CHESAPEAKE, Va. — News 3’s Holiday Helpers campaign has partnered with the For Kids charity to make sure children in all our neighborhoods have presents to open on Christmas morning.
"There are a lot of people getting ready to start their holiday shopping. What should they be looking for if they want to help you guys?" I asked.
"If you’ve got any young people in your life, go ask them what they want. That’s the first secret to success," said For Kids Executive Director Thaler McCormick.
For Kids needs 5,000 toys to help about 1,500 families who’ve reached out for assistance.
And there’s one particular age group that For Kids wants you to concentrate on to fill up the empty shelves this year.
"One of the areas where we struggle is toys for teens. Teens are tougher. They need $25 gift cards so they can get a new shirt — balls, electronic equipment," said McCormick.
"Are you seeing anything new or different this year?" I asked.
"We have a lot of families impacted by federal furloughs — we’re hoping that’s unwinding. We’ve had delays in food stamps. Also, inflation and higher utility costs are making it more of a question for a parent: Do I pay my rent or power bill, or can I provide my child a Christmas?" said McCormick.
A decision no parent should have to make. That’s where the News 3 Holiday Helpers campaign comes in — it benefits For Kids and helps families across Hampton Roads.
If you’d like to help your neighbors in need and give them a stress-free, joyous holiday, drop off new, unwrapped toys at any of these locations — including any Southern Bank branch — starting the Friday after Thanksgiving through Dec. 12.
Here are the locations you can drop of toys:
—All Southern Bank locations
—All Cinema Cafe locations
—Admirals Hockey games
—My Gum, Born Primitive, and Another Broken Egg at the Virginia Beach Hilltop Shops.
