2024 “70th Anniversary” Holiday Clearing House

Holiday Clearing House FAQ

What is the Holiday Clearing House (HCH)?

First held as the “Christmas Clearing House” in 1954, the event served 58 families in Delaware County. PIN inherited and began to run the program after our founding in 1981 and the event continued to grow. In 2021, we experienced our largest Holiday Clearing House ever with 658 households benefitting from the program, including seniors, homebound residents, and 1,189 children. “Distribution Day” for families at the 70th Holiday Clearing House will occur on Sun., Dec. 15 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Coliseum building.

The entire operation begins with the City/County Food Drive in November. Many local businesses, organizations, schools, etc. conduct food drives and deliver to the Coliseum, where PIN volunteers can sort and pack meals for the families. Every donation is checked to make sure it is not damaged or expired. Throughout the following weeks, additional donations of food, coats, and toys are received, and the quality control process continues.

When and where is HCH held?

PIN will be at the Coliseum building at the Delaware County Fairgrounds preparing for HCH for several weeks. There are several specific days of large-scale volunteer opportunities, with more information coming later in the fall. On Thurs., Dec. 12, our senior participants have the option of picking up their gifts from PIN’s warehouse (138 Johnson Drive, Delaware) or having them delivered. “Distribution Day” for families is on Sun., Dec. 15 at the Coliseum building. Families will receive a specific time at which they will need to arrive; interpreters and other assistance will be available upon request.

What should I expect as a participating family?

Families taking part in HCH are often unexpecting of the level of generosity that pours out of Delaware County. When you arrive at your scheduled time on Distribution Day, you will be paired with a volunteer to help guide you through the process. Each family will receive:

• Gifts from your family’s “adopter” who selected toys and other items from your children’s wishlists (please note that not all requests can be fulfilled).

• Additional toys, games, books, and other items you can personally select from, organized by age and gender.

• A new winter coat for each child registered with your family.

• Groceries to provide a planned Holiday meal as a family. Each family is also welcome to visit our Food Pantry during our operating hours for additional groceries that week.

Is there a program for seniors?

Yes! In addition to the family program, PIN proudly provides a special gift and holiday meal items to our senior (65+) and homebound neighbors through HCH. This will be separate from the family application and is only available online. Delivery or pickup of your HCH items will be Thurs., Dec. 12. If you are a senior and guardian of minors or live in a household with minors, you must complete the family application and will be served through that part of HCH.

When will I know if my application has been approved?

You will be notified by email to the address submitted on your application if your family is accepted. This email notification will also provide you instructions for pickup time at the Holiday Clearing House at the Delaware County Fairgrounds on Distribution Day, December 15. All documents must be submitted by the 3 p.m. Oct. 4 deadline in order to be approved.

How can I help with the Holiday Clearing House?

There is no shortage of ways to help with HCH and provide a worry-free holiday season to your neighbors! Many will generously commit their time through volunteering, hosting a drive, promoting the event, and others participate by donating food, new coats, or new toys, or by making a financial contribution to the program. All volunteer signups this year will be made through our partners at Connections Volunteer Center.

Who should I contact with questions?

Volunteers: Kathy Hoff, khoff@delawarepeopleinneed.org

Food/Coat/Toy Drives and Other Donations: Mallory Sribanditmongkol, msribanditmongkol@delawarepeopleinneed.org

Additional Questions: Kathy Hoff, khoff@delawarepeopleinneed.org