A local business has launched a holiday gift drive for teens in the community in partnership with the Sandwich Teen Action Group.
VR Success Services owner Victoria Rubio launched the campaign this year after noticing for many years that most of the gift and toy drives in the region focus on children up to the age of 12 or 13.
"When a family is in a vulnerable situation, and they can't afford gifts for their children, then they go to these places, but then there's nothing to provide for the teenagers in those households. So most often, those teenagers go without for Christmas," said Rubio.
She launched this campaign to collect gifts, gift cards, and monetary donations to make sure teens in the community get the holiday season they deserve.
"I've already been getting so many phone calls and emails from parents of teenagers saying this is the best thing, that there's never been anything to help their teens. Just heartbreaking stories. I'm just really hoping that we can help as many people as possible," said Rubio.
Donations are being accepted at VR Success Services, Sandwich Teen Action Group, and IncluSV Beauty Solutions until December 16. A gift guide for teens can be found on the holiday drive website.
"Gift cards are always a hit. If you don't know what to buy a teenager, gift cards are probably at the top of our list cause there are lots of different gift cards that you can get," said Rubio. "We also have things like journals, gel pens, make-up kits, hoodies, Bluetooth speakers, t-shirts, backpacks, toiletries, games, experiences like movies, or gift certificates to get your nails done or a haircut."
The gifts will be distributed at a dinner to be hosted at the Sandwich Teen Action Group.
Rubio said, if successful, she'd like to expand the drive to serve the larger community next year.
More information can be found here.
