Hundreds of Needy Montville Teens are Wishing For a Stocking With a Gift Inside

Hundreds of Montville teenagers are keeping their fingers crossed that the Christmas stocking they’ll receive from Montville Social Services and Montville Youth Services Bureau will contain a $5, $10, $15 or more gift card to McDonalds or Subway, a shop in the mall or an online music service, or maybe a Dunkin’ Donuts card or one from Wal-Mart.

But at the rate donations are being received, there’s no way MYSB will be able to add a gift card to the 200 stockings they’ll soon be filling for Montville’s neediest teens.

“We’re not even close,” said Kimberly Grant, MYSB program director. “It’s frustrating.”

So far, 177 kids aged 12 to 18 have signed up for a stocking and Grant expects that number to rise to 200 easily.

“We focus on 12 to 18-year-olds and it’s hard to shop for them. We fill a stocking with candy, pencils but what do you get for a teenager? That’s why gift cards are perfect.”

A $5 McDonalds card, for example, is something many people can afford and would be awesome for a kid.

“It’s embarrassing for kids that have no money, that never have money to go with friends into McDonalds, say or Dunkin’ Donuts. This way, they have a few bucks for a burger.”

Grant said that traditionally, the group that donates the most for gift cards has been Town of Montville employees.

“It’s true, they’re the ones that really always give and give,” Grant said. “But this doesn’t have to fall on their backs (alone).”

Small denomination gift cards are what MYSB is hoping to receive. Some ideas include iTunes cards (one does not have to have an iPod to use the cards; a $10 MP3 player from Family Dollar accepts that card, for example), fast food restaurants, Wal-Mart or other big box stores, and Crystal Mall stores, too especially since after-Christmas sales mean kids can spend $10 and actually get something!) and of course there are plenty of local shops that have gift certificates.

Or, for those that either don’t have the time or inclination, cash donations are welcome.

Make a difference for a Montville teenager in need this Christmas! Give if you can!

Please drop off gift cards at the MYSB Youth Center across from Town Hall Monday through Friday from 8 a.m to 5:30 p.m. If you'd like to make a larger donation or need to make arrangements for anotehr drop-off time, call 860-848-7724.