Crisis Nursery Provided Christmas to over 1,500 children

St. Louis, MO –By matching hundreds of generous donors with families needing help this holiday season, the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery made Christmas merrier for over 1,500 children and their families.

Through the Crisis Nursery’s “Holiday Help” and “Holiday Hearts” programs, over 500 families received toys, clothes, and gift cards, in addition to household items, utility bill help, and cleaning supplies.

“The holidays are a stressful time for many people, but for families who are struggling, trying to provide Christmas for kids adds even more pressure. We know that when parents are under stress and do not have an adequate support system the children can suffer abuse and neglect. By helping with toys, clothes and other needs, we reduce stress on the family and help keep kids safe,” says Molly Brown, Senior Clinical Director at the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery.

Kim Blackford, Senior Parent Education Coordinator, was present when many of the families picked up their donations. “One of my favorite stories this year is a grandma who is raising her two pre-teen grand-daughters. She is doing the best she can, but times are tough. When Grandma came to pick up her Holiday Hearts donation, she began to sob. She was crying so hard we had to ask if something was wrong. Grandma said were all ‘happy tears’ and said, ‘To see people be this generous is amazing. I have faith in people again. Thanks for coming into my life.’ There are dozens of stories like that.”

For more than 25 years the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery’s Holiday Hearts program has helped families in the greater St. Louis area.

If you would like to interview one of our counselors or social workers about the Holiday Hearts program, please call Jane Beckman (314) 486-8256.

About the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery: The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery prevents child abuse and neglect by providing a 24-hour, 365 days/year haven for children, birth through age 12, whose families are facing a crisis. We know that parenting is hard, and, if the parents do not have support, the children can bear the brunt of parental anger and stress. The care is free and voluntary and can help a family confronting homelessness, domestic violence, illness, or overwhelming stress. The Crisis Nursery is an independent, not-for-profit agency. For more details on the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, please call 314-292-5770 or visit www.crisisnurserykids.org