How to Request Assistance
Toy Lift Charities works closely with local schools and community partners to provide holiday gifts, books, and educational items to children in need. To keep our process simple, compassionate, and accessible, we do not require complex financial paperwork. Instead, all participating families are sponsored and coordinated directly through local school personnel.
Family & Child Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for holiday assistance through the Toy Lift, children and families must meet the following guidelines:
- Age Limit: Children must be in the 8th grade or younger (ranging from newborns up to 8th grade).
- Geographic Location: Families must reside in one of our service areas: the City of Charlottesville, or Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, or Nelson counties.
- Exclusive Assistance: To ensure that resources reach as many distinct households as possible, children may not be receiving holiday gift assistance from other regional organizations (such as the Salvation Army, Love INC, or GRACE).
Application Process & Timeline for Parents & Guardians
If your family meets the criteria above and you are in need of support this holiday season, please follow these steps:
- Timeline: The application window typically opens in early October and closes in mid-November.
- Contact a School Counselor or Social Worker: Information and voucher links are sent directly to area schools in early October. Please reach out to your school’s counselor or social worker to request a voucher link.
- Streamlined Submission: You do not need to submit an application through every school your children attend. All children in your household should be listed on a single voucher and submitted at the same time.
Are You a School Official or Counselor?
If you are a local educator or social worker looking for guidance on how to sponsor families or submit vouchers during our active window, please reach out to our team. Contact us today for assistance.