As the holidays draw near, the halls of Lenape Valley Foundation (LVF) in Doylestown are filled not only with thousands of wrapped gifts but also with the unmistakable spirit of giving. Each December, LVF’s Holiday Assistance Program transforms the generosity of the community into tangible acts of kindness for more than 500 individuals and families in need.
What began nearly two decades ago as a small volunteer-led effort to help a few dozen clients has since blossomed into one of the foundation’s most meaningful annual efforts. Today, the program provides holiday gifts, food gift cards, and a sense of belonging to hundreds of LVF clients who may otherwise go without.
“This is my fifteenth year working on this program, and it’s truly something I look forward to every year,” said Suzanne Rhodeside, Community Relations Specialist at Lenape Valley Foundation. “It actually started about 16 or 17 years ago when a couple of volunteers saw the need and wanted to make the holidays brighter for our clients. Back then, it reached about 75 - 100 people. Now we’re helping between 550 and 600 each year.”
The growth of the program mirrors the reach of Lenape Valley Foundation itself, which supports the coordination and social services to more than 14,000 people annually across Bucks County. Clients participating in the program may range from children and families to seniors, individuals with developmental disabilities, and people navigating housing instability, experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.
To be eligible for the Holiday Assistance Program, clients must currently be receiving LVF services and demonstrate financial need. The selection process is both thorough and compassionate. While financial need is the greatest criteria, it’s not strictly based on income; it’s about individual situations. Sometimes a family has experienced a fire, or a parent is unable to work. Each application is reviewed by the staff who work directly with the clients and really take into account each person’s circumstances.
Once approved, participants can list up to five wish list items, typically totaling between $100 and $150 per person. These lists offer a window into both the practical and emotional needs of the people LVF serves. Some people ask for basic necessities; warm clothing, shoes, toiletries, or cleaning supplies. Others might ask for something special for their children, like toys, art supplies, or books. LVF also receives requests for small home items, blankets, or even a Christmas tree. The needs vary so much, but what’s consistent is that people just want to make the holidays feel normal and joyful for their families.
Donors, whether individuals, families, or local businesses, then “adopt” one or more participants, shopping for and wrapping gifts that are later distributed by LVF staff.
Behind the scenes, the program runs like a finely tuned machine. Gifts arrive during designated drop-off days in early December, when volunteers help receive, sort, and organize thousands of items throughout the LVF building. From there, staff coordinate distribution, ensuring every client receives their gifts before the holidays.
“It’s a huge operation,” Rhodeside described. “When you consider 550 people each receiving multiple gifts, you’re talking about thousands of items to log, sort, and deliver. But it’s incredible to see the community come together to make it happen.”
One of the most touching aspects of the program, according to Rhodeside, is how many donors discover it simply by searching for ways to help. “What’s really beautiful is that so many of these donors are complete strangers to Lenape Valley,” she said. “They find us online, sign up, and when they drop off their gifts, it gives us a chance to meet them and share our mission. Many of them come back year after year.”
Donors come in all sizes; both literally and figuratively. Local families might adopt one client, while businesses and community groups often team up to support larger families. “Some of these companies have pools of employees who each buy a few items,” Rhodeside said. “Others go above and beyond and buy everything on the wish list. It’s totally up to their budget and comfort level, but every single gift makes a difference.”
That generosity extends beyond the holiday season. LVF also welcomes gift card donations year-round, which help families purchase food, clothing, or household essentials. “Food insecurity is a big need,” Rhodeside noted. “Many of our families are asking for grocery gift cards, so we always accept those, even outside of the holidays.”
Each December, LVF staff members witness the impact of these gifts, not just on the recipients but on the donors and volunteers who make it possible. “It’s truly heartwarming to see people come in with their children to drop off gifts,” Rhodeside said. “Parents tell me they want to teach their kids about giving and empathy. It’s amazing to see families shopping together for other families they’ll never meet. It brings out the best in people.”
The clients’ gratitude is equally moving. “We receive so many thank-you letters,” Rhodeside said. “People tell us they never would have enjoyed the holidays or received such thoughtful gifts without this program. For some, it’s the first time they’ve felt seen and cared for in a long time. For others, it simply restores a bit of hope.”
The anonymity of the process protects both clients and donors, but LVF makes sure the emotional connection isn’t lost. Donors only get first names and last initials.Sometimes donors ask to adopt children close in age to their own, or families similar in size. It makes it personal, even though they’ll never meet.
While it’s too late to adopt a family for this year’s program, there are still ways to make a difference. Gift cards, especially to stores like Giant, ACME, Weis, Walmart, Target, and Amazon, are always welcome and can be mailed directly to: Lenape Valley Foundation,
Attn: Community Relations, 621 N. Shady Retreat Road, Doylestown, PA 18901.
Monetary donations, which help fill gaps for clients who weren’t matched with a donor, can also be made securely online at weblink.donorperfect.com/lvfholiday.
Those hoping to become a donor in 2026 can email Suzanne Rhodeside directly at suzanne.rhodeside@lenapevf.org to be added to next year’s contact list. “Even though our adoption process is closed for this year, I always keep a list of people who want to help,” Rhodeside said. “I reach out every September or early October when we begin accepting donors again.”
Volunteers are also vital to the program’s success. While privacy laws prevent direct contact with clients, volunteers play a key role in sorting, wrapping, and organizing gifts each December. “We’ve had wonderful companies bring employees in to help,” Rhodeside said. “It’s a great team-building activity, but it also gives people a chance to see the impact of their efforts.”
At its heart, the Holiday Assistance Program is about more than gifts; it’s about human connection. “This program reminds our clients that someone out there cares,” Rhodeside said. “In a world where we see so much division, it’s wonderful to witness such kindness and warmth from complete strangers.”
For many recipients, that kindness is transformative. “Some of our clients are very isolated,” she added. “They may not have family or friends nearby. To receive a beautifully wrapped gift from someone they don’t even know; it’s powerful. It gives them a sense of hope and dignity during what can be a very difficult time of year.”
As the wrapping paper rustles and the drop-off bins fill once again, Rhodeside is reminded that generosity is contagious. “Every year, I’m blown away by the outpouring of support,” she said. “It shows that, no matter how big or small your contribution, you can truly make a difference in someone’s life.”
