Christmas made possible for local kids

Society facilitates adoptions, foster care and child abuse prevention programs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Christmas morning many might wake up and run to the Christmas tree.

But for many local children, they have no tree to run to, and they may not even have a home. And one group is working to fix that, and to make sure they aren't alone this holiday season.

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Children who are in the care of the Children's Home Society are kids who need to be shown love, perhaps more than others.

The reason they are in the care of the Children's Home Society is because at some point they weren't loved, or they weren't taken care of.

This is a chance to prove to them, it doesn't have to be that way, and volunteers with the Children's Home Society are a big part of this. 

One tricycle down and six more to go. But Mo Manassaram said the hours of tedious assembly are well worth the pleasure these gifts will bring the children of the Children's Home Society.

"Nobody really looks forward to putting together bikes, why do you do it?" Emily Turner asked Manassaram.

"I've got extra vacation days and rather than leave them on the table, I figured I'd help the needy," Manassaram responded.

The needy he's talking about are almost 1,000 local foster children who are a part of the Children's Home Society.

The organization works to restore and strengthen families. It facilitates adoptions, foster care and child abuse prevention programs. They work hard throughout the year, but Director David Clark said this is the time when they are really needed.

"Many of them don't live with their parents anymore, and are either trying to get back with their parents or are looking for an adoptive home. So clearly we want to do what we can to make their Christmas as special as possible," Cark said.

So the Children's Home Society is collecting toys and presents to give its children.They accept gifts for all ages, but they seem to have enough tricycles. They really need gifts for teenagers and older. That way, though there may not be a parent or there may not be much money, there is still at least a Christmas.

"It's a fun time and everyone should be able to look back on the holidays and know that every holiday I can count on something good happening in my life," Clark said.

To donate to the Children's Home Society, visit them at 3027 San Diego Road here in Jacksonville, or give them a call at 904-493-7737.