At Family Service Association of Bucks County, the holiday season is about far more than decorations and twinkling lights — it’s about ensuring local families feel supported, cared for, and included during a time that can be especially difficult for those facing hardship.
Each year, Family Service collects toys and gifts through its annual Holiday Gift Drive, with donations accepted through December 9. Gifts may be dropped off at the organization’s Langhorne office at 4 Cornerstone Drive, purchase gifts online through the Amazon Wishlist (www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2N3OLTHY460C5/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex) or donors can choose to make a monetary contribution online, allowing staff and volunteers to shop on their behalf.
“We collect toys and gifts for children connected to Family Service, whether they’re staying at our Homeless Shelter located in Levittown, receiving services here, or are the children of our clients,” said Anne Marie Richards, Associate Director of Development.
Clinicians identify families who may need extra support, ensuring that donated items go directly to children who might otherwise go without. Family Service accepts new, unwrapped gifts for children from newborn through age 18. While donations for school-age children are typically steady, there are two age groups that rarely receive enough.
“We consistently need more gifts for the very young, newborns to two-year-olds, and for older children, who often prefer gift cards,” Richards noted. “Those are the areas where donations are most needed.”
According to Richards, donors often find deep satisfaction in helping a child in need. “For donors, even a single gift or participating in a workplace fundraising drive can be profoundly meaningful — it truly makes a difference to these children,” she said. “In many cases, this may be the only gift a child receives this holiday — especially now, when families are struggling to afford basic necessities.”
For Family Service, each toy, book, game, or gift card represents more than a wrapped package. “Every donation restores dignity and a sense of normalcy,” Richards explained. “Donors become part of that effort.”
The impact of the Holiday Gift Drive is felt deeply by the children served by Family Service. “These gifts bring joy and a real sense of being cared for — particularly because they know the generosity comes from members of their own community,” Richards said. “We’re grateful to run this program, and it’s entirely possible because of our donors. As a nonprofit, we couldn’t provide these gifts without them.”
While the Holiday Gift Drive supports children during the season, Family Service is also working to address another urgent need: food insecurity. The organization’s food pantry, located at the same Langhorne office, is open to all Bucks County residents — not just clients. The pantry operates Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments are encouraged to help volunteers prepare orders in advance.
Primarily volunteer-driven, the pantry serves families based on household size and available inventory. Demand for food assistance has grown significantly. From September to October alone, households served increased from 333 to 432, and individuals served jumped from 1,145 to 1,472, a rise of more than 29 percent.
“We primarily request nonperishable items for the pantry,” Richards said. “Donations move out as quickly as they come in.”
Although shelf-stable items are essential, the pantry also accepts certain fresh foods. “We welcome fresh produce, especially around the holidays,” Richards noted. “Many of those donations come from local grocery stores.”
As the holidays approach, the pantry also hopes to offer special items that allow families to enjoy a traditional holiday meal. “If donors provide hams or turkeys for the holidays, we gratefully accept them,” she said. “We also assemble holiday meal kits with nonperishables when donations allow.”
Beyond food, Family Service tries to stock critical household items often overlooked in donation drives — such as diapers, personal hygiene products, and even pet food. “There is a significant need for diapers and hygiene items,” Richards added. “We try to keep them in stock and distribute them when available.”
Family Service’s programs are designed to help community members regain stability, no matter their circumstances. “Circumstances can change in an instant,” Richards reflected. “Our programs are built to help people regain their footing and return to a place of well-being.”
Donations for both the Holiday Gift Drive and the food pantry can be brought to Family Service Association of Bucks County, 4 Cornerstone Drive, Langhorne. For more information, call 215-757-6916 or visit fsabc.org.
Running now through the end of December, Family Service has launched their month-long Annual Appeal. “This year’s Appeal is arguably the most important in our history,” said Richards. Recent disruptions to our funding have created an immediate and significant gap, placing essential services, like counseling, housing support, recovery services, and food assistance, at real risk. Family Service has helped thousands of our neighbors in 2025, and we hope that you will partner with us, so we can make an even greater impact in 2026. Please consider making a donation using this link: www.classy.org/campaign/joining-together-for-a-brighter-tomorrow-2025/c733656
Whether it’s a toy under the tree or a stocked pantry shelf, every contribution helps a local family feel seen, supported, and hopeful, especially at this time of year.
