Frequently Asked Questions
These questions apply to the 2023 Windsor Community Holiday Food & Toy Drive to be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
QUESTIONS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING
Q: What do volunteers do?
We have lots of opportunities to help sort and wrap toys, sort and package food, and help with distribution on the day of the event.
Sorting and wrapping toys happens the week before the event and specific dates and times will be announced mid-November. We asked that donated toys arrive unwrapped so that our special color-coding wrapping can happen, allowing children to select wrapped toys that will be most appropriate for them. The day of the event, wrapped toys are delivered to the school gym and divided by ages so that each child can pick two wrapped toys. Wrapping is really the heart of the toy giveaway program, allowing surprises when gifts are finally unwrapped during the holidays.
Food is also sorted and packed before the event and then delivered to the school. Each family receives a box of food as they leave the event.
On the day of the event, volunteers can help with setup and breakdown, greeting and checking in families, checking in volunteers, guiding families through the gift selection process (Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially helpful here), helping restock tables with wrapped toys, directing traffic and distributing food. Many opportunities will be available on the SignUp Genius form.
Q: How do I sign-up to be a volunteer?
The SignUp Genius online form with volunteer opportunities will be available mid-November. To get on our email list before that, email volunteer@windsorfoodandtoydrive.com.
Q: What if I forget that I volunteered?
SignUp Genius will send a confirmation when you sign up for a volunteer opportunity with important information, like location and time. We will also send a confirmation two days before your volunteer opportunity and the day of the event.
Q: What if I sign up and then cannot make it?
Life happens. If you are feeling sick, we especially ask that you do not come and volunteer – we will make sure we can cover your volunteer opportunity. If you cannot come for any reason, SignUp Genius allows you to cancel or change your sign up. You may also send a message to volunteer@windsorfoodandtoydrive.com.
Q: If I’m on a team, how long is my shift?
SignUp Genius will allow you to sign up for time slots of 1 – 2 hours depending on the volunteer job. You may sign up for multiple slots if you would like to volunteer for more hours.
Q: Where do I show up?
SignUp Genius will send you a confirmation email when you register for a slot that includes the place where that volunteer opportunity will take place. Look for a sign that says “volunteer check in” when you arrive.
Q: Why do volunteer time slots on SignUp Genius overlap?
Time slots are organized so that volunteers can get an orientation to the volunteer job before the previous volunteers leave and then can orient new volunteers before they leave. Please do your best to arrive on time so there is always someone in whatever volunteer opportunity you are helping with.
QUESTIONS ABOUT SIGNING UP TO GET A TOY FOR MY CHILD
Q: Is there any requirement about who can sign up or register a family for this event?
This event is designed to serve families in the greater Windsor Service Area. You qualify to participate in this Food & Toy Drive if:
- You have children who attend Windsor schools.
- or You live in the Town of Windsor
- or You work in the Town of Windsor
Q: Where do I sign up?
Start by completing the form on the Family Sign Up page. You will be asked to provide your name, the name and contact information for the person who will be picking up food and toys for your family, the names, ages, and genders of your children, and type of toy you want for each child. You will also be asked to select an Appointment Time Slot on Saturday, December 16.
Once you have completed the Registration Form, you will be sent a confirmation of your registration and your Appointment Time Slot by email. In addition, you will receive a Holiday Reminder about the event and your Appointment Time Slot a few days before the event.
Q: What happens on Event Day?
At your Appointment Time Slot, you’ll come with your family, have a picture taken with Santa, let your kids pick out stocking stuffers and presents, and collect a box of holiday food too.
Q: Why do I need a specific Appointment Time Slot?
In 2022, we provided food and toys for over 370 families. In order to keep the event flowing smoothly, we will need families to come during a specific 20 minute time slot that they choose as they register. Some time slots may be filled when you register and not available for additional families. We ask that you then choose a different time slot.
Q: What if I cannot come during my chosen Appointment Time Slot or am early/late?
We cannot guarantee anything for families who are early or late or miss their Appointment Time Slot, so we encourage you to make every effort to be at Cali Calmécac Language Academy at the right time. We will do everything possible, however, to make sure every family can get toys and food. If you are early or late for your Appointment Time Slot, you may have to wait until there is an opening for extra families during another time slot. We might ask you to wait in your car or in a nearby basketball court until something becomes available.
If you have additional questions, please email info@windsorfoodandtoydrive.com, or call our information line at: (707) 582-1592.