Make Someone Else's Holiday Even Happier

One of the great parts about the holidays is that the “giving” component doesn’t have to be restricted to friends and family. It is the perfect opportunity to help those in need, without calling attention to yourself. As of now, there are currently 5000 East Bay residents who rely on the generosity of others, through the East Bay Food Pantry (EBFP) to feed themselves and their families. The EBFP is able to provide that support, but is in constant need of donations on the part of charitable community members in order to continue functioning. Do your part to make someone else’s holiday season as enjoyable as yours by mailing donations to: East Bay Food Pantry. 150 Franklin Street, Bristol.

The holidays are a special time for everyone, but perhaps no more so than for kids. The thrill of unwrapping presents can leave even the “coolest” of kids waiting in undying anticipation. In Rhode Island, not every child has that opportunity. FosterForward (formerly the Rhode Island Foster Parents Association) has teamed up with DCYF to coordinate the 17th annual Holiday Gifts Campaign for children and teens in DCYF across the state. Organizations such as the Children’s Holiday Hope Fund and The Providence Journal have provided hats, gloves, toys, and other items to children in DCYF care in years past, and will do so again this year. There are currently three different ways to offer your own support this holiday season.

1) Financial contributions go toward $25 gift certificates given to teens in foster homes or group homes that are not sponsored. Checks are payable to FosterForward and can be mailed to the Holiday Gifts for Teens Campaign, 55 South Brow Street, East Providence, RI 02914.

2) Businesses or organizations interested in sponsoring a group home can contact Laurie Dubel at 401-438-3900 x121 or laurie. dubel@fosterforward.net for more information or to be matched with a group home contact who will provide the teens wish lists and arrange for pickup of the gifts.

3) Regional DCYF offices can arrange for community members to adopt a family and provide gifts from their wish lists.