PBH collects gifts for kids, sets goal at 1,000

Phillips Brooks House (PBH) will launch its annual holiday gift drive on Friday (Dec. 3). Organizers hope to collect more than 1,000 gifts for children throughout Greater Boston, many of whom have impoverished, homeless, or incarcerated parents.

The event was initiated several years ago by a PBH staff member, and has since become an annual tradition. Last year’s drive generated more than 1,000 gifts, including books, games, toys, art supplies, and sports equipment. Donated by the Harvard community, these gifts were delivered to 10 agencies in Cambridge, Allston-Brighton, Dorchester, Roxbury, and Boston.

This year, the drive will benefit the Jackson Mann Community Center and the Gardner Extended Services School in Allston, the Allston-Brighton YMCA in Brighton, the Boston Public Schools Family Resource Center, ABCD of Boston, the Cambridge Multi-Service Center, the Cambridge Community Center, and the YWCA of Cambridge.

Faculty and staff are invited to donate new, unwrapped gifts for children in preschool through middle school. Collection boxes will be located at Phillips Brooks House, Memorial Church, and at other locations throughout the campus.

Individuals may arrange for collection points in their offices by contacting Judy Kokesh at jkokesh@fas.harvard.edu. Gifts may also be brought directly to PBH (located in the northwest corner of Harvard Yard). The gift drive ends Dec. 17.