Gillis Holiday Giving Program
The holidays are a time of caring and sharing when families and
friends come together to celebrate. It’s a time when people think of
others and want to reach out and give. It's also the most difficult
time for people in need.
Joyous holiday celebrations bring families together, but also
highlight what many families do not have. Many of our families have
limited resources and have to do without “special” gifts for
themselves and their children. We at Gillis are committed to helping
them put the “joy” back into the holiday season.
You can make a difference! You can provide holiday cheer in a
number of ways through the Gillis Holiday Giving Program by donating
toys or holiday gifts; organizing a drive through your school,
workplace, club, or neighborhood; combine a toy collection or a
raffle with your holiday party; or donate funds for the holiday's to
help purchase the gifts and supplies that are not otherwise donated.
There are many ways to participate. You can do a little or you can
do a lot because combined we can make miracles happen for children
and families who are committed to making a better life for
themselves. Together we can inspire children and families to strive
for a better mental health and self-sufficiency by helping them
establish strong and festive holiday traditions.
Holiday Activities
Gift for our Boys in Residence Each year we have about 20 boys who do not get to go home for the holidays so we try to make it as joyous a season as we can for them. On Christmas morning each boy receives his Christmas box with 4 or 5 gifts. We need boys and men’s clothing of all sizes, underwear and socks, games, books, sports equipment, portable radios/CD players, and videos. Our boys range in age from 5 to 18.
Holiday Meals for Families help a family celebrate the
holiday in their own home. A donation of $50 provides a family with
a gift card to their local grocery store so that their therapist can
help them purchase the foods they will need for their celebratory
meal. Often, without our help – and your help – these families would
go hungry.
The Gillis Gift Gallery is a “store” that is stocked by
community donations. The families of the children we serve have an
opportunity to select and wrap special gifts for each their loved
ones. We need unwrapped gifts for children and adults of all ages.
Gift cards are also greatly appreciated.
Holiday Decorations. We decorate the cottages and classrooms
and like to make them available to our families. Both indoor and
outdoor decorations would be welcomed.
It's easy to participate. Contact Katie Culbertson, at 816-508-3556 or
katie.culbertson@gillis.org.
Thank you for your interest in helping Gillis children and
families!
Stories
Derik came to Gillis because he was having difficulty at his home school. He didn’t want to listen to anyone and didn’t want to play with the other kids; sometimes he would hit and kick. He was sent to the Principal’s office several times a week and his mom was called to pick him up from school often. He was diagnosed with a mood disorder. Gillis was recommended as a school which could help Derrick.
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Gillis is part of Cornerstones of Care, a partnership of agencies providing therapeutic treatment services for children and families.
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