Eligibility
As in previous years, Washington County, Wisconsin residence, or children's enrollment in Washington County schools is required. Families will need to provide proof of financial need. Previous participation in the program does not qualify you for eligibility. Moving forward, the Forward Health card no longer fulfills the eligibility requirement. Acceptable forms of verification include enrollment in FoodShare, SSDI, WIC, Section 8 voucher, or TANF. Minor children must live in the household for families to be eligible to participate. You may also be referred by school staff, a case manager, or other service providers (i.e. St Vincent de Paul, YHDP Homeless Youth Systems Navigation, etc.), which may also allow us to waive the minor children requirment.
Sign Up
Forms will be available online and must be completed in full, with documents attached, to participate. Forms online can be filled out using public wifi (i.e. library, and other locations offering free wifi). If you are unable to fill out the forms online, you can arrange to pick up paper forms or receive assistance filling out forms.
Program Standards and Agreements
- The Gingerbread House Program is about the joy of creating holiday memories through the giving and receiving of gifts.
- The proram is run by The Youth and Family Project, which is a non-profit agency serving Washington County. This program is primarily made possible through the efforts of dedicated volunteers.
- Sponsors and donors are community members who wish to help families in need have a joyful holiday. Sponsors are encouraged to spend approximately $50 per person on gifts.
- There is no guarantee that you will receive gift cards and/or the specific items on your wishlist.
- Due to the increase in participation, your gifts may not be wrapped. You may need to supply your own gift wrap
- Due to the scale of the program, mistakes do occur from time to time. If you are concerned that an error occurred with your gifts, please reach out to us as soon as possible, with both patience and respect.
- All staff and volunteers must be treated with respect. This includes all communication (e-mail, phone calls, and face-to-face interactions). Racist, sexist, and abusive language will not be tolerated. Inappropriate behavior may result in removal from the program.
We must be able to contact you, so contact information needs to be accurate. Please check your e-mail regularly, set up your voicemail, and check that you can receive messages. If you have questions, please check our Facebook page or website first. If you still have questions, e-mail the participant coordinator at the address below.