Tens of Thousands Raised for Giftless Children, More Than 100 Still Need Help
Friday, December 22, 2023
On Tuesday, Family Services of Rhode Island hit the panic button when there were more than 1,000 families asking for help and not nearly enough resources.
In the past four days, the response from Rhode Islanders has been "amazing," but there is still a gap. The non-profit still needs to raise $11,000 to ensure all the children in need have a present on Chrismas Day.
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“I am grateful so many Rhode Islanders have stepped forward to donate hundreds of new toys and clothes and that we have raised $39,000 since Tuesday,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, the CEO of Family Services, in an email to GoLocal on Friday afternoon.
“We still have 110 children to fulfill holiday wishes for so we are trying to raise $11,000 dollars ($100 for each) today so ‘Santa’ can deliver by Christmas Eve,” added McDuff.
In an average year, 350 to 450 families ask for help from Family Services, but this year, the requests exceeded 1,000.
“The need has been overwhelming this year, but I am overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of Rhode Islanders coming together this week. Rhode Island’s motto is Hope, yet for so many of our neighbors, they have had little to look forward to, but now this generosity has brought them joy and hope for a better 2024,” added McDuff.
McDuff said that families have been impacted by housing and energy costs -- many of the parents hoped to get more hours at work, but were not able to.
Family Service has staff and volunteers ready on Saturday to purchase presents and deliver them to families in need before Christmas.
