Tweet for toys: Caroline Collective event to gather gifts for refugee kids

Social media has a tendency to keep users behind the screen. The Second Annual Houston Holiday Tweet Drive Tweet-Up aims to encourage personal interactions and community engagement — while also spreading buzz and holiday cheer via social media outlets.

The inaugural Holiday Tweet Drive in 2010 was organized in conjunction with a national movement and benefited Neighborhood Centers, Inc. Attendees contributed more than 370 toys and books to distribute to children at the Baker-Ripley Neighborhood Center.

This year, organizers Candace Kizer and Black Sheep Agency's Joelle Eid have worked with marketing professionals, designers, local businesses and organizations to put together a more community-oriented event, geared to gather holiday gifts for Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston.

 The end result will be great fun, much-needed face time and an inevitable warm, fuzzy feeling from all of the do-gooding. 

"[Interfaith Ministries] will distribute the toys to newly arrived refugee children. The refugee families that arrive here from around the globe, land in Houston with very little," Andrea Fineman, the organization's communications manager, told CultureMap via email. "Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston works to resettle the families and help them make Houston their new home.

"However, many still do not have the funds for holiday presents, so these toys and books really make a big difference."

The event will take place this Thursday, 7 p.m. at the Caroline Collective, with free eats provided by Oh My! Pocket Pies and Good Dog Hot Dogs. Saint Arnold, Beaver's and My TX Spirits are bringing the booze. Attendees will post about the event and using #HouTweetDrive to create awareness. The end result will be great fun, much-needed face time and an inevitable warm, fuzzy feeling from all of the do-gooding.

More than 215 tickets have sold to-date. Admission is free, but you must RSVP to attend. And bring a book or a toy to donate, of course.

If you can't make it to the event but would still like to contribute, drop off toys or goods at the Caroline Collective between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

THIS ARTICLE IS PART OF AN EDITORIAL SPECIAL SERIES

Women are not just wearing the pants: Ladies tuxedo trend challenges the li... Recycle that Christmas tree and holiday wrap — here's how Keep it local: Cactus Music accepts your gift cards from big box competitor...

See All Articles from This Series > See Other Special Series >