What do Gift Givers do?
Gift Givers make a commitment to provide gifts for a particular Scholar twice a year throughout their time in college:
- On their birthday
- During the Winter holiday season
*Though it is not required, many Gift Givers also choose to buy a graduation gift for the Scholar with whom they are matched.
Is this something I need to do by myself?
You can participate in the Gift Giver program independently or with your family, friends, company, or any other group that may be interested.
What kinds of gifts to Gift Givers buy for Scholars?
Gift Givers will receive a wishlist of the Scholar’s desired gifts, which could be tangible items or gift cards.
How do I match with a Scholar?
You will be matched with a Scholar randomly. If you have a specific request – for example, to be matched with an alum of your college or a student whose birthday falls at a certain time of year – we will do our best to accommodate those requests.
How do I pick a gift?
Wily’s Scholar Engagement Coordinators will send you the Scholar’s wishlist for each birthday and holiday. Remember that a wishlist is just that: a wishlist. You are not expected to purchase everything a Scholar requests.
When first matched with a Scholar, you will receive a document with the Scholar’s favorite things. You might learn about their favorite colors, activities, seasons, foods, books, films, etc. We hope you will use this as general inspiration to personalize your gifts and make each Scholar feel special.
What is the timeline for buying gifts?
Ideally, Wily will provide a wishlist three to four weeks in advance of the Scholar’s birthday.
We will send Scholars’ holiday wish lists in early November. On occasion, the wishlist may be delayed due to a Scholar’s busy schedule. If delayed, Wily understands if Gift Givers need to adjust purchasing accordingly.
How much am I expected to spend?
There is no set amount required.
Often, Gift Givers spend between around $200 to $250 for Scholar birthdays and an additional
$150 to $200 for holiday gifts.
How does my gift get to Scholars?
Wily’s clinical coaches celebrate the holidays and Scholars’ birthdays with them. As a part of these celebrations, their coach will deliver your gifts to them.
How do I bring my gift to Wily?
You can drop the gift(s) off or ship them to our office:
The Wily Network
Gabrielle Emerson
189 Wells Avenue, Suite 301
Newton, MA 02459
If neither option is convenient for you, contact our Scholar Engagement Coordinators for further assistance. We are happy to make arrangements that work best for you.
What happens if I am unable to provide for a Scholar's birthday or holiday?
If you find yourself unable to provide a gift, please contact Wily’s Scholar Engagement Coordinators as soon as possible. If preferred, a donation can be made to Wily for a Scholar’s gift. Wily staff will purchase, wrap, and deliver gifts to the Scholar with a card from you.
What happens if my gift recipient is unable to participate in Wily's program?
Scholars engage with Wily as much as they feel is comfortable and possible for them. If a Scholar decides not to engage, we respect their decision. While rare, Wily Scholars may feel that our of all components of their life, Wily may lose priority. If we lose contact with the Scholar you are matched with, we will let you know.
Can I write my gift recipient a note?
Please do! Scholars appreciate receiving personalized cards and notes with their gifts – sometimes they may even give staff a note to their Gift Giver in response.
Will I meet or talk to the Scholar I am matched with?
Gift Givers do not have direct contact with Scholars, for the protection of Scholar privacy. Receiving gifts, particularly from someone they do not know, can be difficult for Scholars. Wily’s clinical coaching staff is there to help Scholars navigate potentially complicated feelings that arise during birthdays and holidays.
How do Wily Scholars respond to the Gift Giving program?
Some Scholars may send a thank you note, while others may become overwhelmed when attempting to express how much a gift means to them. In some cases, having a Gift Giver can help change the way a Scholar feels about receiving presents. Take a look at a Scholar’s blog post, Gift Guilt, to read about how Wily’s program has impacted their life.
