Home for the Holidays Committee to Restructure the Charity Event in Order to Better Serve the Needs of the Osceola County Community

With the national and state monetary slump also impacting key Osceola County business, government and non-profit sectors the Home for the Holidays partners had some tough decisions to make in planning for their traditional, holiday event scheduled for Sat., December 15th at Osceola Heritage Park. In year’s past, Home for the Holidays consisted of a hot turkey dinner, entertainment, and a toy store. 2007 event planners will forgo the hot meal in favor of a canned food allotment designed to feed a family for days rather than hours. “Redesigning Home for the Holidays will increase the impact, beyond the scope of the event, while also allowing abundant giving and volunteer opportunities for area families and individuals,” said Paul Owen, Chairperson. The event’s core activity, a toy store, will once again make it possible for eligible parents to catch some holiday spirit while making selections from thousands of donated toys. By eliminating the party portion of the event, and all the related costs, more than $20,000.00 was shaved off the budget. Organizers have already seen a decline in donations as traditional supporters grapple with decreased revenues and employee layoffs. “It is our hope that people untouched by this economic downturn will step up to do their part. Their help is needed more than ever at this time of year,” said Donna Sines of Community Vision.

Here are a few ways residents can help struggling families this holiday season:

Donate Time

Volunteers are needed prior to and the day of the event to:

Sort canned goods
Stock toy shelves
Provide personal shopper support during the toy give away

Individuals and families can call Sue at Community Vision – 407-933-0870 to volunteer

Donate Toys

Toys for Tots toy barrels are located at many businesses and government buildings. All toys donated in Osceola County stay in our community.

Donate Dollars

Make checks payable to HOME and mail to:

Home for the Holidays, 1502 B Village Oak Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34746

Donate Food

The following list of grocery items will help feed a family of 4 for 4 days:

2 Instant Potatoes

1-Peanut Butter

4-Canned Fruit

2-Canned Tuna

4-Canned Vegetables

2- Hamburger Helper / Package Dinner

2 each- Dry Pasta/Rice/Beans

2-Canned Beans

2-Cereal

2-Canned Tomatoes

2-Canned Soup

1 each- Cake Mix and Canned Frosting

Food bags can be dropped off at the Barney Veal Center located at 700 Generation Point, Kissimmee, FL 34744

For additional information… Call Cara at 407-933-0870

To register and qualify for free toys and food call Connie at 407-846-8532. You can NOT register just by going through your child's school. You MUST attend one of the Council on Aging's registrations- your school counselor can provide information.

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