Gift-in-Kind: non-cash giving

In-kind giving, or the giving of non-cash gifts such as clothing, school supplies, toys or books, is one of the cornerstones of our donors' generosity that keeps our programs fully operational. Some of our more notable in-kind giving programs are outlined below:

Needs List

Our material donations list is always filled with items needed for our residential cottage (children's dormitories) and dietary programs. Our most recent needs list includes: suitcases, toilet Paper, Kleenex regular size boxes,small bottles liquid hand soap, Glade air Fresheners(any), ziplock bags (gallon), kids body wash, Shampoo (danruff), batteries (AA,AAA,9V,C,D), hair bands, ties, and barrettes. Download a copy of our complete 2012 Needs list.

Dress-A-Child

Many children come to Tennyson Center for Children wearing clothes that are torn, tattered and one or two sizes too small.  To ensure that every child has clothes that fit, three clothing drives are held each year.  During each Dress A Child, for those donors who prefer to purchase clothing for our children rather than make a cash contribution to help fund this program, we'll send you a complete list of items and sizes for as many children as you'd like to clothe. Average cost per child is $165 for a complete outfit including shoes. For information on the Dress-A-Child program or to participate, call Nancy at 720-855-3317 or email her by clicking here.

Operation Santa

Every Christmas, we fulfill wish lists for not only the children we serve in our Residential and Day Treatment programs, but for our classrooms, cottages and programs as well.   Wish lists are assigned in early October and all of the items on the wish lists are purchased by local church and civic groups, individual donors, and corporate supporters. Additionally, we ask donors to help us acquire grocery store gift certificates or gift cards for the families of the children we serve.  To find out more about Operation Santa or to participate, call Tricia at 720-855-3358 or send an email by clicking here.

Gift Cards and Event Passes

Field trips and class/cottage outings are a favorite among the kids at Tennyson Center. Throughout the year, we ask donors to help us acquire gift cards and event passes for area children's attractions such as Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Children's Museum, The Denver Zoo and Six Flags Elitch Gardens as well as restaurants such as Casa Bonita, McDonald's, Burger King or Wendy's.  To participate in this program, call Jennifer at 720-855-3312.

Stuff-the-Bus

As each school year concludes, plans get underway to help stock our shelves with school supplies for the upcoming academic year, just two and a half months away. The cost of supplying our students and classrooms with the items they need to start off the new school year is well over $7,000. The generosity of local businesses, churches, groups and organizations assures that our kids will have backpacks, notebooks, pens and pencils, crayons, learning software programs and all the other school supplies necessary for a successful academic year. For more information about our In-Kind Giving programs, call Nancy Slyter at 720-855-3317 or email her by clicking here.