Everyone has a place that feels like a second home, and for longtime GiftsToGive volunteer Vivian Scrocca, that place is GiftsToGive. For more than 13 years, she has dedicated her time to helping children and families in need by carefully inspecting, sorting, and preparing clothing in the organization’s clothing department. Along the way, she has built lasting friendships and developed a deep connection to a mission that has become part of her everyday life.
From preparing seasonal essentials like winter coats and summer clothing to organizing shelves for fellow volunteers, Vivian’s attention to detail helps ensure families receive thoughtfully prepared care packages. While much of her work happens quietly behind the scenes, its impact reaches countless children and families in meaningful ways.
“Vivian is the heart of the order department at GiftsToGive.” said fellow volunteer Louise Murphy. “Her tenacious attention to detail and high standards contributes to quality care packages being assembled by all volunteers she has trained. Thank you, Vivian, for being such a wonderful volunteer and friend to so many of us.”
Over the years, Vivian has heard firsthand stories from caseworkers about the families GiftsToGive has helped. One story that stuck with her involved a child who received a pair of warm socks through a care package.
“The child was more excited about the socks than the toys and books,” Vivian recalled. “It made me realize how many children are in desperate need of basic essentials and how meaningful it is that we can bring comfort and joy into a child’s life.”
Vivian first discovered GiftsToGive after moving from New Hampshire. Looking for a meaningful way to get involved in her new community, she visited the organization with family who encouraged her to volunteer.
“After touring the factory, I decided to give it a try,” Scrocca said. “Once I started volunteering, I couldn’t stop. I got hooked to the place, the people, and the mission of GiftsToGive.”
What began as a volunteer opportunity eventually became an important part of Vivian’s life.
“GiftsToGive is my home away from home,” Scrocca shared. “Everyone here is friendly and shares the same purpose of giving back to the community. When you can help children in need and see how much it means to them, you develop a real sense of pride and fulfillment.”
While Vivian is often recognized for her leadership and attention to detail, she credits the clothing department team that works hard alongside her each day to sort, organize, and prepare care packages that meet each child’s needs.
“I couldn’t do what I do without the other dedicated volunteers that we have here. Everyone here is supportive and works hard to make sure everything gets done for the children in our community who need it most,” Scrocca said.
Vivian’s dedication extends beyond her weekly volunteer hours. Vivian and her daughter, Annette Scrocca, also organize an annual yard sale to benefit the organization.
“Even while relaxing at home in the evenings, Vivian continues helping the organization by sorting hundreds of pairs of new socks into neatly organized bundles for volunteers preparing care packages. She’s a superhero,” GiftsToGive volunteer Anna Langenfeld shared.
Vivian’s compassion is especially evident in the extra care she puts into every gift. In one instance, she helped prepare a Barbie doll for a child living with her mother in a parking garage. Wanting to make the gift even more special, she added accessories and a Barbie car to the care package.
“She was so happy to receive it,” Scrocca said. “Any feedback that we get about the impact we are making is the best feeling in the world.”
That same attention to detail has long been a hallmark of Vivian’s volunteer work. At the organization’s previous location, she and her daughter, Annette, would bring donated dolls home to carefully comb their hair and dress them before they were distributed to children.
Whether preparing gifts for children or organizing supplies for fellow volunteers, Vivian takes pride in creating a thoughtful and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the doors of GiftsToGive.
“I enjoy making sure that the shelves are neat and easy for volunteers to access,” Scrocca shared. “I also really enjoy spending time with the ladies in the clothing department. We’ve become close and have truly gotten to know one another.”
New volunteers quickly notice her kindness. Elizabeth Pell, who began volunteering four months ago, said Vivian immediately made her feel welcome and helped guide her through preparing orders for families in need.
“She is very helpful, kind, loving, and very dedicated to the work she does at GiftsToGive,” Pell shared. “Whenever I need anything, she is always willing to help and make sure orders are filled correctly. She has a very big heart.”
When asked what advice she would give to those considering volunteering, Vivian encourages people to simply come in and give it a try.
“You might find yourself hooked,” she said. “You get a sense of fulfillment from the work you do and from the connections you make with people.”
We are incredibly grateful for Vivian’s compassion, dedication, and the countless hours she has devoted to helping children and families in need. Thank you, Vivian, for helping us make a difference — one outfit, one care package, and one act of kindness at a time.
According to Vivian, the clothing department is always in need of new socks and underwear for all ages, especially in toddler sizes (0-24 months). With warmer months approaching, GiftsToGive also continues to be in need of short-sleeve shirts, shorts, and new pajamas.
Story By: (Marissa Sebastiao)