The holidays are right around the corner – and Summit County Children Services (SCCS) is once again calling upon the generosity of county residents to make the season come alive for children in agency care.
Because agency funds may not be used for certain expenses, community donations are needed for the following SCCS programs:
• The Holiday Toy Room – The Holiday Toy Room is a place where foster parents, kinship caregivers and client families “shop” for toys and gifts to give to their children. Last year, more than 1,300 children received gifts through this program. No money is exchanged – everything is available at no cost to eligible agency caregivers and client families, thanks to the generosity of the community. Donations of new toys and gifts for all ages of children (especially infants and teens), and/or financial contributions to purchase toys are greatly needed. Donations may be made directly to Summit County Children Services, 264 S. Arlington St. Because the Toy Room opens in early December, it is requested that donations be delivered as soon as possible – however donations will be accepted through Friday, Dec. 16.
• Food Gift Card Program – Gift cards in increments of $20 or $25 to local grocery stores are provided to families in need during the holidays. This program helps ensure that children and their families will have food during the holidays. (Please note: Those interested may either donate the gift cards or the money to purchase them). It is requested that contributions for this program be sent or delivered to Summit County Children Services by Friday, Dec. 9. Last year, more than 70 families received grocery store gift cards for family holiday meals.
Any donations may be mailed or dropped off or to Summit County Children Services, 264 S. Arlington St., from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
For specific information on these holiday programs, contact Sandy DeLuca at (330) 379-1994 ([email protected]). For general information about all of these programs (including age-appropriate gift ideas), or to make monetary donations online, log onto summitkids.org then click on the “Donor/Volunteer Opportunities” tab and go to “Holidays.”
