It’s time to open our hearts and give to those in need!

Gravitate is going all out this holiday and we need your help. Our member Derek Brooks and his wife Kari have connected us with three local families through the elementary school where Kari works on the southside of Des Moines. We would like to make these 11 individuals’ holidays extra special by providing them with a little extra magic.

Our goal is to provide at least one gift for each individual (or raise around $1,000 to purchase gifts) as well as provide a few gift cards for each family. Abby and Olivia will be coordinating donation collection, shopping, wrapping, and delivery!

The A Family

Aidan is a 5th-grade student and has about the best smile you've ever seen!
He is really interested in sports (especially football and basketball) and recently was able to join a basketball team.

AIDAN [BOY, AGE 11]

Needs: snowpants, basketball socks
Wants: board games, gift cards
Interests: football, Pokemon, basketball, food! (Subway, Culvers, B-Bops)
Size: 12 in boys
*One thought was that Aidan might want a subscription to a gaming magazine or Fornite bucks.

THE S/W FAMILY

The S/W family has been involved in the Howe community for many years.
Every morning the older siblings walk the younger siblings to school, and ALWAYS have to stop inside to visit with their former teachers. The kids are so thoughtful and have huge personalities!

DAMIEN, BOY, AGE 5

Needs: pants, shirts, pajamas, hats/gloves, backpack
Interests: bubbles, sensory toys, Mickey Mouse, any "put in" toys, soft blankets, playdough
Size: 8 in boys

ARYA, GIRL, AGE 6

Needs: pants, pajamas
Interests: make up, jewelry, Barbies
Size: 8 in girls

JEREMIAH, BOY, AGE 10

Needs: pants, shirts
Interests: Pokemon cards, anything Pokemon, Super Mario
Size: 10/12 in boys

MA'JAIAH, GIRL, AGE 11

Needs: clothing
Interests: makeup, body spray, lotion
Size: small in juniors

DESMON, BOY, AGE 15

Needs: clothing
Interests: sports - football, basketball, baseball
Size: medium in mens

NATEIGA, MOM

The F Family

Both Jaida and Jasper love, love, love school. Jasper goes to middle school this year (which has a later start time than elementary) and he stops in every morning to greet people, help younger students, and introduce himself to people he doesn't know. Jaida follows in such a big way - she is so outgoing, thoughtful, and always wants to help others.

JAIDA, GIRL, AGE 8

Needs: warm clothes - winter clothes, socks
Wants: bathrobe, DVD player
Interests: barbies, "surprise balls" (not LOL), books (easy-to-read chapter books), arts and crafts supplies
Size: 8/10 in girls

JASPER, BOY, AGE 11

Needs: socks, underwear, coat, warm clothes, shoes
Wants: medium-sized blanket (to snuggle on the couch with), room decor, wireless headphones
Interests: pokemon cards, Pokemon, Anime, hoodie sweatshirt
Size: 14/16 in boys, size 7 mens shoe

FELIX, BOY, AGE 4 MONTHS

Needs: outfits, teething toys
Size: 6 months

BRITTANY, MOM

Needs: slippers, size medium (6/7 shoe)

THE LISTS ABOVE WILL BE UPDATED AS WE RECEIVE GIFTS.
READ BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.

How can I help?

Help us surprise these families by buying a few gifts, donating money, or gift cards!

LOVE TO SHOP?

Pick up items during your holiday shopping and drop them off at any Gravitate location! Be sure to let your community manager know *who* you purchased gifts for so we can keep the wish list updated. Look above here for a detailed list of each family!

HATE TO SHOP?

You can send funds to Abby Rowling via Venmo, Paypal, or Cash App with the message "Gravitate Donation Family" and we’ll take care of the rest.

You can also drop off funds to your community manager Gravitate location. Please send monetary donations by Friday, December 16th!

CAN I DONATE PREVIOUSLY OWNED ITEMS?

We do ask that all the gifts donated are *new*, EXCEPT books. Feel free to bring your previously owned (in fair condition) books for all ages!

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE?

Friday, December 16th — this ensures that we have enough time to shop and sort the items before our rap party!

CAN I HELP WRAP GIFTS?

Yes, please! We will be hosting a Gangsta’ Wrap Party where we will sort and wrap the gifts for each family on Thursday, December 22nd (Date/Time TBD). (DJ D Broox will be providing the rap playlist for this event.)