Thanks to the generosity of the Branford community, Branford Counseling & Community Services (BCCS) has been able to fulfill the Christmas wishes of needy Branford children each year. This year, we are making our top priority the health and safety of our Secret Santa Program recipients, donors, and volunteers. We have been closely monitoring the situation with COVID-19 and, after much consideration, have made the decision to change the format of this year's Secret Santa Program. In order to limit overall exposure, we will be giving out only Walmart gift cards to families this year. They can then choose to shop for their own gifts in whatever method they are most comfortable.

Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the COVID-19 virus, we felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation. We are disappointed that our participants will miss out on the familiar practice of holiday giving, but we know it's the right decision based on the information we have today.

For those interested in donating to the program, we ask that you kindly donate only Walmart gift cards ($25 dollar increments preferred). Unfortunately, due to the formatting of this year's program, we will not be able to match up donors with particular recipient requests. In addition, we are not able to accept any donations of actual gifts or supplies such as wrapping paper. We are asking for Walmart gift card donations by no later than November 20, 2020.

Since BCCS remains closed to the public, please mail your donation to: Branford Counseling & Community Services, 342 Harbor Street, Branford, CT 06405 ATTN: Secret Santa or drop it in the locked mailbox located outside our rear entrance. Donor Forms can also be found at https://www.branford-ct.gov/sites/default/files/field/files-docs/secret_santa_donor_form.pdf

Again, we understand what a drastic change this is to what has become such an important part of the Branford community for more than 15 years and hope that we can all come together in a new way to continue to make this program a huge success.

For any questions, please call our Secret Santa Hotline at (203) 401-1264.