McLin Burnsed is happy to have hosted our 22nd annual Christmas Giving Project. Here is what we were able to accomplish in 2017:
Every year we assist a family with a handicapped child at Lake Hills School. This year, a family in Paisley was referred to us by Lake County schools’ student services. The two children, ages 14 and 4, received lots of toys, including Spiderman and Disney Princesses, which were on their wish lists, as well as pajamas and shoes. The family was also provided with new clothes and the means to purchase a turkey and everything else for a nice Christmas dinner.
We also helped a Marion County family, a single mother and her two children, ages 7 and 13 months, referred to us by Christine Thompson at our Lake Sumter Landing office. The family was hit hard by Hurricane Irma, and, while they have had help repairing their home, they were having difficultly providing Christmas for the kids. Christine went shopping for a Christmas tree and decorations, plus lots of toys including Legos, trucks, video games, stuffed animals, books and more, as well as clothing for the family. We also provided a grocery gift card for their Christmas dinner.
Forward Paths Foundation in Lake County is an organization we were able to help this year. Denise Burry is the Executive Director, and this charity's mission is to assist our community's homeless youth and those who are aging out of the foster care system. Our donation went toward purchasing small gifts for 60+ youth, along with needed
essentials for everyday life.
We also assisted The Open Door, a homeless services center in Eustis. While not a residential shelter, this organization provides services for both the homeless and those in danger of becoming homeless. It provides meals five days a week, as well as laundry and shower facilities, lockers where folks can keep their belongings, and help with job searches. We donated Wal-Mart gift cards and a huge bag of small toys that the director gave out to the families that came in for help. We also collected and donated a vast assortment of much-needed coats.
Last, but certainly not least, we donated to two local food banks, Leesburg Food Bank and the Food Pantry at St.
Paul's Catholic Community.
Thank you so very much, everyone! And a special thanks to all of you who shopped, wrapped and delivered gifts. Your generosity made it possible to brighten Christmas for a lot of people this year!
Happy New Year!