Members of the University of Virginia community can help brighten the holiday season for needy families in the Charlottesville area through the Madison House Holiday Sharing program.

The program’s student volunteers are soliciting participation from U.Va. departments and offices. The students work closely with the Salvation Army, which provides the U.Va. program with a list of families in need. Participating offices then provide a “gift package” for an assigned family in early December.

Last year, more than 110 families received groceries and holiday gifts that they otherwise could not afford. Because of this great success, the student volunteers have increased their goal to sponsor at least 130 families this year.  

Participating in the Holiday Sharing program entails selecting a specific-size family, from as small as two members up to six or more, then buying and collecting groceries and gifts for them, plus donating money for a grocery gift card that allows the family to buy fresh food. Everything is due to Madison House between Dec. 1 and Dec. 3.

The sign-up deadline is Nov. 7.

New this year: The program will accept monetary donations (cash or check), in addition to the traditional family shopping. As an additional thank-you for contributions, the program has established recognition levels for its sponsors. All donations are fully tax-deductible. Those interested in sponsoring a family with Holiday Sharing this year can fill out and submit the online form found on here.

For information, email holsharing@gmail.com or call Eric MacBlane at 973-476-4769.