Christmas Connection, Day 8: Wrap up scooters, baby dolls for families with young kids
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 # 179: Mother of six
PERSONAL DETAILS
This single mother has 6 children and works part-time as a caregiver. She receives little to no child support.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Gift card for clothing
FAMILY MEMBERS
Mother, Age 28
Suggested gifts: Queen blanket, sheets and comforter
Daughter, Age 7
Suggested gifts: Scooter and helmet Scooter and helmet, African American Baby Alive doll, games, books
Daughter, Age 6
Suggested gifts: Scooter and helmet, African American Baby Alive doll, games, books
Daughter, Age 9
Suggested gifts: Tablet, Scooter and helmet, African American Baby Alive doll, games, books
Son, Age 4
Suggested gifts: Blocks, Scooter and helmet, African American Baby Alive doll, games, books
Son, Age 3
Suggested gifts: Spiderman toys, balls, handheld games, books
Daughter, Age 3
Suggested gifts: Coco Melon toys, girl Paw Patrol, African American Baby Alive doll, books
CASE # 182: Family of six with a baby
PERSONAL DETAILS
This family of 6 relocated to Florida for the father’s work. Unfortunately, his work has not been steady so he takes on odd jobs to supplement food stamps. Their income is below the poverty line. The mother is currently staying at home to care for their infant. They recently moved into a single-wide trailer and are in need of household items.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Blankets (3 twin, 2 full/queen), food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, diapers (sizes 1, 3,6), gift cards for clothing, gas
FAMILY MEMBERS
Father, Age 34
Suggested gift: heater
Mother, Age 26
Suggested gifts: Microwave, kitchen items, bath and body set
Daughter, Age 5
Suggested gifts: 16” Bike with training wheels and helmet, tablet for child, Hispanic baby doll, play make-up, educational toys and books
Son, Age 2
Suggested gifts: 10” trike and helmet, Coco Melon toys, cars, blocks, books
Son, Age 2
Suggested items: Sit on top riding toy, dinosaurs, cars, blocks, books
Son, Age 2 months
Suggested items: Baby toys, supplies, and 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 8: Donate scooters, baby dolls and books