Give the Gift of Joy: Join the Olive Crest Teen Girl Gift Drive This Christmas

Many of you know how deeply I care about the mission of  Olive Crest Foster & Adoption Agency . I began working with Olive Crest over 25 years ago, when they first opened their doors here in the Pacific Northwest. Ever since, I’ve remained committed to supporting their incredible work with vulnerable kids and families.

Every holiday season, Olive Crest does something truly meaningful: they make sure that every child in their program receives four brand-new Christmas gifts, two from their personal wish list and two age-appropriate items chosen just for them.

This Year’s Focus: Teen Girls (Ages 15–18) 

This holiday season, we’re being more intentional with our giving. Instead of shopping for all ages, we’re focusing on teen girls in foster care, one of the most overlooked age groups during holiday drives.

Many of these young women have never received a brand-new, just-for-them gift. No hand-me-downs. No thrifted leftovers. Just something new, trendy, and thoughtfully chosen, something that says “you matter.”

If that moves you the way it moves me, here’s how you can help.

1. Create a Gift Bag ($50–$100 Value)

Think of what a teenage girl would love to unwrap this Christmas. Each bag can include 3–5 items that feel personal, current, and special. Some ideas:

 Beauty & Self-Care:

• Makeup sets or brushes

• Skincare products (face masks, moisturizers, serums)

• Perfume or body mist sets

• Nail polish kits or manicure sets

Cozy & Cute:

• Plush robes or fuzzy slippers

• Weighted or throw blankets

• Trendy pajamas

• Cute socks or cozy loungewear

Everyday Essentials:

• Journals or sketchbooks

• Reusable water bottles (Stanley-style or Hydro Flask dupes)

• Fun stationery or pens

• Hair tools, scrunchies, or accessories

Pro Tip: Choose items that you’d genuinely love to give (or receive!). Everything should be brand new, with packaging intact. These girls deserve the very best.

2. Donate Items in Bulk

If you love to shop deals, this one’s for you! If you come across an amazing find, like a pack of 10 mini lotions, a set of lip glosses, or bulk cozy socks — grab them!

I’ll assemble and supplement them into complete gift bags so every donation goes directly toward creating something beautiful and personal.

3. Send a Gift Card

Gift cards are a fantastic way to make an impact, especially when holiday sales hit.

Best gift card options:

• Ulta Beauty

• Sephora

• Target

• Amazon
  
  

Any amount helps, even $10 or $20 cards can go toward completing gift bags or adding those perfect finishing touches that make each present special. If you’d like, I can also send you direct shopping links to items I’m tracking for holiday deals. Just reply and ask!

How to Donate

• Deadline: All gifts should be dropped off or shipped by November 30.

• Packaging: Please leave gifts unwrapped or in an open gift bag so we can see what’s inside and balance the items evenly.

Why It Matters

Teen girls in foster care often carry more than we can imagine — instability, loss, and uncertainty. A thoughtful, high-quality gift can remind them that they’re seen, valued, and worthy of something beautiful.

Every lip gloss, fuzzy sock, or perfume bottle you give carries a message:

You are loved. You are special. You deserve good things.

Let’s Make It Happen

Together, we can bring a little extra light into the lives of young women who need it most this season. If you’d like to sponsor a gift bag, donate items, or send a gift card, please reach out or leave a comment, I’ll coordinate details directly with you. Let’s make this holiday unforgettable for these incredible girls.

Join the Olive Crest Teen Girl Gift Drive today and help us share joy, confidence, and love this Christmas.

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