Generous donors spread joy to homeless families this holiday season

Thanks to many generous donors, 3,000 children and parents enjoyed wonderful holidays this year. A number of FamilyAid contributors went beyond their support of our housing efforts this year by ensuring there was joy in each FamilyAid home. World-renowned professional poker player Bernard Lee, The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, HarbourVest, and generous individual donors brought a sense of normalcy and excitement to families in our care through personalized gifts, toys, warm clothing, and gift cards this month.

The recent COVID-19 spike delayed or canceled holiday celebrations and toy drives that families in need would normally access during the holidays. Without the support made possible by our donors, children would not have had gifts to open this December and, more importantly, not know the community cares about them.

Our donors have put children in our care first. Mr. Lee provided personalized gifts for children living in our multi-family shelters, The Patriots Foundation donated hundreds of new toys, HarbourVest collected gloves and hats for the families in our shelters, and generous donors enabled families to purchase a special gift for each of their children. The donations allowed parents to remain socially distanced and safely bring happiness into their homes.

“Our donors empowered parents with a chance to provide their children with happiness this holiday season,” says FamilyAid President Larry Seamans. “With the help of donors and staff, parents were able to select that one special present on the top of their children’s wish list. Those personalized gifts and toys add a bit of stability and happiness to offset families’ difficult housing and economic situations. Our generous donors support us in many ways throughout the year, and this additional commitment to providing joy to children, this year especially, is a tremendous gift”

FamilyAid mother Jay and her daughter are grateful for the holiday help. She recently wrote to us, “We’re dearly appreciative for all that will be dedicated and gifted to many families, including mine, and wish you all a wonderful and happy holiday season.”

Thank you to our donors, foundations, and partnerships for putting the enrichment of our children first and making the season bright for 3,000 children and parents this year.