Children’s Friend Still Seeking Holiday Donations for 200 Families

With just 10 days left in the 2016 Children’s Friend Spirit of Giving campaign, donations of warm clothing, coats, boots, bikes, books, and toys are still being sought for 200 families in need.

“We’re nearing our goal of bringing hope and joy to 5,000 of children and their families here in Rhode Island during the holiday season,” said Children’s Friend CEO David Caprio. “For many of the families we serve there is no extra money to set aside for presents, or a new winter coat. It’s our tradition to bring warm clothes and smiling faces to as many families as we can during the holiday season through our Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive.”

Throughout the year, Children’s Friend staff identify children and families in need and meets with each family to prepare a wish list of winter essentials that they are lacking. The lists often include warm coats and clothing, blankets, books, toys, and games. During the annual Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive, generous individuals, corporations and foundations are paired with these families to provide items on the lists. Last December, 1,465 families, including 4,500 children, were sponsored during the drive. Donations included 13,200 items of warm clothing, 4,350 coats, and 11,000 toys, books, bikes and games. However, the need keeps growing and the reach of the Children’s Friend Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive is responding to meet that need.

“One hundred percent of everything we collect during this campaign goes directly back to the people who need it most,” added Children’s Friend Director of External Relations Stacy Couto. “Children’s Friend is the conduit through which these donations are made. We see the need first-hand and we deliver hats, clothing, books, and boots directly to those children and their families who are experiencing the greatest financial hardship.” The non-profit organization provides the organization, manpower, warehousing and distribution of all donations.

New boots, hats, gloves, coats and clothing, along with books, toys and bikes can be made at Panera Bread, Providence Place, and at Children’s Friend. Cash donations and gift cards are also gratefully accepted to purchase items from the families’ wish lists. They can be dropped off or mailed to Children’s Friend, 153 Summer Street in Providence (02903). Children’s Friend is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. each day through December 23. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Individuals and organizations can contact Children’s Friend to sponsor a family by calling the Holiday Drive Hotline at 401-276-4346 or emailing holidaydrive@cfsri.org. For additional information, visit spiritofgivingdrive.org or call 401-276-4346.

About Children’s Friend

A non-profit organization founded in 1834, Children’s Friend is a leading provider of child welfare, family support, mental health, and child development services. Families are strengthened by creating safe and nurturing environments for children during the crucial early years, and by helping parents gain access to the resources, education, and support that they need. In this way, children are given the foundation to help them live healthy and productive lives. Children’s Friend provided services to help over 38,000 children and families in 2015.