“Homeless Christmas Tree” Initiative
November 19th – December 21st
This Annual initiative is
sponsored by the Lewis County Youth Bureau in support of the Lewis County
Department of Social Services (DSS) as well as many other local agencies, who
recognize there is a hidden epidemic that has to do with homelessness, lack of
safe and affordable housing and assisting local residents who have faced economic
hardships get back on their feet. There
are many reasons that families and individuals find themselves “out in the
cold” including job loss, illness, addictions, and house fires.
As of October 2018, donations received during
the 2017 initiative have helped over 168+ individuals and families with
personal hygiene, kitchen and bathroom supplies, items needed when a family or
individual “start over.” Referrals for donated items come from an array of
local prevention agencies including the Northern Regional Center for
Independent Living, Lewis County DSS, North County Prenatal/Perinatal Council, Lewis
County Opportunities, Inc, and school districts, to name a few. In 2018
donations also benefitted two families that lost their home due to fire as well
as a family who lost the contents of their home due to a bad wind storm.
The
Youth Bureau also recognizes the importance of helping our Senior Citizens as
well as babies, therefore are incorporating donations for two new projects in
conjunction with the “Homeless Christmas Tree” Initiative:
“Loved Twice” Baby Boxes: Donations of baby clothes (new or gently
used) sizes newborn to 24 months to support the “Loved Twice” Baby Boy and Baby
Girl boxes. Each box will contain enough
clothing for babies first year.
Donations for our Senior Citizens: Requesting
donations of items such as gift cards (Kinney’s and Walmart), as well as other
items as listed below. At the end of
this initiative, all donations collected for our seniors will be given to Lewis
County Office for the Aging to provide to their consumers at their
discretion.
Below is the list of items requested for the economically vulnerable;
the “Loved Twice” Baby Boxes project and for our Senior Citizens:
For our Homeless: Deodorant, Toilet Paper, Sheets (Twin and Full),
Manual Can Openers, Pillows/Pillowcases, Soap, Shampoo/Conditioner, Toothpaste/Tooth
Brushes, Bath Towels/Washcloths, socks, and Cleaning Supplies.
Baby Items including: Baby Wipes, Shampoo/Powder, Clothes (newborn
to 24 months), Diapers (all sizes), and blankets.
For our Senior Citizens: Gift Cards, Adult Diapers, Socks, Denture
brushes, adhesive cream, and cleanser tablets. Monetary donations will also be
accepted and will be utilized to replenish items we run out of throughout the
year.
Donated items can be dropped off
at the Chamber of Commerce beginning November 19th through December
21st Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, or contact Penny (Demo)
Moser at 315.376.5411 to make other arrangements.
PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING THIS IMPORTANT
INITIATIVE….THANK YOU!