Groups collecting gifts for needy

0
32

The holidays are now upon us. Several local organizations are actively working to spread holiday cheer for those in need in our own community, but they need your help.

Embracing Military Families is a local nonprofit that helps to ensure that the children of our military families have a holiday. EMF is collecting toys for distribution at several local businesses, and there are specific families available for adoption.

“Young children don’t understand when the parent they love is deployed for long stretches, or when the loving parents they said goodbye to, and dreamed about, and longingly waited to return, would come home either physically unrecognizable or mentally and emotionally changed,” according to a spokesperson.

EMF helps to give these families the happiest holiday possible, along with help throughout the year with school supplies and other items. Visit www.embracingmilitaryfamilies.com/donations-for-2013/ for more information, or donate a new, unwrapped toy for an elementary school age child at:

* Mimi’s Good Food (303-1 Kelly Drive).
* Drayer Physical Therapy (611 Hwy 74 South, Suite 720).
* Fitness 54 (1964 Hwy 54).
* Y-Knot Sports Bar (216 Northlake Drive).
* Massage Envy (Kedron Shopping Center).

Light Up The Night Toy Drive is spearheaded by the Peachtree City Police Department each year for local children who otherwise would not have a very happy holiday. The department will collect toy donations in front of the Peachtree City Wal-Mart beginning Friday & Saturday, Nov. 27-28, from 5:30–9 p.m. Additional dates will be published as they approach.

BASTAS (Be a Santa to a Senior) identifies seniors in the community who would not otherwise receive a gift during the holidays. Each senior’s gift requests are written on a BASTAS ornament and placed on one of several trees around the community. Pick an ornament and donate the gift. Trees are now up at the following locations:

* Peachtree City Tennis Center (10 Planterra Way).
* Peachtree City Police Department (350 South Highway 74).
* Somerby (200 Rockaway Road).
* The Bridge Community Center (225 Willowbend Road).
* The Gathering Place / Life Enrichment Center (203 McIntosh Trail).