Friends of Karen’s Gift Programs lighten the daily burdens on families navigating a pediatric health crisis, ensuring that simple joys and milestones are never lost to illness. By taking care of extra holiday and seasonal tasks, we allow parents to focus entirely on their child’s health:

• Back-To-School: Backpacks filled with essential supplies so every child in the home is prepared to learn.
• Birthday Celebrations: Personalized gifts and party supplies for the ill child and their siblings.
• Feed-a-Family: Supermarket and essential gift cards bring nourishing meals and relieve financial strain.
• Holiday Adopt-a-Family: Holiday gifts and grocery gift cards fulfill child wish lists and ensure Friends of Karen families can enjoy the holiday season despite the challenges of caring for an ill child.

In-Kind Donation Guidelines

To protect the health, safety, and dignity of the critically ill children and families we serve, Friends of Karen maintains specific guidelines for non-monetary (in-kind) gifts. Key guidelines at a glance:

• New Items Only: Because many of our children have severely compromised immune systems, we can only accept new, unused items in their original packaging with tags attached. We cannot accept used clothing, toys, books, or medical equipment.
• Gift Cards: While we welcome gift cards in all amounts, we kindly ask for denominations of $25, $50, or $100+. When a family of four is purchasing $200 worth of groceries, managing twenty separate $10 gift cards at checkout can be overwhelming during an already stressful time. Higher-denomination gift cards allow parents to shop easily, efficiently, and with dignity. Thank you for helping us make this process as smooth as possible for our families!
• Wish List Alignment: To meet the immediate needs of our families, we only accept items on our official wish list. Please check our Wish List before coordinating a donation.
• Safety & Quality: All items must meet current safety standards and cannot be expired, recalled, or damaged.
• Drop-Off Logistics: Due to limited storage, please coordinate large drop-offs with our team in advance (Mon-Fri, 10:00am – 4:00pm):
  • North Salem Office: Virgil Dantes | virgildantes@friendsofkaren.org | (914) 617-4054
  • Long Island Office: Lexi Latino | lexilatino@friendsofkaren.org | (631) 473-1768 ext. 903
• Tax Receipts: Friends of Karen provides a written tax acknowledgment for accepted in-kind gifts. Per IRS regulations, donors are responsible for establishing the fair market value of donated items.