Since 1992, Gaia Works founder Jan DeFerbrache has been on a mission to make the world a little bit better, one family and one person at a time. The nondenominational organization works year-round to provide food and other assistance on the east side, and especially in Irvington. At the end of the year, however, Jan and her team of volunteers go into overdrive to give kids a good Christmas.
Their primary goal is donations for Coburn Place, a shelter for domestic abuse survivors. Jan said that they will be helping 54 children and 32 mothers who currently reside at Coburn Place. In addition, Gaia Works “adopts” needy families and provides Christmas gifts and new clothing. This year, they will be helping at least two families for the holidays, plus several seniors who need assistance with Christmas dinner. (Gift certificates for supermarkets, as well as non-perishable food, would be appreciated to help out the seniors.)
Quite possibly one of the biggest-hearted people you will meet, Jan’s generosity stems from a keen understanding of what it is like to be poor. As a child, Jan saw the good people could do for children at Christmas, giving them hope in a poverty-stricken area of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. She vividly remembers the “Christmas Train” that came through with gifts and little luxuries for the children in the area. As an adult, Jan remembered and was determined to give back what had been given to her.
She asks those who can spare it to donate new hats, scarves, gloves and other gear to the kids Gaia Works serves, who range in age from six months old to seventeen. They need games (non-electronic), stocking stuffers like coloring books, crayons, puzzles, and small toys, as well as larger gifts that can be wrapped and given on Christmas Day. Jan also would like to see candy, hot chocolate packets, and fruit like apples and oranges for the children’s stockings. “We always got an apple or an orange and we knew it came from Santa. Every kid needs a piece of fruit on Christmas Day!”
Jan also needs wrapping paper, tape and bows to wrap gifts for delivery.
Jan also has made it a special mission to help senior citizens this year, who are feeling the economic pinch, even as officials say the economy is getting better. “Our seniors, who paid into the system all their working years, are getting less in benefits, are seeing their insurance premiums go up, the cost of medicine and heating their homes go up. Many of them have to decide between getting their medication or food every month.” Helping seniors can be difficult, she acknowledged, because many of the needy will not ask for help. She reminds everyone to check on their senior neighbors, and if they seem to be in trouble, call. “I’ll make sure they get a care package of food and necessities.” She is asking for canned hams and other items that will make the season brighter for seniors in the community.
Gaia Works is a nonprofit, non-denominational charity registered in Indiana. All donations are tax deductible. The goal for Gaia Works is to assist local families, veterans, and homeless men and women.
Healthy, high protein foods for the pantry is always appreciated, as well as canned fruit, vegetables, meats, and pastas. Because many needy families have small children, diapers for all ages are welcome.
Gaia Works needs travel-size toiletries, including hair combs and brushes, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, deodorant, soaps, shampoos, hand cream, and baby powder as well as food items. Warm gloves, socks, scarves and hats are also appreciated.
Donations of nonperishable food for the pantry, as well as the homeless, can be brought to the Magic Candle, 203 S. Audubon, during business hours ( 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.) or call 357-8801 to arrange for a drop-off. Please make checks payable to Gaia Works, Inc. if you wish to make a money donation.
The Weekly View is also collecting toys and warm clothing for Gaia Works. Drop off donations at the office, 195 N. Shortridge Rd., Suite D, during business hours and we will deliver items to Gaia Works.
