Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get items to you?
Each year we have sponsors who host collection boxes at different locations around the greater Orlando area. You can also donate online through our Amazon Wish List page or our JustGiving Portal.
Our big collection event is called Elfing Day, a Saturday where we will host a collection tent and donors can drive through to drop off items collected by groups or business or individual donations. We’ll usually have activities like a blood drive and vendor tents – look for Elfing Day details on our home page or contact us directly for information.
Do you take used items?
No. This drive is for new items only in original, sealed packaging.
If you have used STEM-themed items that you want to donate and aren’t sure where they will be accepted, please connect with us and we’ll help find a non-profit or thrift store that would be able to accept it and would align with your values.
Can we give wrapping paper / gift bags?
Absolutely! Especially science-themed gift wrap or bags would be great!
All gifts must be unwrapped or in open gift bags. Charities need to be able to inspect items before giving them to kids & families. The charity can provide the bags/paper to the families with the gift or wrap gifts before giving them to the recipient.
Do you accept gifts for younger kids?
Our focus is middle & high school. Donations in most gift drives tend to be for younger kids – the older kids get left out. So we want to bring in a majority of items for middle & high school level youth.
However, younger kids also don’t get a lot of STEM-related gifts. If you can, include a gift for younger children, too.
Do you accept requests from individuals or families?
No. We provide all gifts to charity partners in our community. If a family contacts us we can direct them to the non-profits we work with so they can find out if they are eligible to participate in gift programs.
If you are in financial difficulty a great resource is United Way 2-1-1.
You dial it on your phone just like “911”. Or you can visit their website, https://uwcf.org/about-2-1-1/
Do you accept religious toys and books?
We do not accept gifts that proselytize or promote any religious tradition.
Examples:
- YES: A book STEM-themed book featuring a female scientist in a Hijab on the cover
- NO: Religious toys, games, or books including Bible, Qur’an, Torah, etc.
Is this a Holiday Gift Drive?
December is the biggest gift-giving month, with celebrations and observances for many religious, secular, and spiritual traditions. Therefore we have a BIG push for gifts leading up to December. We have a special mid-December holiday called “Elfing Day” when we deliver gifts to charities.
How do you choose partner charities?
Non-profits must be established and have a proven track record of positive impact. They must serve at-risk youth in the community. We’re looking for organizations that serve homeless families, families impacted by domestic violence, minority populations, and any other families who may be unable to provide high-quality STEM-themed gifts to their children.
Is STEM Gift Drive a charity?
No. We’re volunteers building a collection and delivery service. We do outreach to the community about STEM Gifts for kids and help get these gifts into the hands of at-risk kids in our community through charity partners.
All items go to vetted non-profits. You can find information on them under “Recipients” on the main menu above, including links to their website and EIN number.
No gifts or donations benefit the volunteers for this project. If you prefer to donate money we suggest using the online fundraiser portal or our Amazon Wish List, both on the menu under “How to help”.
How long have you been doing this?
Our nonprofit, BE. Orlando Humanist Fellowship, closed in 2019. That organization started a gift drive initiative in 2014, and in 2015 transitioned to focusing specifically on STEM-themed items for at-risk youth. Though BE. is gone, the gift drive continues through the efforts of volunteers who believe this is an important effort to complement general gift drives.
