Crushing Need for Gifts for Children in RI Just Days Before Christmas

Crushing Need for Gifts for Children in RI Just Days Before Christmas

Family Service of RI has hit the panic button. It says it has received close to a thousand requests for holiday gifts for needy kids this year, double what we have received in prior years.  

“We do not have enough presents for these kids. We have contacted many of our nonprofit partners, as we collaborate with them -- and they with us -- to meet holiday needs. and found that many are facing the same struggle,” said the organization.

 

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"Rents Exploding Whopping Grocery Bills"

"For 20 years, we have run 'adopt-a-family' and supported children in foster care at the holiday — very low-income families, and usually, we get asked to help 350-425 families at the holiday. This year, it has exploded to more than 1,000,” said CEO Margaret Holland McDuff.

 

“Some of these people who are working were hoping to pick up extra hours and didn’t get them,” said McDuff.

 

“Others have never asked for help before,” said McDuff. "With food, housing, and gas bills rising, the families that FSRI serves just don’t have a budget for anything more than bare necessities – like paying their rent or that whopping grocery bill.”

Other groups that help needy children are also stepping up -- the Rhode Island State Police reported that they normally support 10 nonprofits and this year are supporting 20 organizations. 

 

Young Children and Teenagers Are Most in Need

Family Service said, "It’s hard to say no to one child, and we are short hundreds of gifts this year – especially for kids 0-5 years of age and those 13-17 years of age."

The non-profit said it is asking the community to help these kids by purchasing a gift certificate from our Amazon wish list, making an online donation, or contacting them about donating a brand-new toy to a kid in need. 

 

Here is how to act - CLICK HERE.