By Kayla Woody, Prevention Specialist
It is crisp outside, and the tunes on the radio tell us, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” With the holidays upon us, everyone is hustling and bustling to get gifts purchased for their loved ones and nestling them under the tree with a bow. However, not all families will get to enjoy the holidays with a nicely wrapped gift to tear open on Christmas morning.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation House of Hope is asking the community this holiday season to give to the souls at Christmas that need it the most. House of Hope is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive this December for the children residing at their emergency shelter located in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma. Smiles and good tidings are really what these families need during the holidays, and a donation of a new, unwrapped gift could do just that.
Some wonderful businesses in the community are helping House of Hope by allowing customers to drop off these gifts. Businesses include:
- Shawnee Power Equipment — 14000 US-177, Shawnee, OK 74804
- Acclaimed Family Medicine — 2508 N. Harrison St., Shawnee, OK 74804
- Shawnee Public Library — 101 N. Philadelphia Ave., Shawnee, OK 74801
- Theopolis Social Club — 419 E. Main St., Shawnee, OK 74801
These locations will be accepting toys from Nov. 18 – Dec. 16. Our main location at 1310 S Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801 will also be taking those donations. All gifts will need to be unwrapped, but wrapping paper, bows and bags will be accepted separately. Gifts can be purchased for newborns to 14 years old.
If you are not a shopper and would rather give a gift card, the House of Hope would be happy to purchase that special gift for you to present to our young residents. Candy and sweets are a great holiday gifting idea, but due to various food allergies, we ask you to exclude them.
House of Hope is very grateful for everyone who is willing to participate in this wonderful giving experience. If you have questions about the Holiday Toy Drive, please feel free to contact me at 405-275-3176.
If you are experiencing intimate partner violence, sexual assault or stalking and have questions, please contact House of Hope’s crisis line at 405-878-4673, or visit us online at facebook.com/cpnhouseofhope.