Project Elf
Each year, The Christmas Box International works with our generous community to fill Santa’s sleigh for children, teens, and young adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or homelessness. Project Elf offers fun and meaningful opportunities for businesses, families, individuals, and community groups to make the holidays brighter—because every child deserves a Christmas.
🌟 Important Holiday Information 🌟
1️⃣ Holiday donations are being accepted NOW — especially Walmart gift cards
2️⃣ Holiday gift items should be donated by Friday, December 19th
3️⃣ We only accept NEW, UNWRAPPED items
4️⃣ Wish lists, printable signs, and ornaments are available below in the organize a drive section
5️⃣ Check out our Amazon Project Elf Wishlist
6️⃣ We will NOT be accepting donations on December 24th or 25th
7️⃣ We have a new location for our donation center!!! (see address below)
8️⃣ We have Venmo! For easy giving, please reach out to [email protected] to receive instructions for the best way to maximize this option
9️⃣ The Christmas Box International offices will be CLOSED December 24–January 5
GREATEST NEED
WALMART GIFT CARDS
We are asking donors to provide $25 Walmart gift cards. These empower parents working with the Division of Child and Family Services to purchase the gifts their children want and need. Each family receives two $25 gift cards per child/teen to help create a positive holiday experience.
Walmart Gift Card Drop-Off Dates:
(Cards can be dropped off after these dates, but early donations are encouraged so families can shop before Christmas)
Please Drop Off Gift Cards By:
- Thursday, November 13
- Thursday, December 4
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer spots are first come, first served and availability is limited.
Christmas Box Houses
Activity: Help sort, organize, and put away donations
When: Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Group Size: Up to 5 people (larger groups should volunteer at the Donation Center)
Age Restrictions: Must be 18 years old and out of high school
To sign up for a shift, please email the coordinator at the shelter where you’d like to volunteer:
- Ogden – contact Katie at: [email protected]g
- Salt Lake – contact Julia at: [email protected]
Christmas Box Donation Center
Week of December 15–19 ONLY
Donation Center is NOT available for volunteer opportunities outside of this week
- Activity: Help accept and sort donations.
- Shifts: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. OR 2 p.m.–4 p.m.
- Group size: Up to 20 people
- Age Restrictions: Must be 13 years old (under 18 must have a legal guardian present to sign waiver)
Monday, December 22 & Tuesday, December 23
- Activity: Help sort and organize donations.
- Shift: 1–3 p.m. (one group per day).
- Group size: Up to 20 people
- Age Restrictions: Must be 13 years old (under 18 must have a legal guardian present to sign waiver)
To sign up for Donation Center shifts, email Kristin at: [email protected]
How Can You Help with Project Elf Today?
*GREATEST NEED*
We are asking donors to provide $25 Walmart gift cards. These empower parents working with the Division of Child and Family Services to purchase the gifts their children want and need. Each family receives two $25 gift cards per child/teen to help create a positive holiday experience.
We also request miscellaneous gift cards for teens as part of their Christmas presents. Each teen staying at a Christmas Box House receives two $25 gift cards. You can find suggestions on our Christmas Wish List.
Purchase gifts from our Christmas Wish Lists and deliver them to a Christmas Box House, or check out our Amazon Christmas Wish List and have Amazon deliver them for you.
Donated gifts typically range from $10 – $100. Out of respect for the children we serve and health precautions, we only accept NEW, unwrapped items.
Why unwrapped?
Children come into our shelters throughout December. Staff select gifts so that even if a child moves before Christmas, their new placement can wrap and give the gift. This helps ensure no child feels left out or different. At the shelters, “Santa” wraps presents in a special way so each child receives the right gift.
HOLIDAY DONATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED NOW- ESPECIALLY WALMART GIFT CARDS!
Holiday Gift Items should be donated by Friday, December 19th
WE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING DONATIONS DECEMBER 24TH OR 25TH
If you prefer that we do the shopping for you, you may make a monetary donation to help the children during the holiday season and throughout the year.
Organizing a Project Elf Donation Drive lets you involve others who might not be aware of the needs of the children met by Project Elf. Many families, businesses, and groups enjoy joining together and inviting others to give.
Donation drives are also an excellent way for youth to gain a greater appreciation for their blessings by sharing them with others who are less fortunate. Thank you for your generous support in ensuring every child has a Merry Christmas morning.
