CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – For the past five years, Colleen Dorsla, affectionately known as the “Elf Lady,” has made it her mission to ensure no teen wakes up on Christmas morning without a gift under the tree.
The Holiday Elf Teen Gift Program, created by Dorsla during the early days of the pandemic, focuses on providing gifts to teenagers in the Champaign-Urbana community, a group often overlooked by other holiday donation drives. Dorsla began the initiative to address the unique needs of teenagers, a group often overlooked during holiday charity drives. “People think teens don’t need as much when they get older,” Dorsla explained. “But in reality, they need support more than ever.”
This year, nearly 250 teens are signed up to receive gifts, with close to 200 generous “elves” shopping to fulfill their wish lists. The Holiday Elf Teen Gift Program thrives on the generosity of the community. Donations range from cozy items like pajamas, slippers, and hoodies to creative supplies like journals, art sets, and room decor. Gift cards and cash donations are also welcome to help purchase additional gifts.
Dorsla says she always gets people who realize they can and want to do something around December 20. “I never turn away an elf, because there is always someone out there I can assign them to.”
For those unable to shop, cash donations are also accepted. Contributions can be sent via Venmo to @theinvisiblebookkeeper or CashApp to @AngelinaBerg. Be sure to include “Teen Elf” in the notes section. Purchases can be made on Amazon. For any questions, email theholidayelf2020@gmail.com.