Christmas Connection, Day 6: For kids, think bikes and anything Batman
Over the next two weeks, the Tallahassee Democrat is partnering with Catholic Charities on the Christmas Connection to spotlight local families who need help this Christmas. Donations will be taken Nov. 26-Dec. 17. Here's how you can help.
CASE # 118: Family includes adopted sons, niece
PERSONAL DETAILS
This couple has 4 biological children, 2 of them still at home with significant disabilities. They have 2 young adopted sons and they are raising a niece who has been in their home since she was 4 months old. They continue to serve as foster parents as needed. The mother is no longer able to work because the disabled children require full-time care.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Food, cleaning supplies
FAMILY MEMBERS
Father and mother, Age 52
Suggested gifts: Home Depot gift card for home repairs, gift card for food
Daughter, Age 28
Suggested gifts: Hand mixer
Son, Age 24
Suggested gifts: Camouflage shirt, medium
Niece, Age 9
Suggested gifts: Tablet, art supplies for drawing, multi-ethnic barbie doll or baby doll with clothes, books
Son, Age 6
Suggested gifts: Remote control car, Anything Batman – umbrella, raincoat, figures, books
Son, Age 5
Suggested gifts: Tablet, art supplies, box cars, small handheld toys, books
CASE # 119: Widow needs food for her cat
PERSONAL DETAILS
This elderly widow lives alone and has many health problems. She suffered some damage from Hurricane Idalia and lost all of the food in her refrigerator/freezer.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Twin blanket, Grab bars for bathroom, food, toiletries and cleaning supplies
FAMILY MEMBER
Woman, Age: 83
Suggested gifts: Sheets for hospital bed, warm, loose socks with gripping bottom, microwave, heater, Meow mix and canned Friskies for her cat
CASE # 125: Bikes are big for mother of 4
PERSONAL DETAILS
This mother with 4 children works full-time, adding overtime when possible to make ends meet. She does not receive child support. She tries to keep the children involved in activities in addition to meeting their basic needs.
CRITICAL ITEMS
King blanket and sheets, toiletries, Walmart gift card
FAMILY MEMBERS
Mother, Age 32
Suggested gifts: Kitchenware
Daughter, Age 12
Suggested items: Bike and helmet (20”), handheld games, books
Daughter, Age 10
Suggested gifts: African American Baby Alive, bike and helmet (20”), handheld games, books
Son, Age 8
Suggested gifts: Bike and helmet (16”), football or basketball, handheld games, books
Son, Age 4
Suggested gifts: Balance trike, trucks, blocks, books
How to help
Donate in person: Drop off donated items at the Christmas Connection site at 309 South Bronough Street (corner of Bronough and Pensacola, bottom level of Kleman Plaza). The site is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Days of operation are Nov. 26-Dec. 17. Deadline for donated items is Dec. 11.
Wish List: Shop early and shop easy with the Christmas Connection Amazon wish list. You can view the wish list at the website TheChristmasConnection.org.
Blanket Days: Drop off new blankets and heaters from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the 309 South Bronough location. A volunteer will help you unload your car.
Donate online or by mail: Make a monetary donation online at TheChristmasConnection.org or send a check to Christmas Connection, P.O. Box 20165, Tallahassee, FL 32316.
Adopt a family: Complete a brief request form on the website and a family in need will be assigned to you by the volunteer adoption coordinator. All families are referred to us from social service organizations in the Big Bend area.
Host a Christmas Connection collection drive or holiday party: Gather people from your office, school, church, sports team, family or friends and host a party or collection drive. Sign up online on the website and then collect gift items, gift cards and/or monetary donations, which can be brought to the collection site.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Christmas Connection, Day 6: Think bikes and anything Batman
