Reach out to local nonprofits this holiday
This is the time of year when many would like to express their gratitude for what they have by reaching out to those less fortunate who may not otherwise be able to have as festive a holiday season. There are many local organizations standing in the gap that are able to connect donors to families, and especially children in need. Here are a few:
Court Appointed Special Advocates collects designated gifts for children registered in the court system in foster care who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect from someone in their family. For more information, contact Vickie Ricord at 425-4413 or you may email her at [email protected].
The Gingerbread House Bossier/Caddo Children’s Advocacy Center is a nonprofit organization which utilizes an interagency approach to the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse cases. The mission of the Gingerbread House is to lessen the trauma experienced by child abuse victims as allegations are investigated and to provide support for the child victim in any resulting proceedings within the criminal justice system. The Gingerbread House collects designated gifts for children that have been a member of their program. The program may be reached at 674-2900 for more information. info@gingerbreadhousecac.org.
Just BeClaus collects only basic items for children entered into foster care such as new underwear, diapers, jackets, pajamas, toiletries or comfort items, such as books or toys. When children are removed from a dangerous home situation they enter into foster care with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. Those wishing to help may pick up a list or drop off items at Strawn’s too on Youree drive. Junior League and Transportation volunteers will take items to the state office building for case workers to distribute. K.C. Kilpatrick Stone may be contacted at 550- 8785 for further details. www.facebook.com/NWLAFAPA.
Providence House is a residential development center for homeless families with children. It provides comprehensive support services for improving the family structure and moving the family into independent living. 550-4438 www.theprovidencehouse.com/.
Rescue Mission operates Project Mission Tree, which takes requests of homeless guests for specific inexpensive gifts they would like to receive. Last month, organizations requested as many tags as they would like for their group and pick them up. Geri Donohue may be reached for donations at 227-2868, ext. 117 gdonohue@sbrescuemission.com.
Roy’s Kids is a charity started by Michael Sean Powell in memory of his brother to help families that don’t qualify for traditional state help but need help for their children’s Christmas. More may be found at www.facebook.com/royskidsforchristmas.
Operation Santa Claus/Shop with a Cop is a nonprofit program made up of law enforcement volunteers who sign up needy children to receive toys for Christmas. For toy donations, those interested may call 687-GIFT. osccaddobossier.com/
The Salvation Army Angel Tree is a program for any parent who can not afford it to request designated Christmas gifts for children. Because of funding requirements, applicants must bring proof of identity and provide age for each child (twelve and younger) on the application. Proof of residence, such as a utility bill or license is also required, along with the applicant’s current mailing address and telephone number. Proof of income and expenses are needed to determine eligibility. Applications must be received by the end of October and gifts are distributed to eligible families Dec. 17-19 by appointment. The Salvation Army can provide more details at 424-3200. www. salvationarmyshreveport.org.
Toys for Tots is a United States Marine Corps Reserve program which distributes toys to needy children at Christmas. Marine Coordinators to locate drop-off/collection boxes in their stores; provide free warehouse space for storing and sorting toys during October, November and December. Contact may be made through Salvation Army at 424-3200 or the Marine Toys for Tots Coordinator at 747-0795.
K.C. Kilpatrick Stone is a volunteer and can be reached at 550-8785.
