Autumn is always hectic for Jan Defebrache and the gang at Gaia Works. Through October, they host Halloween related events to raise funds and take donations for the year-round food pantry that feeds seniors and others in need in the area. Then they switch gears to providing food and warm clothing to the homeless and seniors as the cold weather sets in, and then switch into overdrive for the Christmas season, when the nonprofit, nondenominational organization provides Christmas cheer to the children and ladies at Coburn Place, needy local families, and the homeless.
It’s a tall order, and Jan and her elves are once again accepting help from everyone in the community. Kemba Credit Union is helping this year, acting as a collection point for stocking stuffers, warm gloves, scarves and hats for homeless outreach, and much more. They are located at 444 S. Shortridge Rd. The Irish Mutt will be collecting toys, stocking stuffers, and holiday items for the families of Coburn Place and local needy children in the big collection box at 7041 E. 10th St. (across from the Eastgate Kroger). The Weekly View will also be a collection site for toys, canned goods, warm clothing for the homeless, and stocking stuffers for the children’s stockings at Coburn Place. Our office is located at 195 N. Shortridge Rd., Suite D. If you wish to take items directly to the source, Gaia Works is headquartered at The Magic Candle, 203 S. Audubon.
The priority list for the food pantry include: $10 (or more) gift cards to grocery stores for seniors to purchase fresh vegetables and meats, canned vegetables and fruit, canned meats (Vienna sausages, Spam, etc.), peanut butter, soup and crackers, microwaveable meals, and shelf-stable items that can be made into simple meals. Jan said that she is also asking for small packages of frozen meat, hot dogs, and frozen dinners, which they can store in their small freezer (don’t bring them to our offices, as we don’t have a way to keep them).
Jan noted that she would like to be able to provide something special in the senior food bags that go out just before Christmas. She noted that seniors love chocolate covered cherries, hard candy mints, and nut-free chocolates of all kinds.
For the Christmas drive for the families at Coburn Place and other needy local families, we need new hats, scarves, and other warm weather items for kids, stocking stuffer small toys and puzzles for all ages and for boys and girls alike, candies, games, slippers, and coloring books.
Fresh apples, oranges and other fruit can be delivered to the shop no later than December 18 for distribution that begins December 19. There will be a big wrapping party at Magic Candle on the 18th from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. — donations of wrapping paper, tags, cellophane tape would be appreciated.
To make a donation of frozen items, call the Magic Candle at 317-357-1101.
