The holiday season is upon us. For the volunteers and staff of the Fannin County Children’s Center, holiday plans started earlier this month. They have been extra busy contacting children, youth and families they serve in an effort to find out their Christmas wishes and needs. It’s the first step in an effort which will eventually involve many different people of the community coming together to take care of some special kids.
Last year, the Children’s Center gave presents to 177 children and youth who were being served by the Children’s Center’s two primary programs: CASA and the Children’s Advocacy Center.
Some of the children helped by this project are living in foster homes, away from family and friends. Other children have gone to live with grandparents or other relatives as a result of abuse or neglect. Many of these families struggle financially when one or more children suddenly come to live with them. In other families, the discovery of sexual abuse in the home has meant the loss of family income when the offender leaves.
Center staff and volunteers take the time to find out about the individual situation, needs, preferences and wishes of each child. The agency also works closely with Child Protective Services and other community agencies to ensure that efforts are coordinated and not duplicated.
Donations of cash, toys, new clothes, coats, shoes and other items are now being accepted. Teddy bear trees, which contain the wish or need of a specific child, are also being put up in Bonham at the Doris Shockley’s State Farm, Tax Assessor Collector Office, WalMart and the Fannin County Courthouse. The First National Bank of Trenton is putting up trees at both their Trenton and Bonham branches. For donors who are short on time, the center also accepts cash donations which will be used to purchase gifts for the children.
Contributions can be brought or mailed to the center at 112 West Fifth Street, Bonham, Texas 75418. Checks should be made out to FCCC and indicate they are for Christmas. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. For more information, call 903-583-4339 or visit www.fanninccc.org. To see an on-line Wish List, go to Amazon.com and search the Wish Lists for “Fannin County Children’s Center.”
Wish Lists
For Christmas gifts for kids
« Toys for children under 3
« Gifts for teenagers
« Movies & music (rated G & PG only please)
« Craft kits, markers, coloring books, etc.
« Board games
« Footballs, basketballs, soccer balls
« Perfume, cologne & make-up sets
« Jewelry & watches
« Purses, wallets, make-up bags & backpacks
« Gift cards for clothing and discount stores
« New clothing, coats & shoes for children ages 0-17
For the Children’s Center
« Wii system and games for the reception area
« Individually wrapped snacks & juice boxes
« Bottled water & canned soft drinks
« Cleaning supplies
« Copy paper & flip chart paper
« Paper towels, plates, napkins, etc.
« Journals, paints, beads, markers & other craft materials for therapy sessions