There are numerous ways to conduct a successful Project Elf Donation Drive:
- Using a giving tree with Project Elf ornaments listing Gifts Cards, and gifts from the Christmas Wish List
- Passing out fliers to your neighborhood and then having a donation pickup day
- Have a “Bring a Gift to Work Day”
- Create an Amazon Wish List and ship items directly to The Christmas Box House
Be mindful of the deadlines:
- November 13th & December 4th for Walmart gift cards
- Week of December 15-19, Wasatch Front donations need to be taken to the DONATION CENTER
- Northern Utah donations should still be taken to the Ogden Christmas Box House
- Not accepting donations on December 24th or 25th
- Monetary donations are welcome at any time
Downloads: To help you get out the word, we have included some artwork you may download, which can be found HERE
Thank you, HAVE FUN, and let us know if you have questions!
Drop-off Locations
Please deliver your new, unwrapped items to one of these locations:
Salt Lake Area
Salt Lake Christmas Box House
3660 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Northeast entrance by angel statue
Accepting donations: Now through Dec 23 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Christmas Box Donation Center (NEW LOCATION)
1415 South 700 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Door by loading dock 2
Accepting donations: ONLY Dec 15–19 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Donations will not be accepted Dec 24 & 25
Northern Utah
Ogden Christmas Box House:
950 East 12th Street, Ogden, UT 84404
East entrance by angel statue
Accepting donations: NOW through Dec 23| 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Week of December 15-19
Items should still be taken to the Ogden Christmas Box House
Donations will not be accepted Dec 24 & 25
Project Elf Wish Lists
- Walmart, Target, Amazon
- Smith, Costco
- TJMAXX, Ulta
- Old Navy, PINK, Famous Footwear
- McDonalds, Little Caesars’, TacoBell, Chick-fil-A, Jimmy Johns
- Fiiz, Swig, Starbucks
- Cinemark, Megaplex, Nicklecade
- Hobby Lobby, Dollar Tree
- Fidget Toys
- “Warmies” Microwaveable Stuffed Animals
- Slime
TEEN
- Ulta Makeup Palette
- Ulta Makeup Brush Set
- Make Up: Fake Lashes, Foundation, Bronzer
- Perfume and Lotion
- Popular Brand Hoodie (Nike, UnderArmour, Adidas): adult sizes
- Popular Brand Joggers: adult sizes
- Portable Speakers
- Over-Ear Headphones/Earbuds
- Nice Reusable Plastic Water Bottles (NO metal/glass. Dishwasher safe)
CHILD
- Lego sets
- Popular Disney Toys
- Bluey Toys
- Squishmallows
- VTech/Leapfrog Toys
- Little Tikes/ Fisher Price Toys
NO TOY WEAPONS
EXAMPLES: NERF GUNS OR LIGHT SABERS
- String/Boondoggle Kit
- Craft Kits & Art Kits (NO needles or glass)
- National Geographic STEM Kits
- STEM Activity Kits
- Diamond Art
- 8×10 canvas boards
- Acrylic Paint
- Vacuums
- Duffle Bags
- Cordless Alarm Clocks
- Sound Machines
- Portable Blu Ray/DVD Players (Used for kids sick that need to stay in bed)
- Lock Boxes
- Switch Consoles (These are used at the shelters for all kids to play- not given as a present to an individual child)
- Switch Games (E rated- gift cards for downloads preferred)
- Amazon Fire Tablet (shelters are trying to move away from DVD Players)
Make shopping easier and check out our Amazon Wishlist.
…
Organize a Project Elf Donation Drive
Organizing a Project Elf Donation Drive lets you involve others who might not be aware of the needs of the children being met by Project Elf. Many families, businesses, and groups enjoy the camaraderie of joining together to give, and to invite others to give.
Donation drives are also a great way for youth to gain a greater appreciation for the blessings they have by sharing them with others who are less fortunate.
There are numerous ways to conduct a successful Project Elf Donation Drive:
- Using a giving tree with Project Elf ornaments listing gifts from the Christmas Wish Lists (and of course gift cards)
- Passing out fliers to your neighborhood and then having a donation Pickup day
- Have a “Bring a Gift to Work Day”
- Host a Facebook fundraiser
The possibilities are as broad as your imagination. The key to a successful Project Elf Donation Drive is simply to ask.
- Accepting holiday donations NOW
- Holiday gift items should be donated no later than Friday, December 19th
- NOT accepting donations December 24th or 25th
Be sure to check out our WISH LISTS for ideas!
Downloads: In order to help you get out the word, we have included some artwork which you may download at the links below.
Project Elf Ornaments-Tags
Project Elf Ribbon Graphic
Project Elf Sign Utah
Christmas Box International is not able to assist the general public with holiday needs.
If you are working with The Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), your caseworker can apply to our holiday program on your behalf.
Our holiday program is only able to support kids served by DCFS.
For holiday assistance, please check out: 211 Utah
