The 15,000 square feet in a building in Cross Creek Square were sterile on a recent visit.
But there were signs of hope all along Apalachee Parkway and Capital Circle.
A small Christmas tree was set up on the edge of a table near the entrance. Boxes of toiletries were neatly packed. There were a handful of portable heaters and fans nearby.
New, unopened blanket packages were placed on another table. Several shiny bicycles were lined up against one wall.
Between November 20 and December 20, this location at 2990-2 Apalachee Parkway, adjacent to the Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office, will be full of life and benevolence as a demolition for the annual Christmas Connection project hosted by Catholic charities Northwest Florida, Inc.
The Tallahassee Democrat is again partnering with Catholic charities by encouraging our community to get involved and serve those among us in need.
Christmas Connection was founded in 1979 with the aim of helping 25 families in Tallahassee. It ended up over 100.
This year the Catholic Charity has 550 families from Gadsden, Franklin, Jefferson, Leon, Madison, and Wakulla counties who have been identified as in need by charities this year. The first of 40 cases will run on Thanksgiving Day at the Tallahassee Democrat in our TLH section and on Tallahassee.com.
The personal details only give a glimpse of the struggle some of our neighbors are experiencing:
► A family of three who have been homeless for two years and live in a motel.
Among the needs: Grocery or Walmart Grocery Gift Cards; Comforter; Pots and pans; Electric blanket.
► A 75 year old woman with undiagnosed medical conditions. Your spouse was recently dialyzed and is also receiving oxygen.
To their needs: blankets, nightgowns, fishing tackle.
► A family of 11 with a mother and a father who have adopted children and have custody of their grandchildren.
Needs range from household items, gift cards, exercise equipment, and toys.
Case-by-case illustrates the challenges faced by households run by single parents, couples, and grandparents who are responsible for multiple generations. They need help from basic clothing to groceries to household items, educational items – and toys for Christmas.
“I can tell you that educational toys for children are our greatest concern,” said Lisa Harvey, a retired government official and Christmas Association coordinator for Northwest Florida Catholic charities.
The second most popular items are Barbie dolls and baby dolls, followed by craft supplies and remote controlled toys. Bicycles are of course in demand.
The fulfillment of the requirements is where it is needed. Last year, 68% of the 450 families were adopted, while requests from the remaining families were met through community donations.
The 550 families care for 2,134 people in need. Of these:
- 25% are children under 5 years of age.
- 25% are between 6 and 12 years old.
- 15% are young people.
- 7% are seniors or 65 and over.
The oldest person supported this year is a 93-year-old woman who loves bingo, crochet, and “babysit her two big dogs,” said Harvey.
“I’m very confident that people are as generous as they have been in the past,” said Harvey during a pre-opening interview. “Last year was a very good year despite the pandemic. We are comfortable and confident that we can meet the needs of the 550 families we support. “
Opinion:Recognizing the good in our life every day makes every day more rewarding
Guest column:The community got through in the pandemic clutch for Christmas Connection | Lisa Harvey
Contact community editor Byron Dobson at bdobson@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @byrondobson.
How to help
- Donate personally: Drop off donated items at the Christmas Connection warehouse located at 2990-2 Apalachee Parkway, next to the election officer’s office. The warehouse is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Operating days are 20.-23. November and November 28th-Dec. 20. The deadline for submitting donated items is December 15th. (Please do not hand in items to the Tallahassee Democrat.) Donations can also be made at Morningstar Storage, 5600 Roanoke Trail, Tallahassee. The opening times are from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wishlist: Shop early and easily with the Christmas Connection Amazon wish list. You can view the wishlist on TheChristmasConnection.org website.
- Ceiling day: Pick up new blankets and heaters at the Apalachee Parkway location from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. A volunteer will help you unload your car.
- Donate online or by post: Make a cash donation online at TheChristmasConnection.org or send a check to Christmas Connection, PO Box 20165, Tallahassee, FL 32316.
- Adopt a family: Fill out a short application form on the website and a needy family will be assigned to you by the volunteer adoption coordinator. All families are referred to us by social services in the Big Bend area.
- Organize a Christmas Connection fundraising campaign or a Christmas party: Gather people from your office, school, church, sports team, family or friends and hold a party or fundraiser to help needy neighbors. You can register online on the website and then collect gifts, gift vouchers and / or monetary donations, which can be brought to the collection point during regular opening hours.
- Volunteer: You can sign up on the website to donate your time and talent. Due to COVID, they limit the number of people who can volunteer at the same time.
- Most Needed Items This Year: Bicycles, gift cards, blankets, towels, gifts for teenagers, heaters (electric / space), housewares, diapers, and non-perishable groceries. All donations MUST be new.
- Website:TheChristmasConnection.org
from Daily Florida Press https://dailyfloridapress.com/how-to-transform-the-lives-of-a-troubled-local-family-this-christmas/
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