November 16, 2022 at 3:00 am
A local business partnered with the Sandwich Teen Action Group to launch a holiday gift drive for teens in the community.
Victoria Rubio, owner of VR Success Services, launched the campaign this year after noticing for years that most of the gift and toy campaign in the area was focused on children under the age of 12 or 13.
“When a family is vulnerable and they can’t afford gifts for their kids, they go to these places, but the teens in those families don’t have anything to offer. So, for the most part, these teens don’t have Christmas,” Rubio said.
She started the campaign to collect gifts, gift cards and donations to ensure teens in the community get the vacation they deserve.
“I’ve had a lot of calls and emails from parents of teens saying it’s the best thing ever and nothing ever helps their teens. Just heartbreaking stories. I really hope we can help as many as possible people,” Rubio said.
VR Success Services, Sandwich Teen Action Group and IncluSV Beauty Solutions are accepting donations until December 16th.Teen gift guides are available at holiday driving website.
“Gift cards are always popular. If you don’t know what to get a teen, gift cards are probably our go-to because there are so many different gift cards you can get,” Rubio said. “We also have experiences like journals, gel pens, toiletry bags, hoodies, bluetooth speakers, t-shirts, backpacks, toiletries, games, movies, or gift certificates for manicures or haircuts.”
The gifts will be given out at a dinner hosted by Sandwich Teen Action.
If successful, Rubio said she hopes to expand her service to serve the larger community over the next year.
More information can be found here.