VERO BEACH — It looked a lot like Christmas at Childcare Resources of Indian River this holiday season. On December 21 and 22, families participating in Childcare Resources’ program were invited to shop at no cost in the “holiday toy shop” in the Childcare Resources’ community room for gifts for their children. More than 50 families visited the shop to choose from a wide variety of donated toys, dolls, clothing, games, books and stuffed animals that helped bring the magic of Christmas to 112 children.
“Many working families in our community are having a difficult time making ends meet right now,” said Rachael Moshman, Family & Center Resource Coordinator. “When putting food on the table and keeping the electricity on is a struggle, there isn’t anything left for Christmas. Several families said that there would have been nothing under the tree this year without Childcare Resources.”
The Childcare Resources holiday toy shop would not have been possible without the outpouring of donations and support of generous friends in the community, said Pam King, Executive Director. Joint efforts such as The Love Doctors Charities’ annual holiday toy drive, the Indian River County Bar Association’s annual holiday party toy collection organized by the Indian River County Lawyer’s Auxiliary, and Maitland Farm Preschool’s annual book drive contributed to Childcare Resources’ ability to help its family’s during the holidays. “The staff of Childcare Resources really enjoys working with such generous donors to help truly deserving families,” said King.
“The parents in our program were all so grateful to be able to pick out gifts for their children,” echoed Moshman. Donations made it possible for each child to receive three toys and a book from the toy shop. In addition, 5 families having an especially difficult time were “adopted” by the employees of Bent Pine, Norris & Company Real Estate and a local family. One family was thrilled to receive an electric bass guitar donated by Norris & Company Real Estate for a teenage sibling who will be joining the jazz band at school.
Another local family donated 6 brand new children’s bikes that were included in the holiday toy shop as a special drawing for parents interested. “It was so much fun calling the parents whose names were drawn to notify them their child was going to get a new bike for Christmas,” said King.
The staff, board of directors and families of Childcare Resources would like to sincerely thank the following individuals, organizations and businesses for the heartwarming donations of gifts, toys, clothing, gift cards and volunteer hours for families in need this holiday season: Marge Adams, Polly Bartlett and family, Bent Pine staff and residents, Mim Dunn, Michele Falls, Bill and Jane Haight, Nancy Hopwood, Beth Hutchinson and family, Indian River County Bar Association and Indian River County Lawyer’s Auxiliary, Sheryl Jones, Kidz Closet Charities, Kathy Leingang, Wanda Lincoln. The Love Doctors Charities, Maitland Farm Preschool, Gin Nagel, Donald and Trudie Rainone, Riomar Country Club, Jo Schilling, Frances Travis, Georgia Tyson and the many other friends in the community who contributed to Childcare Resources of Indian River this holiday season and do so throughout the year.
Childcare Resources provides tuition assistance for children of working families to attend quality early education programs; support and guidance to help maintain family stability; access to mental health services at no cost; and a wide variety of parenting programs and professional development opportunities for the early education profession. Since its founding in 1994, more than 1,000 children and their families have participated in Childcare Resources’ programs. The organization is also the proud recipient of the Agency Excellence Award 2001 and 2005 presented by the United Way of Indian River County.
Information: Call )772) 567.3202 or visit www.childcareresourcesir.org.