Holiday Hands
Bringing Holiday Joy to Hunterdon County Families
Holiday Hands brings together local donors, volunteers, businesses, and community organizations to help Hunterdon County families experiencing financial hardship celebrate the holiday season.
Through the Holiday Hands Gift Shop, approved families can select new gifts for children ages 0–17 and one household item for each eligible adult. Families choose items that best meet their needs, helping create a more personal and dignified holiday experience.
There are many ways to get involved—as a family seeking assistance, a donor, a drive organizer, a sponsor, or a volunteer.
Information for Families
Holiday Hands Family Applications
Holiday Hands is available to eligible Hunterdon County residents experiencing financial hardship.
What Families May Receive
Approved participants will be invited to shop at the Holiday Hands Gift Shop.
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Children ages 0–17 may receive holiday gifts.
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Each family may select one available household item.
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Gifts and household items are available while supplies last.
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Gift cards will not be distributed through the program.
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All gifts must be selected and picked up in person.
Who Needs to Apply?
A parent or legal guardian may include children ages 0–17 on their application.
Every adult age 18 or older who is no longer attending high school must complete a separate application. This includes adult children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other adults living in the household.
Required Documents
Please have the following documents ready before beginning the application:
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Photo identification for each head of household
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Proof of Hunterdon County residency
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Birth certificate or passport for every child under age 18
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Custody or guardianship documents, if applicable
Applications cannot be approved until all required information and documents have been received.
Important Program Requirements
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Applicants must live in Hunterdon County.
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Families and individuals may participate in only one holiday assistance program.
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Duplicate applications with other holiday programs will not be accepted.
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United Way may verify participation with other local holiday assistance programs.
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Gifts must be picked up in person during a scheduled appointment.
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Photo identification will be required at pickup.
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Holiday Hands does not offer delivery.
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Holiday Hands will not distribute gift cards or bicycles.
How to Apply
The 2026 Holiday Hands application will be available online from October 1 through October 31, 2026.
Applications received after October 31 will be placed on a waitlist. Placement on the waitlist does not guarantee assistance. Families will be contacted if space and donations become available.
Need Help Completing the Online Application?
If you are having difficulty completing the online application, in-person application assistance will be available by appointment.
You must bring all required documents to your appointment. Without the necessary documents, we may not be able to complete your application.
Call our volunteer center 908-237-1689 to schedule an appointment!
What Happens After You Apply?
Submitting an application does not automatically mean that you have been approved.
United Way staff will:
1. Review your application and uploaded documents.
2. Contact you if information or documents are missing.
3. Send an approval email if your household is eligible.
4. Call you to schedule a 20-minute Holiday Hands Gift Shop appointment.
Please provide a working telephone number and email address, and check your voicemail and email regularly.
Holiday Hands Gift Shop
Approved families will receive a scheduled 20-minute appointment to visit the Holiday Hands Gift Shop in December.
Only one person per household should attend the appointment. A photo ID is required at check-in.
Gift selection is based on available inventory. Specific gifts, brands, sizes, or items cannot be guaranteed.
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Help Make the Holidays Brighter
Donate to Holiday Hands
Your generosity helps local children and families experience the joy and comfort of the holiday season.
Community members can support Holiday Hands by:
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Donating new, unwrapped gifts for children ages 0–17
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Donating new household items for adults and families
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Purchasing needed items from our online wish lists
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Making a monetary donation
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Organizing a gift or household-item drive
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Sponsoring the Holiday Hands program
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All donated items must be new and unwrapped.
Host a Holiday Hands Drive
Businesses, schools, faith communities, civic groups, neighborhoods, clubs, and families are invited to organize a Holiday Hands drive.
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United Way can help your group get started by providing:
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A list of currently needed items
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Holiday Hands promotional materials
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A customized collection plan
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Information about donation delivery
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Guidance for engaging employees, members, customers, or neighbors
​Drives may collect children’s gifts, teen gifts, or household essentials. Completing the Holiday Hands Donor and Drive Form helps our team coordinate your drive and share the program’s most current needs.
Suggested Donation Categories
Gifts for Children and Teens
Donations are needed for children and teens of all ages, including:
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Infant and toddler toys
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Dolls, action figures, and pretend-play items
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Arts and crafts supplies
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Building sets and educational toys
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Sports equipment
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Beauty, self-care, and hair-care items for teens
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Headphones, speakers, and age-appropriate electronics
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Teen accessories and popular gifts
Household Items for Adults
Useful household donations may include:
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Sheet sets
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Comforters and blankets
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Bath towel sets
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Pots and pans
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Dish and cookware sets
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Small kitchen appliances
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Laundry and household cleaning supplies
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Personal-care and hygiene products
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Please do not donate used items and/or wrapped gifts.
Donation Drop-Off
Donation drop-off will be available at designated times and locations.
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Please complete the Donor and Drive Form before delivering a large donation or organized drive so our team can coordinate your drop-off.
Donation deadline
Tuesday December 8th , 2026
Drop-off location
United Way Volunteer Center 20 Fulper Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Drop-off hours
8:30am-2:30pm (Please call in advance when you will be stopping by to ensure there is someone to greet you.)
Sponsor Holiday Hands
Holiday Hands sponsorships help United Way purchase high-need gifts and household items, operate the Holiday Hands Gift Shop, coordinate volunteers, and ensure families receive timely and equitable assistance.
Sponsorship is a meaningful way for local businesses, organizations, and community partners to demonstrate their commitment to Hunterdon County families.
Sponsor benefits may include:
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Recognition on United Way’s website
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Recognition through social media and email communications
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Inclusion on Holiday Hands event signage
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Employee volunteer opportunities
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Opportunities to organize a company-wide giving campaign or drive
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Recognition in post-program impact communications
​Customized sponsorship and employee-engagement opportunities are available.
BECOME A HOLIDAY HANDS SPONSOR
Contact Helen French:
Volunteer with Holiday Hands
Volunteers make the Holiday Hands Gift Shop possible. Individuals, families, community groups, and corporate teams are invited to help prepare and operate the program.
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Volunteer opportunities may include:
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Receiving and organizing donations
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Sorting gifts by age or category
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Stocking and preparing the Gift Shop
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Setting up displays and shopping areas
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Greeting and checking in families
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Guiding families through the Gift Shop
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Providing Spanish interpretation
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Restocking and resetting shopping areas
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Assisting with inventory and logistics
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Helping with cleanup and program closeout
Volunteer shifts will be available throughout October and December.
Volunteers must register through United Way’s volunteer management system and complete all required waivers. Volunteers age 13 and older should register using their own email address. Additional parental permission may be required for younger volunteers.
Groups and corporate teams are welcome. Please contact us in advance so we can identify an appropriate project or shift for your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact
Holiday Hands
Questions about family applications, donations, sponsorships, or volunteering?
United Way of Hunterdon County
Holiday Hands Program
Phone: (908) 540-0739
Email: holiday@uwhunterdon.org
Together, we can make the holiday season brighter for children, adults, and families throughout Hunterdon County.