Empowering Connections: Partnering with Gifts for Seniors to Bring Joy and Compassion
We understand the challenges our nonprofit partners face with increased demand for services, limited staff capacity, and decreasing resources—all of which make the need for volunteers even more essential. This is why we are committed to helping increase nonprofits’ capacity by working as an extension of their team, enhancing their ability to provide meaningful volunteer experiences to effectively deliver on their mission.
At HandsOn Twin Cities, we are proud to support organizations like Gifts for Seniors, who are dedicated to helping older adults who are lonely and isolated. Gifts for Seniors provides donated community resources and social visits to support their well-being. The organization started in 1994 with a holiday gift drive for seniors who didn't have family or friends visiting them. Today, Gifts for Seniors serves over 7,000 older adults throughout the year with various programs.
Our partnership with Gifts for Seniors amplifies their outreach efforts. We bring together a well-established network of relationships to accomplish big things. Whether the needs are community resources, philanthropic donations, or volunteer power to tackle important initiatives, we do our best to support Gifts for Seniors and our nonprofit members as they deliver on their mission.
Carolyn Deters, Executive Director at Gifts for Seniors and a longstanding member recently shared some of her experiences and how our programs have made an impact on their organization.
“There are many fantastic benefits to being a HandsOn Twin Cities nonprofit member. Gifts for Seniors is grateful for the introductions to HOTC corporate members for various projects for isolated older adults; thankful for the opportunity to list volunteer opportunities on the HOTC cause platform…”
One of the key benefits is volunteer recruitment and engagement. By listing volunteer opportunities on the HOTC volunteer opportunity database, Galaxy Digital, Gifts for Seniors has been able to tap into a dedicated pool of volunteers eager to make a difference. They’ve also been able to involve corporate volunteers, who have brought fresh perspectives to the organization's work through our Corporate Projects program. Nonprofit members can partner with our Corporate Projects team to utilize corporate volunteers on high-impact projects. As Gifts for Seniors said, it takes a village to care for our community's older adult friends. Corporate support is important during their holiday drive, and corporate volunteers have helped make gift packs, snack packs, fleece blankets, and senior care packs. “Corporate partners play a crucial role in its success, and we simply couldn't serve as many as we do without their service hours and advocacy. It is a real community collaboration!”
We’ve also been able to provide capacity-building support to Gifts for Seniors. Our Pro Bono Advisory Program has been a game changer for nonprofits and small businesses across the country, and Gifts for Seniors has been able to participate in several Connected for Change Days, mostly recently in this year’s HR Day. In their 30th year of service, as they continue to build momentum for growth, they seek out support from pro bono consultants to improve and streamline board recruitment and effectiveness to further their mission.
“Our heartfelt appreciation for HOTC staff and all they do for our community...They are invested in our mission and true friends to our agency.”
The partnership between Gifts for Seniors and HandsOn Twin Cities exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving positive change. Through volunteer recruitment, capacity building, and resource sharing, HOTC empowers nonprofits like Gifts for Seniors to make a lasting impact on the communities they serve. They are driving change, one act of service at a time, and leaving a legacy of compassion and connection.
Gifts for Seniors collects and distributes gifts to isolated older adults all year round, from spring bird feeders to Valentine's Day cards and treats to their annual holiday gift drive. In 2024, they’re expanding their Cards for Seniors and Tech for Seniors programs to reach even more older adults along with their Food for Seniors program. Learn how you can get involved with Gifts for Seniors! Follow them on social media to stay updated with opportunities.
“The greatest value in working with HOTC is their creativity and innovation. Nonprofit work is hard. Burnout is real. But HOTC’s leadership and dedicated staff are constantly pivoting and working with others to solve difficult challenges and address the pressing needs of our community. The Twin Cities have been through a lot the past four years and HOTC’s steadfast commitment to serve the nonprofit sector has not wavered. Their impact is indelible.”
HandsOn Twin Cities is continually working to understand evolving needs, elevate our nonprofit partners, and engage the community in action. Over the last year, our team has:
Assisted over 800 local nonprofits through website referrals and the membership program
Provided 200,000 customized kits to nonprofits, from snack packs to job readiness kits, to provide the specific types of kits most helpful to meet client needs
Facilitated over 36,600 hours of pro bono support to 134 BIPOC-led small businesses and nonprofits
Created, in partnership with partners, and executed projects engaging over 14,700 corporate volunteers
Assisted over 21,000 active website users to find opportunities to get involved and help with local needs
Learn more or join as a nonprofit member of HandsOn Twin Cities. Connect with Katie Walsh, Program Director, for more information about how we can support your organization or answer any questions about nonprofit membership.