BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas — Editor's Note: This is a direct news release sent to KAGS from Voices for Children.
Every child hopes and dreams of receiving gifts during the holiday season, something new to wear, or that special toy; children who have experienced abuse and neglect are no different.
Voices for Children is hosting its annual Holiday Drive, benefitting children served by the program. The goal of the Holiday Drive is to provide children in foster care with gifts for the holiday season.
“CASA volunteers serve children who have been removed from their homes and have experienced abuse and neglect. Having new clothes and gifts for the holiday season is something that can give the children served by the program a sense of normalcy,” Amy Faulkner, Executive Director at Voices for Children said. “The Holiday Drive is a great opportunity to help the children in our community, and we invite you to join us in meeting this need.”
In the past, Voices for Children has collected wishlists for the children served by the program, shared these with the community, and collected toys and clothing provided by the community. This year the Voices for Children office will be undergoing renovations necessitating the closure of our office. As a result, the organization is changing the way the annual holiday drive is hosted this year.
Instead of collecting and distributing clothing and toys at the office, Voices for Children is asking that our community partners donate gift cards in the amounts of $25 and $50 (Visa preferred).
These will be distributed to the caregivers and volunteers to purchase gifts for the individual children. While Voices for Children is unable to host the usual toy drive, the organization wants to ensure the children served are able to enjoy the holiday season.
If you or someone you know would like to donate, Voices for Children is offering the following drop-off locations:
● October 23rd, 11 am to 3 pm - Mimosa Mercantile 212 S Echols St, Caldwell
● October 25th, 11 am to 3 pm - Harvest Coffee Bar, 101 N Main St, Bryan
● November 1st, 11 am to 3 pm - Polite Coffee Roasters, 800 S Bryan Ave, Bryan
● November 3rd, 12 pm to 4 pm - Classic Rock Coffee Co. and Kitchen, 129 E Washington Ave, Navasota
● November 9th, 11 am to 3 pm at Starbucks on University Drive, 409 University Dr, College Station
● November 14th, 11 am to 3 pm - Starbucks on Rock Prairie Rd, 3985 Texas 6 Frontage Rd, College Station
● November 16th, 11 am to 3 pm at Mimosa Mercantile, 212 S Echols St, Caldwell
● November 20th, 12 pm to 4 pm at Classic Rock Coffee Co. and Kitchen, 129 E Washington Ave, Navasota
All drop-off locations will be staffed by Voices For Children staff during the listed hours.
Gift cards can be mailed to the Voices for Children office at 115 N Main St., Bryan TX 77803. Donations for the purchase of gift cards can also be made online at www.vfcbrazos.org/donate.
Voices for Children welcomes the opportunity to work with businesses and organizations during the holiday drive. Please contact vfc@vfcbrazos.org for more information.
The Holiday Drive is held during the months of October and November. Donations will need to be received by November 28, 2023.
Voices for Children hopes to provide a minimum of $75 per child for holiday gifts
