How Does It Work?

Each year, individuals, businesses, and organizations in the Mount Washington Valley come together to bring joy to 450-600 underserved children in our community. Families can apply for assistance, and the program matches children with “Angels” (donors) who purchase gifts based on the children’s needs and wish lists. The program focuses on providing essentials such as warm clothing, winter gear, and educational items, along with toys and other gifts to brighten the holiday season.

How can I help?

There are four meaningful ways you can support Angels & Elves in its mission:

1. Become an Angel Sponsor

Sponsor a specific child or children by purchasing gifts from their personalized wish list. Here’s how it works:

  •  Obtain a Wish List: Visit Elf Headquarters (check back in late October 2025 for information about our new location and hours) or email us at angelsandelvesoffice@gmail.com to receive a child’s list of needs and wants.
  •  Shop for Gifts: Sponsors typically spend $200–$250 per child.
  •  Drop Off Gifts: Return the unwrapped gifts to Elf Headquarters, and our volunteer “Elves” will handle the wrapping and delivery.
  •  Tax Receipt: When you drop off your gifts, our Elves will gladly provide a receipt for tax purposes.

Note: Angels & Elves is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 42-1596314), so your donations are tax-deductible.

2. Make a Financial Contribution

Your monetary donations ensure that every child’s needs are met, covering essential items like coats, boots, and other necessities when sponsors are unable to provide them. Donations also help maintain equity among siblings. Although Elf Headquarters may be closed until fall 2025, fundraising and shopping continue year-round. Your donations help us purchase warm jackets, snow pants, waterproof boots, ski gloves, hats, and bedding. We stretch every dollar by taking advantage of end-of-season sales.

Almost every penny of your donation goes directly to our programs. We are entirely run by volunteers, and Settler’s Green generously donates a store front so we have only a few administrative costs such as phone, internet and newspapers ads. Your generosity ensures that we can continue providing essential resources to children in need.

You can donate in the following ways:

  • Venmo: Send your donation to @mwvkiwanis with a note specifying it is for Angels & Elves.
  • Mail: Send a check payable to Angels & Elves or Kiwanis Club of Mount Washington Valley to:
    P.O. Box 1993, North Conway, NH 03860.
  • Credit Card: Call (603) 356-5512 or visit Elf Headquarters to make a donation in person (our phone is only active from our opening in November to closing day in December each year).

3. Organize a Group Sponsorship

Team up with friends, co-workers, church groups, or hobby clubs to sponsor gifts for a family (or multiple families). Each person in your group can take responsibility for specific items on the children’s wish lists, making it a collaborative and rewarding effort.

The Eastern Slope Dental Crew!

4. Contribute to Elf Headquarters

You or your employer can help by donating needed supplies or funding to support Elf Headquarters. Contributions help cover the cost of items like telephones, newspaper ads, wrapping paper, and more expensive essentials like coats and boots.

To find out what is needed, call (603) 356-5512 or visit Elf Headquarters – check back in late October 2025 for information about our new location and hours!!

Questions?

If you have any questions or need more information about the different ways to participate, feel free to:

  • Call: (603) 356-5512 (our phone is only active from our opening in November to closing day in December each year).
  • Email: angelsandelvesoffice@gmail.com (emails are only monitored when A&E is open)

Thank you for helping us bring joy to children in the Mount Washington Valley!

Do I wrap the gifts?

Some families prefer to wrap the gifts themselves, and they indicate their preferences on their application. If they do want the gifts wrapped, you may choose to do so. However, if you wrap the gifts, please ensure you list the contents on the yellow sponsor sheet. This is important because if you don’t, the Elves may need to unwrap the gifts to verify the contents, sizes, colors, and ensure they align with the wants/needs list. The Elves will then rewrap the gifts.

The Elves also check to make sure each child receives a comparable number of gifts, which is especially important for families with multiple children. If you prefer not to wrap the gifts, the Elves will gladly take care of it for you!

What if I cannot afford everything on the child’s list?

Purchase only what you can. Angels & Elves receives monetary donations to make up any shortfalls. Our Elves just love to go shopping!

Additional Details

Program Integrity:
Each child is eligible for only one Christmas assistance program. Applications are shared with other area agencies to prevent duplication. We also verify that no one else has applied for assistance for the same child through another organization.

Eligibility Verification:
Every child’s age, residence, and school enrollment (if applicable) are verified. Children must be full-time local students (college excluded), between newborn and age 18, and not parents themselves. Unborn children are not eligible for sponsorship.