LONG BRANCH – With the holidays fast approaching, Family & Children’s Service (FCS), Monmouth County’s oldest nonprofit social service agency, is asking area residents for help in granting the holiday wishes of children whose families are struggling financially and might not otherwise afford a holiday.
The agency is seeking donations of toys, books and clothes, as well as volunteers to help with its annual holiday giving drive, Operation Sleighbells, which this year expects to assist more than 500 area families.
“The holidays are a stressful time for a lot of families,” said Samantha White, FCS manager of volunteer services. “Many are struggling to make ends meet and simply don’t have the resources to provide the extras. We want to alleviate some of that stress. Simple things, such as a grocery store card
for a family meal or a gift for a small child, can go a long way toward making the holidays a special time for everyone, especially children.”
Operation Sleighbells is different than other holiday drives in that it addresses the specific wishes of every child. Participating families are interviewed by staff and asked to provide the ages, sizes and needs of each child. Donors are then asked to fulfill the requests. The thousands of donated items are then collected, sorted and distributed off site in a space
generously donated each year by Monmouth Medical Center (MMC).
Those interested in helping with Operation Sleighbells this year may a several ways to participate:
- Adopt a Family by providing toys, gifts, coats and even a supermarket gift card enabling an entire family to have a “holiday of a lifetime.”
- Host a collection drive at work, school or organization. FCS will provide tags listing the first name of a participating child with his or her age, size and holiday wishes. Employees or group members can then select a tag and buy a gift for that particular child.
- Donate gifts with FCS gladly accepting new, unwrapped toys and clothes. The organization will sort and distribute them based on the needs of those registered for the program. (A complete list of suggested items can be found on the agency’s website at www.fcsmonmouth.org.)
- Donate money to purchase gift cards for older teens. Donations can be made online or mailed to the agency.
- Volunteer to help sort and pack gifts in December.
In addition, FCS will be conducting a holiday coat drive. Donations of coats in good condition of all sizes for men, women and children are needed. The coats will be available to families to select from when they come to pick up their gifts.
Donations can be dropped off from Thursday, Dec. 4, through Friday, Dec. 12, at Operation Sleighbells headquarters, 295 Third Ave., Long Branch.
All donations must be received by Friday, Dec. 12, to ensure delivery.
Additional information about Operation Sleighbells and how to help is available by visiting the FCS website or calling 732-222-9111.
