Community Corner
Donate to For The Child’s Gift Card Drive for Teens
Local nonprofit For The Child needs gift cards for teens who will benefit from their holiday gift distribution event, Santa's Workshop.
Local nonprofit For The Child (FTC) needs gift cards for teens who will benefit from their holiday gift distribution event, Santa’s Workshop. Moving toward its 50th year of service, Long Beach-based FTC provides comprehensive child abuse treatment and trauma-informed mental health care, counseling, and therapy to children and families.
Each year the organization provides toys, games, arts and craft kits, and other gifts to their clients to make their winter holidays special. Last year FTC distributed enough assorted gifts for 387 children.
“We are grateful to the many groups and individuals who donate to us every year,” said Michele Winterstein, the executive director of For The Child. “We have an increasing number of teens who receive our services, and what we’ve learned over the years is that the most appreciated items for them are gift cards. Not only are they valuable for the food or merchandise they really want, but it also gives them some independence and agency in their lives.”
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FTC is receiving donations until December 15th. Cards for restaurants and retailers in any denomination are welcome. Some of the favorite gift cards are from Amazon, Walmart, In-N-Out Burger, Ulta, and Starbucks.
“We can also accept donations by check or PayPal via our website’s donate tab, and we will purchase the gift cards, if that is easier,” Winterstein said.
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They are also in need of volunteers to help sort and package the gifts for the families the week of December 11.
All donations should be sent or brought to the FTC office at 4565 California Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807. Interested volunteers can email Family Services Coordinator Maria Requeno at MRequeno@forthechild.org. For more information, call (562) 422-8472 or visit https://www.ForTheChild.org
FTC’s mission is simple and important. Children should be treated with respect and protected from abuse. The nonprofit 501c3 meets this challenge by providing both comprehensive child abuse treatment and trauma-informed mental health care, counseling, and therapy to strengthen families and provide the tools of healing to children.
For The Child’s Vision
All children will have the opportunity to reach their natural potential free from abuse or neglect. Children will be nurtured and cared for in loving families, they will be safe in their homes, their schools, and their neighborhoods.
Follow FTC on Facebook and Instagram: @ForTheChildLongBeach
