“We feel all children should have a chance to experience the joy of Christmas regardless of their circumstances,” says Cottle who started the non-profit with her son, Xander. “By giving them these boxes we are trying to bring a little hope and joy into their lives.”
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This year, she says, there are 121 homeless children at the shelter. Each child is in need of a Christmas box and every child at the shelter has been assigned a sponsor who fills a shoe-box with holiday gift items ranging from toys and games to hats and gloves. “Through this drive, we are also taking in much needed donations for the families and other individuals that are in need at the shelter,” she says.
Here’s what they need most:
- Children's new underwear (especially for teenage girls )
- Children's socks
- Children's clothing (gently used or new)
- Hair bands
- Hair beads
- Diaper ointment
- Thermometers
- Baby bottles & brushes
- Baby wipes
- Baby lotion
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The Christmas Hope Box drive runs through Dec. 17. Items can be dropped off at all nine Handyman Ace Hardware stores in the Dayton area, or at Murphy’s Used Books at 2852 Wilmington Pike in Kettering.
If you miss the deadline, items can also be taken directly to the St. Vincent shelter at 124 Apple St. in Dayton.
“We would like to do more events to help our local homeless children and families throughout the year,” Cottle says. “If you would like to volunteer to help out during a future drive, please email us at helpinghandsdayton@gmail.com.”
Staff writer Meredith Moss writes about non-profit organizations in the Miami Valley and their specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to have included, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
Please include a daytime phone number and a photo that reflects the mission of your organization.
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