Click here to make the holidays happy for an
immigrant or refugee family!
Adopt a family during the gift-giving season and make the season bright for our newest American families!
They are immigrant and refugee families from all over the world, including Afghanistan, Burma, Congo, Guatemala, Iraq, Rwanda, Somalia, Syria, Tanzania, and Thailand. While they have joy and appreciation as they start life in America, many have very little in the way of creature comforts. Remember, not too long ago, they were in a refugee camp or fleeing their countries.
They are still figuring life out in America. To make it easier for them, we are asking you and other interested donors to sign up to sponsor a family (or families). It’s an excellent way to gather friends or co-workers and work as a team to make the holiday season more memorable for you and, certainly, for the family you are generous enough to help!
Once you have signed up, an IIB team member will reach out by phone or email with information about the family that you are matched with and their requests.
Click here to make the holidays happy for an
immigrant or refugee family!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to wrap the gifts? Actually, it would be easier for us if you didn’t.
Can I meet the family that I am buying for? Yes! We offer the opportunity for you to present your gifts to the family (or families) at IIB and, if the family is comfortable doing that, we will arrange a time to meet.
I don’t need to meet the family; can I just drop the gifts off? If you or the family decline that option, we offer two designated times for you to drop off unwrapped gifts. From there, we will deliver the gifts to the families.
Drop-off Dates and Times
Saturday, December 6th between 12:00PM – 2:00PM
Saturday, December 13th between 12:00PM – 2:00PM
If you are unable to drop off at either of these times, we can arrange another drop-off time that is convenient for you.
Where do I drop off the gifts? The International Institute of Buffalo, 864 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14209
Can I order the gifts online and have them delivered to IIB? Yes. However, you must include your name and address in the delivery so we can connect the donations with the correct family, and we have that information for reporting purposes.
Can I donate gifts anonymously? For reporting purposes, we must track the amounts of all donations. This will be done once the items arrive at IIB. To make the process easier and more efficient, we ask for receipts showing each item that is purchased for the drive and their dollar value.
All items must also be associated with the name of their sponsor, so donations cannot be made anonymously for this donation drive.
More questions? Email our Donations team at donations@iibuff.org
Many thanks for your support! All the best to you and yours for a safe and happy holiday season!
Click here to make the holidays happy for an
immigrant or refugee family!
Click here to make a cash donation to our annual fund