____ PHONE: (home)______________________(work)___________ Return this form to: NEARI Children’s Fund
99 Bald Hill Road
Cranston, RI 02920 | 
