The Eastside Voice is partnering with Gaia Works, a non-denominational not-for-profit, to help make the season brighter for local families and children. We are collecting cash donations to help Gaia Works buy toys and clothing for children at Coburn Place, a safe haven for victims of domestic violence, and local families in need. Funds also are used to buy food for holiday meals for needy families in our community. One hundred percent of funds go directly to help; Gaia Works is an all-volunteer organization.
This year, Gaia Works is looking for candy, toys, hats, gloves, and scarves for the 56 children currently at Coburn Place. For a list of needs of the children and their ages, please contact Executive Director Jan DeFerbrache at Gaia Works, who can supply you with details. They also need personal care items, non-perishable food items, and paper goods for care packages. Items can be dropped off at the Magic Candle Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Gaia Works provides help to people in need year round. Jan and many volunteers give of their time and energy with a number of programs to help the homeless, veterans, and the needy of all ages. Each year, they hold the Indianapolis Masquerade Ball in March, with proceeds going to support their programs. The Ball is a great way to have fun, dress up, and help out a fantastic organization at the same time. (Next year’s Ball will be March 2 at the Wyndham Hotel near the airport. Music supplied by Lemonwheel, Tickets for the dinner and ball are only $55 in advance; for the ball only, tickets are $35. Visit www.gaiaworksinc.org for tickets.) In addition, they receive some of the proceeds of Al Hunter’s Irvington ghost tours in October, and the assistance of many in the community throughout the year who know of the good works this organization does for the homeless, the young, the elderly, and others who find themselves in a difficult situation.
Like all community non-profits, they are seeing more people in need of services due to the weak economy and cutbacks in programs. Every little bit helps. Please make checks payable to Gaia Works, and mail to the Eastside Voice, 195 N. Shortridge Rd., Indianapolis IN 46219 or directly to Gaia Works, 203 S. Audubon Rd., Indianapolis IN 46219. We will be taking donations up to December 21.
Thank you for supporting this wonderful cause, and for reading the Eastside Voice.