During the busy holiday season the United Way of Santa Rosa County is collecting toys on behalf of several nonprofit organizations, which assist children in need including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Favor House and the Santa Rosa Kids’ House.
Debra R. Baez, the operations and campaign director for the United Way of SRC, said these agencies will provide the toys to families in need throughout the county.
“These toys provide a nice relief,” Baez said. “When these kids look back on their lives, you want them to know that people were there to take care (of them).”
Baez said the donations collected by the local United Way agency will be divided amongst the agencies. Baez said many of these organizations already have toy donation programs in place, where residents can learn what each nonprofit needs.
In addition to the three agencies previously mentioned, the United Way is also looking to support ARC Santa Rosa, Inc. The nonprofit organization provides services and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This agency might not need toys or stuffed animals, but gifts for older kids like, paint and painting utensils.
For more information on the angel tree wish list for ARC Santa Rosa contact the main office at 623-9320. Deadline to deliver the gifts is December 14.
The Salvation Army is also taking Christmas applications to assist families in need in both Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties during the holiday season. The final date to apply is Friday, Dec. 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Salvation Army location on 1501 North Q Street in Pensacola. Applicants are required to provide the following…
- Driver’s License or identification cards for all persons over the age of 18 in the household
- Shot records for all of the children in the household
- Birth certificates or proof of legal custody of all children age 17 and younger
- Proof of all income for the household: TANF/ Cash assistance, SS/SSI/SSDI statements, Food stamps statement from the Department of Children and Families, Child Support statement, Pension Statement, Pay check stubs or print out for one month, no income (you much have notarized statement.
- Proof of all expenses (only bring those items from the household): rent or mortgage (copy of lease or mortgage statement, no receipts accepted), homeowners insurance, gas or sanitation bill, water/sewer bill, electric bill, cable/satellite bill, home telephone/cell phone bill, car payment statement, car insurance bill, health insurance, credit card statements, proof of childcare expenses.
While making sure residents in need have plenty of food and are able to provide for their families especially during this time of year, United Way also connects residents with local resources including soup kitchens and cold weather shelters.
When the temperatures reach 40 degrees and below, Ferris Hill Baptist Church in Milton will open their doors to the homeless and the heatless. Pastor Brian Nall said there is no other cold weather shelter in the county. At this time, Nall said being the only available cold weather shelter has put no added burden on the church’s ministry.
“Whatever the needs are, we are here to serve however we can,” Nall said.
Additional shelters are located in Escambia County, including the Beacon shelter for women and children and additional shelters available with the Salvation Army and Waterfront Rescue Mission.
While many like to give back the community, especially those in need, Baez said several do not realize the need is throughout the entire year.
“Once Christmas is over, people are still going to be hungry, homeless and in need,” Baez said. “All year long that struggle goes on.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: UWSR to help families in need over holidays