The holidays become a time we reflect on being thankful for all we have and to think about how we can give to those less fortunate. A great way to give is by donating during the annual “12 days of giving” holiday campaign Dec. 1 – 12 where donations are doubled by generous matching funds*. This important event is an exceptional way to connect the community to four local nonprofits that provide essential services year round, not just during the holidays. Your donation during 12 days of giving will assist these participating organizations: CASA, Community Food Bank, Emmaus House and Chamberlain’s Children Center.
Since 1965, Chamberlain’s Children Center continues its mission by being a group home for at-risk foster children, with the last 41 years in Hollister. The children that live there have been taken from their homes due to abuse and neglect, placed in traditional foster care but due to their traumas, they do not possess many of the skills to live successfully in foster homes and are recommended to be placed at Chamberlain’s. Their staff of 65+ employees works 24/7 to teach these vulnerable children the skills they need to become happy, healthy and successful individuals. On the six acres campus, Chamberlain’s provides therapy, case management, social skills milieu and psychiatry/psychopharmacology along with the children living in one of four family-like cottages.
Some of these children have never experienced much happiness, especially a happy holiday season like so many families do. The Chamberlain’s staff works extra hard to help the kids create new, joyful memories that will last well beyond their time at Chamberlain’s.
Last year, the children were treated to a shopping trip, lunch and an outdoor activity that last into the early evening so they were able to see all the holiday lights on homes and businesses. On Christmas morning, the children are surprised with wrapped gifts under the tree (shhhh, Santa brings new bikes!) and a delicious Christmas meal! The fun continues during the winter holiday break with more outings such as going to the movies, visiting museums or parks and after Christmas shopping! The look of joy on their faces each and every time is invaluable! Bright, cheerful and grateful! They can’t believe they get to keep what they received or that they got to do fun outings such as travel to the Academy of Science or Gilroy Gardens! 12 days of giving funds helps provide this and so much more into the New Year!
Checks can be mailed to Chamberlain’s Children Center, 1850 San Benito Street, Hollister, CA 95023 OR donate online Dec. 1-12 at www.chamberlaincc.org. Note: in order for donations to be matched, checks must be dated between Dec.1-12 and “12 Days” written in the check memo. For more information about any of the other three participating agencies: 12 days of giving Facebook page or their individual websites.
*Matching funds provided by a generous partnership with the United Way of San Benito County and these generous sponsors: Brent Redmond Transportation, Community Foundation for SBC, Hollister Rotary, Intero Foundation, Pierce Real Estate, Recology, RJR Recycling, Teknova, Tiffany Ford Motor, True Leaf, Women’s Club of Hollister and supported by Central Ag Supply, Corbin, City of Hollister employees and Heritage Bank. In-kind media support is provided by BenitoLink and CMAP.
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