2021 Holiday FAQ
MistleToy Madness Info
Dates and Times
Dec. 6-11, 2021 (Dec. 11 in Arlington ONLY)
Arlington: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fort Worth: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Addresses
Arlington Location
Junior League Headquarters
4002 W. Pioneer Pkwy
Arlington, TX 76013
Fort Worth Location
SafeHaven’s Fort Worth Resource Center
1424 Hemphill St.
Fort Worth, TX 76104
Should I wrap my gifts?
Please do not wrap your gifts. All gifts are sorted once they arrive to our donation center, and any wrapped gifts will be unwrapped by staff prior to sorting.
Is there anywhere else I can drop off gifts?
No. We are short on staff drivers and have no way to transport donations from other SafeHaven locations to where our families will shop.
What if I can’t make it on these dates?
While we ask that you please respect the dates and times of the drive, please wait for a reply from Lindsay Edwards (ledwards@safehaventc.org) if you cannot drop off during these times. Please note a response during this time of year may take 3-5 business days.
Do you take used items?
We ask that all MistleToy Madness donations are new! You can donate any gently used items to our Berry Good Buys resale store at 1701 W. Berry Street in Fort Worth.
Do you take gift wrapping supplies?
Absolutely! Our elves will help moms wrap their gifts in the coming weeks and can use any gift-wrapping supplies you can provide. This includes wrapping paper, giftbags, tape, scissors, bows, ribbon, etc.
Adopt A Family Info
Dates and Times
Dec. 6-8, 2021
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Address
Junior League Headquarters
4002 W. Pioneer Pkwy
Arlington, TX 76013
Can I drop off at another location?
No. We are short on staff drivers and have no way to transport donations from other locations to where our families will pick up their gifts.
Who do I contact if my Adopt-A-Family will be late?
While we ask that you please respect the dates and times of the drive, please email Micah Thompson (mithompson@safehaventc.org) if you cannot drop off during these times.
Should I wrap my gifts?
Please do not wrap your gifts. Our moms love getting to wrap their own children’s gifts, and we want to ensure they get to partake in this special part of the holiday season. Feel free to include wrapping paper, giftbags, tape, etc. with your donation.
Do I have to get everything on the list?
No! This list is used as a guide to get to know the family and each individual’s likes. We do ask however that you respect the wishes and likes of each individual person.
Should I include wrapping paper/supplies?
Please do! All wrapping supplies would be greatly appreciated by our families.
Do all items need to be new?
Yes, all items donated for Adopt-A-Family should be new. You can donate any gently used items to our Berry Good Buys resale store at 1701 W. Berry Street in Fort Worth.
Cooking & Serving Shelter Meals
How many people should I provide for?
During the month of November, we average 70-80 clients per shelter. In December, we normally get closer to 90 clients per shelter. That includes women and children, and we are usually split about half women and half children. A member of our team will follow up the week of your scheduled meal with a more exact number.
What am I signing up to do?
You are signing up to bring a meal you have either cooked or purchased and then serve it to the families in our shelters. We ask that food is at least 75% prepared when you bring it in so that you only need to assemble or warm once you arrive. When meal time starts, you will serve our clients through a line, cafeteria style.
Do you have have serving utensils, plates, ice, etc.?
Yes! We have drinks, cups, utensils, plates, napkins, condiments, etc. We also have pans that go in our warming stations to keep your meal warm.
How many people do I need in my group to serve?
Two to three should cover it, but you are welcome to bring more!
Can my kids come?
Yes, but each child’s parent or guardian should also be present. Please remember this is a commercial kitchen, so you will need to keep a close eye on them.
When should I arrive?
We ask that you arrive about an hour before the meal time starts to ensure plenty of time to warm food. Lunch is served at noon, so the suggested arrival time is at 11 a.m. Dinner is served at 5 p.m., so the suggested arrival time is 4 p.m.
What are the requirements or forms needed?
We require a completed Volunteer Application for anyone who visits our shelter. This includes any children you bring with you. Forms are due 72 hours prior to visiting shelter to ledwards@safehaventc.org. Once your forms have been submitted and you have been made aware that you are cleared, Lindsay Edwards will email you the shelter address.
Can I cook my meal at the shelter?
We ask that you bring the food precooked, or at least 75% prepared. For example, you can use our kitchen to warm up items or assemble items (such as a salad), but we cannot allow you to cook from scratch on location.
Can I cater?
Absolutely! However, please be aware that even if you cater in we are still asking you to serve the meal to our clients. If you cannot serve, please let us know so we can make appropriate arrangements.
Do I have to serve?
We strongly encourage it, but if you cannot serve and would still like to provide a meal, let us know so we can try to make arrangements.
What about cleaning up?
We have a commercial dishwasher and sanitizing station - all we ask is that you leave any items of ours in a specified and marked location. We will handle the rest!
What do I do with leftovers?
You are welcome to either leave them in our walk-in refrigerators at shelter or take them with you.
Can we take a tour of the shelter?
At this time we are unfortunately unable to offer tours.
What Covid-19 precautions are you taking?
We are requiring all volunteers, clients and staff to wear a mask at all times - absolutely no exceptions. If you are feeling ill the day you are supposed to serve or have been exposed to Covid-19, please do not come to shelter. Call (985) 705-4844 as soon as you decide you are unable to serve.