PROVIDENCE, DECEMBER 9, 2024 – Children’s Friend will aim to fill holiday wish lists for over 2,000 children through its annual Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive. However, this year, the agency is behind in meeting its goal to serve over 900 families this season. Over 300 families are still waiting to be sponsored, and only two weeks remain before the drive ends.
“This is an incredible opportunity to step up and help children experience joy and have the clothing and essentials they need to make it through the winter months,” said David Caprio, President and CEO of Children’s Friend. “The Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive alleviates economic strain for families and allows children to feel the warmth of the holiday season.”
For over 30 years, Children’s Friend has operated the Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive to bring hope and joy to children in need through the holidays. The drive is a community effort that requires significant volunteer power, sponsors, and monetary donations to make the magic happen. Anyone or any organization or group can sponsor a family. Children’s Friend then matches sponsors with families and sends the sponsor a wish list specific to that family’s needs and wants for the holidays. The sponsor then shops for the items on the list, and Children’s Friend hand-delivers the gifts to families before December 24.
Those without the time or ability to shop can make a donation at ChildrensFriendRI.org and volunteers will shop for you.
“We need our community more than ever this year to help every child experience the holiday joy they deserve,” added Caprio.
The Children’s Friend Holiday Drive stands out from others in the area because families and children who benefit from the effort are enrolled in services through the agency. This means they continue to receive wraparound support even after the season has passed.
Visit SpiritofGivingDrive.org to sponsor a family, make a donation, or get involved.
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