The holiday season begins at the crack of dawn the day after Thanksgiving,and while many will be pushing and shoving their way toward sales, some will quietly begin collecting to help those who have very little. Gaia Works, the nonprofit organization that helps people year round, has for many years had a holiday drive for gifts for the families at Coburn Place, a place of safety for survivors of domestic violence. This year, Executive Director Jan Deferbrache and her merry band of elves got a bit of a head start, thanks to the generosity of the community in giving to the Benton House Toy Drive in memory of Steve Nicewanger, the Benton House Santa for many years. The Historic Irvington Community Council donated $500 to Gaia Works in his honor, so that they can purchase what is needed for the families. There were also many toy donations that came through the door on Friday and Saturday.
This year, inflation is taking a bigger bite out of everyone’s wallet, but the generosity of the east side community will not be deterred. New clothing items needed for children and adults include warm hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, socks, and slippers. Gift cards for Gaia Works to supermarkets and clothing stores are also welcome so they can purchase items that are in short supply.
Wrap day is December 19. All donations must be made by that date. Wrapped gifts are delivered on Christmas Eve to Coburn Place. Volunteers will start wrapping at the Magic Candle, 203 S. Audubon and everyone is welcome to come help wrap. Call 317-357-1101 to find out how you can help. These are some of the items Gaia Works needs:
• Wrapping paper, tape and gift tags for wrapping.
• Cash donations to purchase food and gifts. Please make checks payable to Gaia Works Inc.
• Stocking stuffers for kids: bottles of bubbles, mini-play-do packs, crayons & coloring books, sidewalk chalk, sticker sets, small books, plus toys, card games, slipper socks. For teens: travel-size hair products, body spray, lotion or hand sanitizer, flash drives, costume jewelry, lip gloss or chapstick, mini-tissue pocket packs.
• Gift cards for local grocery stores to buy perishable items.
• Pantry items needed: Non-perishable — canned meats and other proteins, mac & cheese, canned vegetables and fruit, ramen noodles, canned soup, instant mashed potatoes, powdered milk, pasta, beans, baking mix, crackers, coffee, hot chocolate, sugar.
• Personal hygiene items: toilet paper, facial tissue, deodorant (travel size), razors, laundry soap, toothpast (travel size), paper towels, dish soap, washcloths.
• Other needs: Ziploc bags (sandwich and gallon sizes), hats, gloves, scarves, socks, blankets, sleeping bags.
• Pet foods: Wet and dry cat and dog food.
The Weekly View will be collecting toys and items for Coburn Place. Please drop by with new, unwrapped items at 195 N. Shortridge Rd., Suite D during business hours. Clothing and toys can be dropped off at the Magick Candle at 203 S. Audubon or here at the Weekly View, 195 N. Shortridge Rd., Suite D until Dec. 17.
