We are the ONLY charity who does what we do.
The list is long because the need is great...
What We Do
For the past 19 years, a troupe of musicians and caring “elves” led by founder Tim McLoone, have traveled to more than 50 locations between Thanksgiving and Christmas to create a holiday “event” for over 15,000 special individuals. Each event is a two-hour interactive, rock ’n roll, high-energy holiday party – complete with music, gifts, food, dancing, and appropriate fun activities for the guests – people who live challenging lives in challenging environments. We have come to refer to many of these friends as “adult orphans” who rarely have the opportunity to interact with others. Often these people are severely mentally and physically disabled and live at facilities that society conveniently forgets. Tim and our volunteers regularly get feedback from staff at these facilities that Holiday Express will be the only visitors they will have that year. The caregivers say it is impossible to describe the pure joy and excitement that exists before and after Holiday Express brings the party to their organization.
The Gift Bags
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The individual gift bags we distribute are an essential part of each event. In many, if not most instances, the gift bag we give may be the only gift these special people will get during the holiday season. With that in mind, our hundreds of volunteer warehouse “elves” work extremely hard to make sure all 15,000 plus bags get packed not only with loving care, but with a substantial amount of practical necessities and items that are fun and/or useful. Each gift bag contains several personal care items, warm clothing, blankets and other goodies tailored to the needs of the particular party guest. We need these items in our warehouse the beginning of October. Gifts in any quantity are greatly appreciated – they do add up! |
The List
Items & Quantity Needed (All items must be new)
| Body Wash – 12,000 Coloring Books for adults – 5,000 Deodorant for men – 10,000 Deodorant for women – 8,000 Gloves for men – 7,000 Playing Cards – 7,000 Rain Ponchos – 10,000 |
Shampoo – 7,000 Socks for kids (warm) – 2,000 Socks for men (white heavy) – 10,000 Socks for women (white heavy) – 4,000 Toothbrushes for adults – 6,000 Washcloths – 10,000 Wool Hats – 10,000 |
So to all of you out there who donate, volunteer and support Holiday Express, please feel confident that you are helping those in need. Your contributions are one of the biggest parts of this organization; and, without all of you, none of this would be possible. So thank you for all you do!