Organizations seek donations for the holidays
LSF programs have holiday needs
Lutheran Services Florida, a statewide human services organization, has several programs for local youth including a youth shelter, counseling programs and a child welfare program. Below is a breakdown of the three programs along with their holiday needs.
Oasis Youth Shelter
Serves boys and girls 12 to 17
Needs
* Age appropriate new clothing
* Books
* Games
* Personal hygiene supplies
* School supplies
* Tickets to movies and other local events
* Volunteers who can help youth with homework or during outings (volunteers would have to pass a background screening)
Family Centered Services Counseling Program
Provides counseling to families at risk of having their children removed by the Department of Children and Families due to abuse or neglect
Needs
* Household items
* Canned food
* Adult and child clothing
* Gently used furniture
* Baby supplies including formula and diapers
Child Welfare Case Management Organization
Provides support to foster children in Lee and Charlotte counties and to families of children who have been abused or neglected
Needs
* All of the items listed under Family Centered Services Counseling Program
* Safe and functional car seats for children of various ages
* Volunteers who pass a background screening
Donations can be dropped off at the main office located at 3615 Central Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901.
Nurture a Child Program
accepting donations
Rich Dad Education, announces the start of the Nurture a Child Adopt a Branch program at its Cape Coral office. Individuals are invited to bring in a gift and brighten the Christmas of a foster child in Lee County.
The Southwest Florida Foster and Adoptive Parent Association will distribute all gifts received to children in foster care in Lee County this Christmas with a special emphasis on providing gifts for tweens and teens in group homes.Area residents and businesses are invited to visit the Rich Dad Education lobby at 1612 E. Cape Coral Parkway between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. to donate a gift. Individuals can place their gift on or under one of the many decorated Christmas trees located in the lobby.
Suggested gift items include:
*Pajamas
*Unopened underwear multipacks
*Shoes and socks
*Gift cards
*Cash gifts
Suggested gifts for girls:
*Nail polish
*Accessories
*Perfume
*Watches
*Makeup
*Purses
*Jewelry
Suggested gifts for boys:
*Sports gear
*Skateboards/Scooters
*Watches
*Electronics
*Hats
*Wallets
*Belts
*Toiletries
New gifts are suggested, but gently used/like new condition gifts will be accepted (no used clothing please). Individuals are asked not to wrap any gifts and not to donate any perishable items. Cash donations are welcome and all donations are tax deductible through the Southwest Florida Foster and Adoptive Parent Association.
For more information, call 239-540-6500 and dial extension #6270 or #6174. Gifts should be donated no later than Friday, Dec.19, to ensure the children receive their gifts by Christmas.