1. How does SHIM’s Angel Emporium 2.0 work? For two decades, SHIM has connected neighbors in need with holiday gifts at our annual Angel Emporium with the help of hard-­‐working volunteers, local congregations, school groups and our community. This year, we are asking for gift cards in $25 increments from Giant Eagle, Target, Wal-­‐Mart, Amazon, Visa or MasterCard to help more South Hills families experience holiday joy, including giving them the chance to select gifts to fulfill their children’s specific holiday wishes and shop in a way that’s most convenient for them. 2. Angel Emporium 2.0 used to be Angel Emporium; why the change? Over the past several years, the need for basics – from food to clothing to critical community services – has grown significantly. It became an increasing challenge to serve all families through Angel Emporium under the previous structure, and without a change to the program, we’d be unable to serve all of our families this year. We had to reimagine the program to meet increasing need, ensuring every family has the opportunity to provide a joyful holiday for their children. 3. Why gift cards? Gift cards to Giant Eagle, Target, Wal-­‐Mart, Amazon, Visa or MasterCard will allow families the opportunity to experience the joy of holiday shopping – and bargain hunting -­‐ while choosing the most meaningful gifts for their children. Families now have the opportunity to take advantage of both in-­‐store and online holiday sales, allowing them to stretch their budgets. Plus, they can put to use the planning and budgeting skills they’ve been learning at SHIM. Moreover, local congregations, schools and organizations can take advantage of their existing gift card programs. 4. How can I make a donation? You can purchase gifts cards in $25 increments to Giant Eagle, Target, Wal-­‐Mart, Amazon, Visa or MasterCard. The gift cards can be dropped off at any Brentwood Bank location or at SHIM Center in Bethel Park. You can also make a financial contribution to SHIM at shimcares.org/give/angel-­‐emporium, and we will purchase the gift cards on your behalf. 5. How will the gift cards be distributed? The gift cards will be distributed to all SHIM pantry families at holiday celebrations in late November. 6. What is your goal? Our goal is to collect $20,000 in cash/gift cards this year. Your cash donations will be converted to gift cards as needed. 7. How will children ‘shop’ for their parents this year? Families will have the opportunity to budget their gift cards according to their specific needs. Children may now have the opportunity to shop with a family member to personally choose an extra special gift for their parents. 8. I’ve been purchasing things throughout the year for Angel Emporium. Do you have any need for the gifts I’ve already purchased? We are able to accept seasonally-­‐appropriate clothing in good condition, blankets, linens and personal items for distribution through our Community Closet. However, as we are moving toward only distributing gift cards, we encourage you to share your gifts with any number of other worthy programs such as Toys for Tots, Children’s Hospital, etc. 9. Will gift cards like Giant Eagle, MasterCard and Visa actually be used to purchase gifts for children? Our families are deeply grateful to be able to personally shop for their children this year. As many face numerous struggles to make ends meet all year long, providing them with gift cards to ensure their children have a joyous holiday is a gift beyond measure. Our committee specifically chose gift cards that could be used by the most number of families. We selected retailers that are convenient to get to, offer good sale events, and give families the chance to shop online, especially if transportation is a barrier. We included options such as Giant Eagle so families can purchase specific retailer gift cards to ensure they can shop for gifts their children will love. 10. Will gift cards only be distributed to families with children? Yes. In order to ensure that every family has the chance to provide a special holiday for their children, the first year of Angel Emporium 2.0 focuses on serving families with children. 11. How does this change impact families receiving gifts? SHIM works with 700 families each year, helping them meet basic needs and achieve self-­‐
sufficiency. Empowering families to choose and shop for gifts for their children is a critical step in growth and independence. This year, with your generosity, these families will experience the joy of gift shopping — and bargain hunting — they may not have had previously.