by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
A popular holiday song tells us that it’s the most wonderful time of the year. For many right here in Jacksonville, however, that is not the case. Help make their holiday brighter by donating to these First Coast charities in need:
This non-profit organization provides programs and services to disadvantaged children in Northeast Florida including after-school programs, summer camps and scholarship opportunities. Since its inception in 1989, the Otis Smith Foundation has helped more than 10,000 Florida children and continues to make an impact on our community. The foundation is currently in need of new wrapped toys for children, gift cards for holiday parties and teacher recognition, sponsors for monthly enrichment programs and field trips and volunteers for events. If you would like to donate gifts or your time please call (904) 880-6847 for more information.
The Boys’ Home Association started in 1914 to give homeless and orphaned boys a place to call home. Today the organization has a number of programs and services it offers to children (boys and girls) who have been removed from their families due to abuse or neglect. These programs help the children overcome their hardships, find loving foster families and get on the road to independent living. The Boys’ Home is currently in need of stocking stuffers such as shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, socks and underwear of any size, movie and event tickets, candy, stationery and gift cards. Please call (904) 421-6020 for more information.
Hubbard House has been providing help to domestic violence victims and their families since 1976. In addition to offering domestic violence victims emergency shelter, the organization also provides a comprehensive list of services including counseling, court advocacy and community education. Children living in these volatile situations are also given the tools they need to heal and break the cycle of violence. Hubbard House has a number of holiday outreach programs available for those who want to give including the “Adopt-a-Family” program, in which donors contribute gifts for an entire family. For more information on this and their many other volunteer opportunities visit the Hubbard House website at www.hubbardhouse.org or call (904) 354-0076 extension 652.
For over 30 years the YCC has lent runaways and troubled youths a helping hand when they needed a safe place to stay. They helped bring together many Northeast Florida families and has kept kids in crisis from being victimized. The YCC helps children ages 10-17 and is in need of gifts including coats, sweaters, jeans, games, personal CD players, wallets, hair care products, stationary, backpacks and more. For the center’s complete wish list visit their website at www.ycc.org. If you wish to contribute to this worthwhile cause please call (904) 720-0002.
The Bridge targets communities with low-income households and schools that have high grade level failures, truancies and delinquent activity. Through their comprehensive programs and services, the Bridge is able to turn around the lives of children who would have been lost otherwise. The Bridge is currently looking for generous donors who will provide unwrapped gifts to families in need and teens that are overlooked by other organizations because of their age. If you would like to donate gifts please contact the Bridge at (904) 354-7799 for more information.
Founded in 1884, the Daniel Foundation has been helping neglected, abused and abandoned children through programs that enhance the quality of their lives. By providing children with therapy, vocational training, GED preparation, foster homes and, in some cases, adoptions, the foundation does exactly what it promises: improves the odds for kids. The Daniel Foundation is in need of wrapped new toys for children ages 0-18, store gift cards, personal hygiene items or donations. For more information call (904) 296-1055 extension 1007.
For over 40 years the Trinity Rescue Mission has been serving Jacksonville’s homeless and needy, providing them with programs and services to help break the cycle of addiction and homelessness. The facility is currently seeking gifts for those housed there, donations of candy and small gifts for stocking stuffers and volunteers willing to wrap gifts, distribute stockings and help with cooking and serving the Christmas meal. For more information on volunteering your time and donating gifts, visit the organization’s website at www.trinityrescue.org or call (904) 355-1701.
The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 when William Booth, a traveling evangelist, began preaching to the poor. Today the organization serves millions of people around the world who are homeless or barely making it. In addition to dropping coins in their familiar red buckets, you can also help give area children a happier Christmas by donating toys and other gifts. Angel Trees, found at various locations all over town, hold gift tags with a wish list specifically for one child in need. Nonperishable food items and bell ringers are also in need. If you would like to donate your gifts or time, call (904) 301-4875.
This recognized public charity helps underprivileged children and their families specifically during the holiday season. Bright Holidays raises funds locally and works with school principals in the community to identify those in need. The organization relies solely on volunteer efforts due to its seasonal nature and 100% of the monies raised go to help those in need of assistance. The charity is currently seeking monetary donations and gifts of your time. For more information call (904) 280-2163.
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