Tips for Sponsors

We hope you find the following information helpful in answering your questions, and offer some direction as you begin to build a relationship with your families. Please also keep in mind, if your introduction interaction with your families doesn't seem to "fit" feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience so that we can release the applicant and find a family that's just right for you.

We suggest providing a suitable uncooked holiday meal, or a Gift Card and gifts starting with the children.

Delivering to your Family

Schedule a Date/Time to Deliver your items to the family. We suggest making deliveries on or before December 22.

Donating to the Christmas Bureau

We Welcome Donations of Cash + Check + Credit Card + Gift Cards

Check donations can be mailed to: P. O. Box 9015 Austin, TX 78766

Credit Card donations can be made on line at our our web site at www.cbofaustin.org or credit card information may be taken over the phone. Your monetary donations will be used to purchase Gift Cards from H.E.B. & Wal-Mart. Gift Cards will be given to families who are not sponsored, they are mailed out the week of Christmas.

Guidelines to Sponsoring a Family

Contacting the Family:

Once you have received confirmation of your family(s) it is up to you to contact them within 24 to 48 hours. Dial *67 then the family’s telephone number. When contacting your family(s) identify yourself as a VOLUNTEER not a SPONSOR. Give your first name ONLY - DO NOT give your Last Name. Request to speak with the Head of Household as it appears on their Application. Inquire what their "Holiday Needs" might be. (Some may ask for the kitchen sink; you are only obligated to provide them what is within YOUR planned financial means.)

Guidelines for giving:

Provide an uncooked Holiday Meal and a Gift for each Child (14 years and younger). Rather than providing an un-cooked meal, gift cards from local grocery stores may be given for convenience and freshness.

A gift for each child under the age of 14 ($15.00 + up) is recommended.

It is up to you and your budget if you wish to provide more items for your family.

Schedule a date and time that you will be delivering their holiday items and please also call them a day or two before this date/time to re-confirm!

It’s important to get directions to their home - ask for apartment numbers and gate codes!!!

Do not give them your telephone number - if they must get in touch with you, they must do so via the Christmas Bureau Office (453-3950) we will be the go between!

If you should decide that this is not the family you wish to sponsor, please contact the Christmas Bureau immediately to release this family as we have many sponsors looking for families and we will be happy to assign another family to you.