The Founder's Story
Candace Pugh is a senior public relations student at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Her strong interest in the world of service and philanthropy serves as the inspiration behind Sweaters2Gifts. Ironically, her idea for the holiday campaign was born in the summer months while doodling ideas in a memo pad. As someone who grew up in the Syracuse area and now attends Syracuse University, Candace felt compelled to find a small way to give back to her community.
The importance of family and serving disadvantaged youth guided her vision. In 2012, the poverty rate in Syracuse soared at 34% which translates into nearly 44,500 city residents living at or below the poverty line. This everyday reality becomes magnified during the holidays when families cannot afford to exchange gifts or have big family dinners. "Sometimes we lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas giving because we get so distracted by the commercial part of the holiday season," she says. "Sweaters2Gifts wants to reignite the spirit of giving by helping people to remember families and children that are less fortunate and improve the quality of their Christmas experience."
We believe service during the season of giving should be as second nature as wearing your favorite holiday sweater. The 2012 Sweaters2Gifts campaign will run from Dec. 17 - Dec. 22. Sweaters and pins to support the campaign will be available online for purchase.
Candace is thankful for the host of family, friends and supporters who helped bring her vision to life. "From the models, to help with photography, design, and throwing a series of "not your average" Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties, this campaign would not have been possible without help from some of those that are closest to me."
For more information about Sweaters2Gifts, or questions about how to get involved please send an email to sweaters2gifts@gmail.com.
The importance of family and serving disadvantaged youth guided her vision. In 2012, the poverty rate in Syracuse soared at 34% which translates into nearly 44,500 city residents living at or below the poverty line. This everyday reality becomes magnified during the holidays when families cannot afford to exchange gifts or have big family dinners. "Sometimes we lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas giving because we get so distracted by the commercial part of the holiday season," she says. "Sweaters2Gifts wants to reignite the spirit of giving by helping people to remember families and children that are less fortunate and improve the quality of their Christmas experience."
We believe service during the season of giving should be as second nature as wearing your favorite holiday sweater. The 2012 Sweaters2Gifts campaign will run from Dec. 17 - Dec. 22. Sweaters and pins to support the campaign will be available online for purchase.
Candace is thankful for the host of family, friends and supporters who helped bring her vision to life. "From the models, to help with photography, design, and throwing a series of "not your average" Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties, this campaign would not have been possible without help from some of those that are closest to me."
For more information about Sweaters2Gifts, or questions about how to get involved please send an email to sweaters2gifts@gmail.com.
