The Perfect Gift Shop (TPGS) was founded in 2017 by Jean Woods to honor the memory of her sister, Martha Woods (9-30-1951 to 8-7-2017). It is a registered non-profit, all volunteer organization in Floyd and has remained in operation every year since its founding. TPGS provides a shopping experience for children and developmentally delayed adults who might otherwise not be able to experience the joy of giving during the Holiday Season. The joy of the holidays is not only receiving gifts, but also being able to give gifts. Jean learned this lesson at a young age. Her mother would give her and her sister money to shop for Christmas presents for family members. She thinks back to the joy she felt when giving those gifts to others, and tries to emulate that experience at TPGS. Although there are many great organizations that work to see that children receive gifts during the holidays, TPGS uniquely shares the joy of giving with their shoppers.
During the month of December, local schools, churches, food banks, and businesses help to distribute twenty-five dollar gift certificates for qualified shoppers to use at TPGS. While a strong effort is made to reach children and developmentally disabled adults, there is no income requirement or verification process. All children ages five through fifteen and developmentally disabled adults who reside in or attend school or churches in Floyd County are welcomed at the unique shop. While most shoppers at TPGS are shopping for Christmas gifts, TPGS allows other shopping to take place as well. Presents any time are appreciated after all!
TPGS volunteers accept donated items as well as donations of money throughout the year. They also hold a Mega Yard Sale at the Moose Lodge each year to raise funds for operations. TPGS is made possible because of the generous support of the Floyd community, the generosity of the Moose Lodge, Floyd County Board of Supervisors, other local organizations, and the many volunteers who donate their time, money, and gifts.
Any person who receives a gift certificate must come in person to shop. While parents and older children may accompany the child, they must wait outside while the child shops. The child has the exciting experience of thinking about family members, what they would like, and how they would feel to receive the gifts. Thinking of how the gift receiver would enjoy the gift is part of the empowering experience. The shop has “elves” who help each child shop for the people on their list and will wrap those gifts for the child, as well.
The children are so very considerate and caring. Instead of selecting random gifts, children put thought into what they will gift to their loved ones. As an example, last year, a six-year-old girl searched for a flashlight for her dad because he was living in a shed with no electricity until he could get back on his feet. Kids also want warm hats for parents that work outside and soft blankets for grandparents to keep warm. The children are excited to be able to give to others. Gifts are priced from one to ten dollars so that each child should be able to redeem the certificate for at least five gifts.
2023 will be TPGS’s seventh year of operation. TPGS has served over 1,700 shoppers since 2017 with 437 in 2023! Each year the shop becomes more organized and more capable, as the volunteers gain experience and develop new processes. It is a joy to witness children develop an appreciation for giving to others. TPGS hopes to continue making this experience possible for years to come.
A child can be sponsored by making a cash donation. All donations will be used to purchase gifts to stock the shelves. Gifts that do not “sell” will be donated to other non-profits in Floyd or are stored for next year.
One can volunteer in various ways. Some volunteers are designated as “Elves”. These volunteers help the shoppers as they decide on what to purchase. Elves also help the children wrap their gifts. Volunteers can stock shelves, or even help to make gift bags. Some of the items are hand-made and require knitting or crafting. Volunteers also help with these tasks. There is a greeting team, which always needs volunteers, as well as a communications position. The person in this position will focus on social media and promotion. Finally, the shop could always use help with gift wrapping and shop set up. There are many tasks that must be done to serve shoppers each year.
Operations begin every year in early December. The Gift Shop is provided a new space by the county each year. The location and hours will be provided on their website and social media.
If you have new or gently used items that would make nice gifts and would like to donate them, bring them to The Perfect Gift Shop storage space during announced hours of operations in the back basement at 613 East Main next to the Xpress Mart or arrange for pickup. TPGS shoppers buy gifts for parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and friends, so any appropriate gift item will be appreciated.
The Perfect Gift Shop • Jean Woods • 540-449-4220
613 East Main Street, Floyd VA
www.facebook.com/ThePefectGiftSHop1720