METHUEN — Volunteer gift givers are needed for kids living in foster care throughout the Merrimack Valley.
The annual “Santa’s Helpers” program is led by Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of foster children.
Children are placed in foster care through no fault of their own, FKMV stresses.
Santa’s Helpers is a volunteer program that anonymously matches individuals, groups and businesses with one or more children to fulfill their Christmas wish lists. With help from the volunteer gift givers, the children receive personalized unique gifts.
This program is part of the Annual Foster Kids Christmas Party organized by FKMV in early December, where age-appropriate toys and clothing are distributed to local foster children, officials said.
The foster children are newborns through age 12 and are under the care of the Department of Children and Families in the Merrimack Valley, including Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, North Andover and the greater Haverhill region.
“The annual Christmas party has been a mainstay of the organization. I’m always amazed at how our community participation continues to grow. Last year, with the help of our Santa’s Helpers, we provided toys and gifts for more than 250 children and their respective foster parents.” stated Larry Giordano, FKMV founder and president.
“The holidays are always difficult times for foster children, they often feel alone and disconnected from their families. This year more than ever, with everyone’s finances being affected we have high hopes that our community will step forward again and help support our local foster children and bring a smile to their faces again,” Giordano said.
To sign up as a Santa’s help, email santashelper@gmail.com or check out fosterkidsmv.org.
All gifts are due Dec. 3 and can be dropped off at Methuen Karate Association, 70C Bonanno Court, Methuen.
Once the gifts are collected, volunteers are also needed for the wrapping party on Thursday, Dec. 7, at St. Lucy’s Church in Methuen. Sign ups are by reservation only at fosterkidsmv.org.
Cash donations are also accepted in lieu of receiving a Christmas wish list. They can be sent to Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley, Inc., c/o Larry Giordano, P.O. Box 2166, Methuen, Mass., 01844.
In-kind donations of gift boxes, gift bags, wrapping paper, tape, tissue, ribbons, scissors are also accepted.
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