Local charity needs community's help

Families need food and shelter more than presents this Christmas

JACKSNOVILLE, Fla. – They've got a room full of presents but it's still not enough.

The Bridge of Northeast Florida has plenty of donated gifts to give their children, but they don't have enough to give the kids what they truly need, stability.

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Even in a poverty-stricken area of town, where times are tough, the holiday spirit still holds out for one family. But it needs help.

The five children of the Love family have been given Christmas gifts, but they need so much more. And one can take their case worker, Edward Monagan's word for it.

"Seeing people in that type of environment, living in that type of situation, it just hurts me to see, especially a mother with kids living in that type of situation," Monagans said.

The mother is in heart failure, at 33 years old.

Over the past two months while she was in the hospital for open heart surgery, the electricity was shut off in her home, it was burglarized and burned and her five children were left alone.

The Bridge of Northeast Florida provides support and guidance to children that live in some of Jacksonville's most crime infested, impoverished neighborhoods. But Stephanie Cain with the Bridge said this time of year some families need more than presents.

"We have families that are struggling to keep roofs over their head. Struggling with their utility bills. They're struggling with the basic essentials that some of us take for granted," Cain said.

And she said for every family like the Loves, there are dozens more. The Bridge does what it can, but the need is overwhelming. That's where the community comes in.

"We love everybody that gives during Christmas. We also encourage giving all year round because it helps families in need," Cain said.

Nothing is ever taken for granted. But while Christmas gifts are wonderful, the gift of security, food and shelter are what Santa Clause really needs to deliver.

"I'll do anything that I can to help them. And I'm sure the Bridge will. I hope the community will take that opportunity to give, especially during this time of year," Monagan said.

To get in touch with the Bridge of Northeast Florida, their Development Director can be reached at 904-354-7729 extension 146, or through their physical address at P.O. Box 43126 in Jacksonville, Florida, 32203-3126.