A gift can cost absoultly nothing but your time and energy for me I would treasure a letter written from my grandchildren a picture they drew is more tangable than any thing in the world to me if money is short I don't understand why he can't create something from just a simple peice of paper and a few words.
perhaps the ladies of the board should email him with suggestions.
just a thought, as for your efforts, I would put it out the night before.
I hope you find a bright spot in your holiday.