The holiday season, traditionally between Thanksgiving and Christmas, will be very short this year, with Thanksgiving falling on Nov. 27 this year. That gives us less than a month to help those people in need in our community. The needs are greater than ever this year, due to SNAP benefit cuts and increasing economic uncertainty.
Gaia Works, the Irvington-based nonprofit organization, helps seniors and the underserved year round, but truly steps up in November and December. The team is taking donations of food for seniors and families for Thanksgiving boxes. They will take food donations at the shop, located at 6125 E. Washington St. (parking is available around the back). They are in need of canned vegetables and fruit, boxed mixes for corn muffins, instant mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal. They are also in need of small frozen chickens that are ideal for senior households. They also can use gift cards from local grocery stores to buy last-minute items and fresh produce. The deadline to donate for the Thanksgiving boxes is Monday, November 24.
Gaia Works has had a holiday drive for gifts for the families at Coburn Place for many years. Coburn Place provides shelter and resources for survivors of domestic violence. This year, they are also collecting gifts for Dove Recovery House for Women, the largest housing recovery program for women in Indianapolis. Dove House helps women with substance abuse issues get — and remain — sober. Gaia Works puts together gift bags for the ladies, and is asking for lotions, body wash, nail kits, warm scarves and hats.
The toy drive for Gaia Works begins the day after Thanksgiving, with collection points here at the Weekly View office, 195 N. Shortidge Rd., Suite D, Si Green’s Bar at 10th and Emerson, and The Magick Candle/Gaia Works 6125 E. Washington St.
Great gifts for the children of Coburn Place include new cold weather gear (hats, scarves, gloves), and stocking stuffers for children of all ages, from newborns to teens. Toys, puzzles, craft kits, coloring books with crayons or markers, and games are welcome. In addition to toys and clothing, donations of wrapping paper, rolls of tape, and tags are greatly appreciated.
Gaia Works is also collecting new pet items for their seniors, including leashes, water and food bowls, wet and dry dog and cat food, and grooming tools.
Volunteers also put together Blessing Bags for individuals experiencing homelessness. Each gallon-sized resealable plastic bag contains an individually wrapped snack or drink, grooming and hygiene products, toothbrush/toothpaste kits, soap, and other items.
If you’re interested in helping with your time, contact Gaia Works directly by calling the Magick Candle at 317-357-1101. They can use more volunteers!
