Mayor Siddiqui Announces Third Annual Winter Gift Card Drive

Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui has announced the launch of the Mayor’s Third Annual Winter Gift Card Drive, an initiative facilitated by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, providing support to Cambridge residents facing economic challenges during the holiday season.

Harvard University and MIT are the leading sponsors of this initiative and are joined by a number of dedicated local establishments. Individuals interested in participating have until December 14, 2023 to contribute here.

In coordination with the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, donations will be used to acquire gift cards that will then be distributed to local nonprofits supporting vulnerable residents. The Mayor's office, in collaboration with nonprofit partners across Cambridge, will ensure that the gift cards directly reach families in need.

"Winter is a challenging period for our most vulnerable residents, and extending this simple yet impactful gesture through gift cards can ease some of the burdens faced during the holiday season,” said Mayor Siddiqui. “I am grateful for the generous support we have received over the last three years and I look forward to seeing the support grow this year.” 

"Harvard and MIT proudly support Mayor Siddiqui’s gift card initiative, standing with the City and its partners in addressing critical community challenges,” said Tom Lucey, Harvard’s Director of Government and Community Relations, and Sarah Gallop, MIT’s Director of Government and Community Relations. “Each year, this small act of kindness eases stress and brings joy to our neighbors during the holiday season." 

“We are excited to support Mayor Siddiqui’s gift card drive for a third year in a row,” said David Maher, President and CEO of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. “We love working with the city to make the lives of Cambridge residents better and this is the perfect way to do it during the holiday season.”

“Gift cards around the holidays make such a difference in people’s lives, and we get so many requests around this time of the year,” said Tina Alu, Executive Director of Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee. “This will be a huge relief for the residents we work with, and we’re excited to be working with the Mayor’s Office again this year.”