So, my friend Jess Haines is doing a thing with her church…they are trying to help spread some holiday cheer around to some kids who wouldn’t be getting much, if any, Christmas without some help.

I know times are tight for a lot of people but if you have the ability to help at all, I’m sure these kids would much appreciate it.

Her message:

I’d like to ask for your help. A few kids from the neighborhoods around my church who come from very poor families will be donated a Christmas dinner, toys, given games to play and other activities to do for the day, spend time with Santa, and meet a participating celebrity or two. This year, we are expecting between 200 and 400 children, so you can imagine the amount of stuff needed to make sure they all get a little holiday cheer.

Here’s what you can do — what I’m asking for are donations of NEW:

• clothing
• books (preferrably middle grade / young adult – any books donated should be appropriate for children and teens)
• toiletries
• makeup
• gift cards (preferably to Target and Walmart)

While we can accept toys and such for younger kids, I’ve been asked for special concentration on things for teenagers. There should be about 20 to 40 teens attending. Please bear in mind that these kids wouldn’t get gifts for Christmas or any kind of special way to celebrate the holiday if we weren’t providing for them. We do want to make this special but also give them something they can come away with that they can use, will make their lives easier, etc. Most of these kids don’t have iPods or computers or even TVs and DVD players, so please bear that in mind regarding any any kind of electronics, media, or gift cards you’re thinking of sending.

If you’re willing to help, please send your donations to my address by no later than December 2nd, and I will make sure everything gets delivered, wrapped, etc. We’re holding the actual event on December 15th. I can’t post pictures due to the nature of this program, but your contributions do have an impact the lives of these kids.

Jess Haines

RE: Christmas Donos

249 N. Brand Blvd. #587

Glendale, CA  91203