Student groups help sort the toys

Parkland Toy Run -- One of our many sponsors!

Volunteers help pack items for families

Santa's Workshop (Special thanks to Midwest Learning Center for lending us some space!)

Families who live in poverty daily confront the anxiety and stress of their socio-economic status.  That stress is exacerbated during the winter holiday season when parents desperately want to provide for their children.  Children who do not have their basic needs met with adequate clothing, school supplies, and good nutrition statistically are not as successful in school as those children of families with adequate income.

In contrast, the holiday season fosters a sense of brotherhood and many citizens feel the desire to make a contribution to their community.  The Partnership seeks to channel this desire into help that is meaningful for children and families.  

Season of Hope includes these components:

-Children in need are identified by social workers with Family  Support Division, Children's Services, schools and other service agencies.

-Parents compile a list of their child’s needs and wishes

-Community members may respond in three ways:

-By donating new clothing/toys/coats

-By taking a wish list and shopping directly for that child/family

-By donating cash to be used in shopping for a child/family

No donation is too small.  

If you decide to sponsor a child/family, please plan to spend approximately $75 a child.  If you can afford to do more, please consider sponsoring another child or or more children.

The project is accomplished through the coordinated efforts of Partnership staff, school personnel, and many local individuals, businesses and organizations.  Participating families are guaranteed privacy and the general public is unaware of which families are receiving assistance.  

The Partnership has earned the trust of the general public in that families receiving assistance have been properly screened and identified as having a genuine need. 

Families are treated with dignity and respect.  Donated items are packed and bagged for parent pick-up or delivered when necessary.  Items are left unwrapped giving parents the privilege of presenting items to their children as they see fit.  Children need not know their parents were in need of assistance.  

Sponsors/Donors benefit in knowing they are contributing something meaningful to families. Reading the wish list of a child who hopes for a winter coat, warm clothing, socks and underwear, or a bed to sleep in brings to life the reality of poverty in our own community and fosters the realization that individuals, and not just government, has the power to do something about it.

The 2008 project served 1,673 children by helping to provide coats, clothing or other gifts.

Please help this Season of Hope provide some to families that need it most!

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