As the 2024 holiday season approaches, Betty Griffin Center’s Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program is now under way to support those women, men and families who are staying at its domestic violence shelter.
Donors can adopt a family of any size, whether it is a single woman, a mom and child or multiple families.
Another giving option for companies and individuals is the Betty Griffin Center Holiday Food Drive. Donations of any nonperishable food items or grocery store gift cards will be accepted and can be dropped off or mailed to the Betty Griffin Outreach office, 2450 Old Moultrie Road, Suite 202, St. Augustine. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 23rd for holiday dinner.
Those interested in adopting a family for the holidays, or those who would like to hold a food drive and coordinate a photo, should contact event coordinator Carole Sullivan at caroles@bettygriffincenter.org or by phone at 904-808-8544 ext. 201 to find out more.
“Each year, the families in our shelter fill out a ‘wish list’ for the holidays, which includes their ages, genders, clothing and shoe sizes, along with three gift requests and special interests and hobbies,” said Betty Griffin Center CEO Kelly Franklin. “For those looking for a way to help others, we hope they will join us to make the holidays special for those staying in our shelter.”
Franklin says a letter sent to Santa last year from a child in the shelter, sums up why the agency asks for donations each holiday season:
“Dear Santa, This year has been a tough year for my family, definitely my mom. She’s been going through a lot, so they only thing I ask for this year is to make her happy. We lost our house. I have the best mom in the world. She’s doing her best, but is still crying at night. I hear her when she thinks we are sleeping. She is a good mom. Please help her find a home. She will be very happy with one like we had, so she knows that everything she is doing is not for nothing. But Santa, she will get mad if I don’t ask for something for myself, but its okay if you don’t bring it to me. Number 1 painting stuff, drawing stuff, books, tablet, bike and rollerblade shoes, size 5 or 8, but I know you already know that. Or just rollerblades, regular ones. I understand if I only get one thing. Love you Santa.”
For more information about these and other holiday giving programs, go to bettygriffincenter.org/holiday-giving.
