You may not have always got what you asked for from your parents or Santa Claus, but you probably had a nice, plentiful holiday spent with your family.
For hundreds of children in East Texas, things aren’t so nice. They don’t only wish for toys they’ll never get, they wish for warm clothes and shoes — and they need help.
When you think about giving to needy children during the holidays, most of you probably think of donating to the Tyler Salvation Army’s Red Kettle and Angel Tree drives.
Although the bell ringers stationed at the Red Kettles located at shopping centers throughout town still need your money, and the Angel Tree in Broadway Square Mall still needs to be plucked of the names of those in need of gifts, there are many other organizations working hard to help fulfill kids’ wish lists this year.
The East Texas Crisis Center, Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County, CASA for Kids of East Texas and the Tyler Fire Department are a few of the groups asking the public to give in the Christmas spirit to the less fortunate.
The East Texas Crisis Center (ETCC) is once again asking for donations for its yearly “Guardian Angel Adopt a Family” program, but this year it is doing things differently.
Instead of asking for toy donations, the ETCC is hoping donors will give monetary gift cards so the children’s mothers can select items off the kids’ wish lists, said Executive Director Lana Peacock. Mothers know best what their children want and need, and the center will make sure they are aware of the dangers of toys made in China that have been recalled this year because they could contain dangerous levels of lead.
Ms. Peacock said the crisis center does not have the manpower to sift through donated toys. With gift cards, the center doesn’t have the liability of children getting toys that could be hazardous to their health.
The organization served about 35 families last year and plans to fulfill the wish lists of 35-40 families this year. The gifts are not only presented to children living in the Tyler shelter, but also to struggling families who have left the shelter and those who use its services.
The program has a lot of repeat donors who sponsor families every year. But for those who can’t afford to adopt an entire family, they can give any amount of money on a gift card to any store and it will be added to others to buy presents.
To donate gift cards to the ECCC, call Angela Rowell at 903-579-2530. The ETCC is a nonprofit, charitable organization, providing safety, shelter and education to victims of family violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes.
CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER
The Children’s Advocacy of Smith County (CAC) is also asking for money and gift donations for not only the children it serves, but the entire families.
Jessica Willett, marketing and development coordinator, said the CAC needs sponsors to donate money and purchase gifts this year for about 12 families that range in size from one child to six.
Several Tyler businesses have already pledged to sponsor the families, but more money and gifts are needed, she said. Donors can call Ms. Willett at 903-533-1880 to get information about the families that need presents, including their ages, genders and wish lists.
Ms. Willett said shoes of all sizes and winter clothes are a big part of the wanted gifts and if not enough items are collected, the center dips into its Rainbow Room — an emergency resource center — for clothes and other items.
The CAC will also throw a Christmas party on Dec. 17 for the families to come together and celebrate the holiday, she said.
The CAC, located at 2210 Frankston Highway in Tyler, is dedicated to child victims of physical and sexual abuse, and strives to reduce trauma through a unified effort that facilitates thorough investigations, effective prosecutions and the healing of children and their families.
CASA
CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocates — for Kids of East Texas, which serves children in Smith, Wood and Van Zandt counties, is also asking for donations of any kind — from toys to shampoo and brushes to backpacks are needed for children in rehabilitation, group and foster homes.
Georgia Harris, community outreach coordinator said a lot of children in the rehab and group homes don’t get personalized gifts, and foster homes are strapped for cash.
The Moore Middle School National Junior Honors Society has raised money with fundraisers and students will buy Christmas presents to donate to CASA, she said. Last year, they raised more than $500. Other organizations and businesses donate toiletry items and books.
But CASA will take donations of any kind. People who want to can give gifts for kids of all ages and genders so volunteers can make sure every child gets a present. In Smith County, presents for 108 children are needed, 66 in Wood County and 82 in Van Zandt County.
Monetary donations needed throughout the year are turned into gas cards and given to CASA volunteers who drive lengthy distances to help children.
Donations can be dropped off by Dec. 21 at 318 E. Fifth St. in Tyler. For more information call 903-597-7725.
A CASA is a volunteer who acts as a voice in court for children who have been removed from their homes by Child Protective Services.
TYLER FIREFIGHTERS’ TOY DRIVE
The Tyler Firefighter’s Association and Tyler Fire Department are holding their 26th annual toy drive, asking for new toys to be donated for children ages 2-14, Capt. Jeff Akin said.
Organizers ask that toys be unwrapped and have batteries included. The gifts, which are needed by Dec. 15, will be given to a local organization for distribution.
The gifts can be taken to any Tyler fire station, as well as Stepping Stone Preschool and C. Brown Middle School, 3105 University Blvd.; Prestige Estates, 6928 Paluxy Blvd.; and the Christmas Light Display at 4515 Inverness Drive. For more information, call 903-535-0005.
A kickoff event for the toy drive is being held at 5 p.m. Friday at Prestige Estates.
I always have the most fun shopping for my 3-year-old niece and other children in my family. Maybe some of you no longer have young ones to shop for, or you just feel like helping a child have a better Christmas this year. Whatever reason, give as little or as much as you can to help as many children as you can.
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