300 Families Still in Need of Sponsors for Holiday Wish Lists

Three hundred families from throughout Rhode Island are still looking for individuals, businesses, fraternal organizations or corporations to sponsor their holiday wish lists for the 2017 Children’s Friend Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive. Warm pajamas, warm coats and clothing, boots, hats, mittens, blankets, books, toys, and games are all being sought from generous area donors to ensure that the holidays bring hope and joy to children most in need.

“Our kids’ needs are simple and not extravagant. We’re working hard to make sure that our school-aged children (and their families) are dressed appropriately for the cold weather that will surely hit us in the coming weeks, and we’d like to give them a toy, game or book to add a little joy to their holiday,” said Children’s Friend President and Chief Executive Officer David Caprio. “A new article of clothing with the tags on it, a blanket of their own or a book that they can keep can mean a lot to the kids we see every day. In spite of a recovering economy, we know that there are still many families that are suffering in our area.”

The Children’s Friend Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive runs from Thanksgiving until December 23. Last December, more than 800 individual, community and corporate sponsors worked together with 350 volunteers to make the holidays happy for 50,050 Rhode Island children (1,528 families) at the holidays. “While we would like to help everyone in foster care, Head Start, WIC or any of the other programs we provide, our social workers have to prioritize families; we can provide clothing and gifts to only those who are most in need,” added Caprio.

Unwrapped donations of warm clothing, boots, jackets, pajamas, books, toys and games for the annual Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive can be dropped off at Santa’s Village in Providence Place, at any Panera Bread location in Rhode Island or at the Children’s Friend headquarters, located at 153 Summer Street in Providence, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. For information on how to sponsor a family, make a donation, or volunteer, visit: spiritofgivingdrive.org. You can also call 401-276-4346 or email holidaydrive@cfsri.org.

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 2016.