Holiday Giving at COTS!

Thank you for making the holidays brighter for children and families experiencing homelessness.

Your generosity makes a tremendous difference for people staying in shelter. The holiday season can be especially difficult for parents and children without stable housing, and your support helps ease some of that stress. Thank you for helping make the season meaningful for those we serve.

Once we receive donations, we set them up in a "holiday shop" where parents can choose gifts for their children. Volunteers help transform our conference rooms into a store-like space, organizing items by age and type. A wrapping station is also provided, giving parents the opportunity to wrap the gifts themselves and take pride in selecting something special for their child.

Holiday Giving Guidelines

Gift cards are preferred.
Gift cards in $25 increments are the most effective and flexible way to support families during the holidays. They allow parents to choose gifts their children truly need or will enjoy, preserving dignity and choice during a challenging time. Gift cards are especially valuable for families who arrive at shelter later in the season or who are unable to visit the COTS location in person.

Prepaid Visa, Mastercard, and other bank gift cards are ideal because they can be used anywhere.

If purchasing physical gifts:
We have both an Amazon Wish List and a Homeport Wish List. Please shop online and have donations shipped directly to:
COTS
95 North Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401

Please note that we are unable to make pickups.

New and unused items only.
To maintain dignity for all families, we only accept new, unused items.

We cannot accept:

• Used toys

• Wrapped gifts (parents love the chance to wrap presents themselves)

• Toy weapons (including Nerf guns, swords, etc.)

Gift value limit:
Please keep individual gifts under $50 to ensure equity among children in shelter.

Each child receives three gifts:

• Something they need

• Something they want

• Something educational

We serve children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Gifts for older teens are especially appreciated.

If you are coordinating a gift drive:
Please schedule a drop-off time in advance. Many staff members are working remotely, and scheduling ensures we can receive donations promptly.
Email romyt@cotsonline.org or call (802) 343-6903 to arrange a delivery.

Donation deadline: December 5, 2025
While December 5 is the final deadline, receiving gifts earlier makes a big difference. Early donations help us stock and organize our holiday shop so parents can “shop” for their children throughout the season, ensuring every family has access to a full selection of gifts.