Day 3: Gifts needed to cheer young children | Christmas Connect 2023
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 accepted Nov. 26-Dec. 17. Here's how you can help.
CASE # 44: Niece lost her mother
PERSONAL DETAILS
This 8-year-old girl is being raised by her aunt and uncle after her mother died in September. The transition has been difficult for her even though her aunt and uncle warmly welcomed her into their home. While her school environment has been especially supportive, the additional financial responsibility has been hard for her aunt and uncle. They would love to provide her with the best Christmas possible.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Blankets (2 queen), gift cards for clothing and food
FAMILY MEMBERS
Niece, Age 8
Suggested gifts: Girl’s make up kit, arts and crafts, Pokémon, Roblox, Educational games, fairy tale books
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CASE # 49: Couple with health problems
PERSONAL DETAILS
This couple has challenging health problems. The husband has COPD that makes it difficult to walk. He is the caretaker for his wife who recently had a stroke, leaving her almost completely blind. With congestive heart failure, COPD and depression, the wife is 100% disabled.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Cat food (Purina dry/Friskies canned), king blanket, paper goods, Gift cards for gas, clothing, groceries including low salt cookies and turkey meat
FAMILY MEMBERS
Husband, Age 65
Suggested gifts: Box fan, king cotton sheets
Wife, Age 68
Suggested gifts: New broom
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CASE # 54: Grandchildren lost parents
PERSONAL DETAILS
This grandmother is raising her 3 grandchildren who lost both parents in July. Because she is on a fixed income, it is difficult to provide clothing and Christmas gifts.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Gift cards for clothing and gas, toiletries
FAMILY MEMBERS
Grandmother, Age 66
Suggested gifts: Heaters
Granddaughter, Age 9
Suggested gifts: Arts and crafts, skates, sport equipment
Granddaughter, Age 8
Suggested gifts: Toys, LOL doll, tablet
Grandson, Age 3
Suggested gifts: Toys, 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: Day 3: These kids have lost parents | Christmas Connection 2023
