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PRISM'S HOLIDAY & BIRTHDAY SHOPS
When families struggle to meet basic needs like shelter, food and clothing, things like birthday or holiday celebrations often fall by the wayside. PRISM believes everyone deserves to be able to enjoy family occasions without causing further financial hardship. That's where our Holiday and Birthday programs come in.
Eligibility Requirements
- The child must be under the age of 18 by his/her upcoming birthday.
- The birthday being celebrated must occur within 30 days of the appointment.
- Families wishing to use PRISM's Birthday Room must live in Golden Valley; South of 42nd Avenue in Crystal, New Hope, or Robbinsdale; East of 494 in Plymouth (view map)
Exceptions--PRISM will serve families referred by local churches, currently homeless or PRISM clients in other programs that may serve other geographical areas - then, if appropriate, refer to other providers
Birthday Room Appointments
The Birthday Room is for parents to choose presents and party supplies/favors for their child's birthday party. In special cases, the toys in the birthday room are available for other purposes by caseworker referral only. Clients requesting use of the birthday room for reasons other than a child's birthday need to speak with a caseworker before making an appointment.
What to Bring
- Photo ID
- Proof of Address
- Proof of the Child's birth date
What to Expect
Upon arrival at PRISM, the parent shopping will sign in at the front desk and be invited to be seated in the Fireside Resting Room. A volunteer will take the parent back to the Birthday room to select his/her items. Parents may choose three gifts for their child, one from each pricing category ("small," "medium," and "large") along with party decorations and favors.
Appointments last approximately 1/2 hour.
The PRISM Holiday Shoppe
Parents may come and choose Holiday presents for each of their children approximately two weeks before the Holidays. They are also given Holiday wrap and other supplies as they are available. PRISM receives its toys from our Church Partners, local business and individuals, and the Toys for Tots organization.
Signing-up
To sign up, you must be seen by a PRISM Caseworker. To make an appointment, call (763) 529-1350.
- Families must come to PRISM and sign up for a time slot in person. Sign-up begins September 1 or the first business day in September.
- Families must have proof of address and ID cards for each of their children
- They are issued a map to the distribution site and a specific appointment time
Distribution of Toys
- Families come to the distribution site at their appointment time and sign in with a PRISM staff person
- A "Santa's Helper" will then take the family through the room assisting them with choosing their gifts, clothing, and other items. (Number and types of gifts will vary from year to year depending on donations)
K-Mart Christmas Shopping for Kids
The New Hope Women of Today sponsor this event in which about 50 children of PRISM clients may be accompanied to K-Mart by a volunteer to shop for presents for his/her family members. K-Mart opens early for these children and, afterward, an area church provides materials for the children to wrap their toys, along with breakfast and a visit from Santa.
- Families must come to PRISM and meet with a case worker
- They must have proof of address and ID cards for each of their children
- They will then be given a date and time slot to come and shop
- They will also receive a release form that must be signed at the time of registration
- Reminder calls will be issued by the PRISM
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