The holidays are a difficult time for the children in our care.  Many are not able to return home to their families or a home environment for the Holiday season.  Although our staff and volunteers provide a warm, happy time for our children, we must turn to the generous support of individuals and companies to assist during the holiday season.

Most of the children in our care are middle and high school age.  Many may never have experienced receiving Holiday gifts.  If you would like to help, here are some suggested gift drives.  Scroll down for a printable list, contact information and drop off dates.

Drop Off Dates:
Volunteers with the ACS Guild will accept your gifts the following dates and times. 

Thursday & Friday, Dec 17th & 18th     
10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec 19th 
10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location:
4800 Manor Road
Building B
Austin, TX 78723

(512) 499-0090

For many of our children and youth, this may be the first time they experience the gift of seeing their Holiday wishes come true.  Gift cards provide the opportunity to shop with staff, learn how to make smart purchases, and improves moral and self-esteem.  For a suggested list, click here.

Experiencing an outing in and around the community during winter and spring break is a wonderful gift for the children at ACS. Gift certificates to miniature golf, movie theatres, ice skating, bowling, roller skating, Austin Parks & Pizza and Main Event make these outings a reality!

A great way to help children during the Holidays is to collect new music and art supplies. Music and art therapy teaches children coping skills and understanding as they heal and move forward. Suggested gifts: MP3 Players & Boom boxes, CD’s (popular music), batteries, ear bud headphones, i-Tunes gift cards, musical instruments, craft and art supplies.

Using our wish lists (see links below), you can organize your own toy/gift drive with a focus on educational toys and games. Place a box/barrel in a central location in your office or neighborhood and let your friends and coworkers donate their favorite items.

Our therapists use coping skill items to help the kids refocus attention away from their anger and allow them to calm down and talk about their feelings. Coping skill items include: play dough, handheld games/puzzles, stress/koosh balls, Rubiks cubes, legos and nerf balls.

No time to shop but want to help provide a happy holiday at the Shelter? Use this link to make a donation.  Your gift will be used where it is most needed.

Additional Lists
Click on the links below for additional lists.
Project Santa Wish List
Project Santa Gift Drive Ideas

Contact:
Becky Merrill
becky@austinchildrenshelter.org
512.499.0090