Project Winter Cheer 2021-2022

*Disclamer: If you have not already read our update on OAR’s Project Winter Cheer program from last year, please click here to learn more and read below. We will NOT be hosting a toy-drive and a wrapping party this year, please read below for more information.*

About Project Winter Cheer:

OAR’s Project Winter Cheer program supports children and families impacted by incarceration for the winter season. It is so important to us that family relationships are maintained while a parent is incarcerated and after their release, and that no child is forgotten during the winter/holiday season. We ask that you – members and organizations of the community – also keep these children in mind and get involved in supporting this amazing program!

Our goal for this program is to provide each child with a $50 gift card/e-gift card/cash/check/or direct deposit. This way, the families can choose to use these funds for whatever they need (holiday gifts, winter clothes, bills, food, etc). Along with the $50, each child receives a note from their parent (that has been kept safely for 2 weeks prior to sending out), letting them know that the gift is coming from them and wishing them love during the winter season. 

How to Support: 

We are still currently collecting donations of gift cards/online donations for Project Winter Cheer until the end of January 2022!

  • Donate gift cards (ex. VISA, Target, Amazon, Walmart are the most popular) in denominations of $25, $50, or $100 and mail them to the OAR office (1400 N. Uhle Street, Suite 704, Arlington, VA 22201).
  • Donate on the OAR website specifically to our children and family programs (Project Connection/Project Backpack/Project Winter Cheer) online here. We have this donation form up year-round.
  • Volunteer to help with guardian outreach, data entry, and purchasing and mailing gift cards on behalf of OAR (some virtual and some in-person). We especially need local volunteers for the purchasing and mailing of gift cards. Please email Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org if you are interested in volunteering for any Project Winter Cheer related opportunities.
  • Help spread the word! Please help us share our social media posts about Project Winter Cheer, post on your own social media, send your friends and family the fundraiser link, etc.

Questions? Contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org or call 703-228-7132