Guidelines on Gift Giving/Food Basket Preparation

 In the past, many congregation members have asked if there are limits to the amount of gifts and food to purchase for your family.  Based on research of other charitable entities and food banks, a suggested gift/food basket guideline has been determined in order to maintain parity between families.

We are asking the La Casa families donating gifts to provide up to three gifts per child with a maximum of $25 for each of the three gifts.  THIS INCLUDES GIFTS OF CLOTHING.  Therefore, the total value of the gifts--per child--should not exceed $75.  This amount is not a requirement, it is a MAXIMUM.  La Casa families may use their discretion when deciding on the value of the gifts they purchase.  This will help ensure that there is some balance in the number of gifts childen in each familiy receive.

GIFTS

1. If you choose, you may wrap the gifts in appropriate wrapping paper, bows, etc.  In the past, this has been the choice of most people who supply gifts, and seems to be much appreicated by the children.  It adds to their excitement.
2. Please fasten your angels and bells securely to each package so that we can identify the recipient of the item.  Label each box/gift with the child's name and family number (black marker works well).  This will ensure that each child gets his/her gift(s).

FOOD BOX PREPARATIONS

We have prepared a handy "clip out" shopping list with suggested items for your food box.

Many of our adopted families live in small apartments and do not have much room to store bulk items.  You will find some suggested sizes of items on the clip out list in order to meet these limitations.  We have also included items that cannot be purchased with food stamps but are still essential.  The quantities listed are realistic for a family of four--please adjust quantities accordingly when purchasing for larger or smaller families.  Also, please note that you are not required to buy everything on this list--they are simply guidelines.

The following are the guidelines to prepare your food boxes for easy lifting.

1. Try to keep each box under 35 pounds for easier lifting.  You may use as many boxes as it takes, just try to keep each box under 35 pounds.  (Suggestion:  commercial file storage boxes are just about the right size).
2. Label each box with the family name and number (black marker works well).  This will ensure that each family gets their box(es).
3. If you desire, decorate the outside surface of the open carton(s) containing foodstuffs so it appears more festive and neat.  This has been the usual practice in the past and adds to the excitement and enjoyment of the famimlies.

NO FRESH FRUIT OR VEGETABLES BECAUSE THEY WILL SPOIL

Clip and take along SHOPPING LIST

SUGGESTED FOODS FOR FAMILY FOOD BOX

 (ITEMS BELOW ARE SUGGESTED QUANTITIES FOR A FAMILY OF 4--ADJUST QUANTITIES AS NEEDED FOR LARGER OR SMALLER FAMILY SIZE)

• 2 boxes of cereal
• 3 cans of corn
• 1 large jar of peanut butter
• 2 jars of jam/jelly
• 3 cans/packages of soup
• 2 bags of white rice
• 2 cans of mixed fruit
• 4 boxes of macaroni and cheese
• 3 cans of tomato sauce
• 2 bags of dry pinto beans
• 1 box of saltine crackers
• 5 pounds tortilla flour (Maseca) or regular flour
• 2 packes dry pasta (small for soup)
• 2 cans of tuna
• 1 bottle vegetable oil (plastic bottle)
• 5 pounds of sugar
• Salt
• 1 box pancake mix
• 1 bottle of pancake syrup (plastic bottle)
• 2 cans of luncheon meat or canned dinners
• 2 bottles of juice (plastic bottles)
• Toilet paper*
• Paper towels*
• Shampoo*
• Soap*
• Laundry detergent*
• Toothbrushes (one per family member)*
• Toothpaste*
• Deodorant*
• Washcloths*

(*)Essential items that cannot be purchased with food stamps.